Excessive heat in idle

[Bergerman]

My '99 I30 and I were stuck in traffic today and I noticed that when I stuck my hand out the window I could feel the heat coming up from under the car; like waves of it. I have been running with a P0400 for the past few months and was wondering if this could somehow be related. Although my first thought was a leaking exhaust system, it does not sound like there is a hole. Could something in the EGR sensor or by-pass be causing this. Any ideas?

[Beancooker]

Not completely sure, but heat at idle is the norm. My car gives me some good heat in the middle of the day, especially after I've been driving for a while.

[rxm6]

If it really bothers you try wrapping the exhaust piping (not the cats). It will keep that heat from gliding up past your hand and push the exhaust out quicker giving you a little better performance. And if you don't want to go through all that work, stick a marshmallow out the window at red lights and enjoy.

[Bergerman]

Thanks! If I remember the crackers, I can have smores and really enjoy myself. I've been staring at that SES light for the past few months and was just wondering. Solution: don't stick my arm out the window while sitting in a traffic jam.