exhaust smell... I think

Every time I shut off and get out of my truck I can smell what I believe is exhaust coming from underneath. Not up by the engine (so probably not leaking manifold) but from about the middle of the truck. I haven't crawled under to check for holes because it's winter in PA and the underside is nasty. I'm wondering if this is something that a) I should worry about, and b) is it covered under the TCUV warranty? My truck is a 2010 so it is well out of manufacturer's warranty, but it only has currently 27k miles on it, so the exhaust warranty is still in effect until October 2016 I think? The 7-year, 100,00 mile one? Or is that only the limited drive train warranty? I know certain exhaust parts are not covered, like the muffler, but are the cats covered? Thanks!

 

First, get out of the truck after you start it and walk around the truck to see if you can Hear a leak.
Are you sure it's not just smoke from a greasy / oily spot(s) on the Engine/ Exhaust?? (Does it do it when you shut if off when the engine is just started - ie engine still cold).

Check with the Toyota site - I believe the engine to Cats and covered for 75k? miles? Check it out ..

 

I did that this morning and did not smell anything right after start up. I have no idea what an exhaust leak would sound like. I never smelled anything all day today though. Usually I notice it in my garage when I park for the night though. So maybe it is something burning off the exhaust.

 

An easy way to check for an exhaust leak is to have the engine running then very briefly plug the exhaust with a rag or something similar while listening for the exhaust to be escaping from the suspected leak.

If you have a lot of road salt/grime on the exhaust system, this could be creating a burning smell too.

 

Ah! I wondered about that. It's PA, we've had a TON of salt on the roads the last few weeks. I just did a really good rinse of the truck and underside the other day but not a carwash with soap. That might be it.