The Football League's bottom two clubs had to settle for a point apiece in a tense West Country derby.
Bristol Rovers had the best chances throughout and should have secured what would have been a vital victory.
But a series of outstanding saves from Exeter goalkeeper Kevin Miller helped keep the score sheet blank.
Exeter's new boss Gary Peters has plenty of work to do to turn things around for the Grecians in the dozen remaining games of the season.
Chris Llewellyn whipped in a dangerous low cross for Rovers which was well caught by Miller in the opening minutes.
It was a predictably scrappy start between the two strugglers in a cup-tie style atmosphere in front of a bumper crowd.
Exeter's first attempt came after 15 minutes when Scott Hiley's free kick found Steve Flack who rose well but headed the ball past the post.
Rovers went close when Robert Quinn met Wayne Carlisle's cross, but turned his powerful header past the post.
Giuliano Grazioli met the resulting corner but saw his header cleared off the line by Carl Pettefer.
Exeter responded mid-way through the half when Sean Devine whipped the ball across the face of goal and Barry McConnell's shot at the far post was cleared off the line by Ijah Anderson.
After the break Rovers continued to create chances while Exeter offered little in attack.
Carlisle's free-kick from 25 yards was superbly saved by Miller and Llewellyn was just unable to convert the rebound.
Miller again made a superb block to keep out Llewellyn's powerful volley a minute later.
But despite enjoying most of the possession the visitors were unable to break the deadlock.
Exeter boss Peters said: "I think everybody could see the difference in the enthusiasm and commitment of the players today. If we continue like that I am very confident that we will be alright."