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Sulfur Smell from Toyota 4Runner

874 messages,  Last post on Nov 27, 2011 at 7:41 AM

You are in the Toyota 4Runner Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota 4Runner, Engine, Exhaust, Fuel System, SUV

Messages Page 88 of 88

#865 of 874 I think I figured it out by pjwaszko

Jun 13, 2010 (5:04 pm)

I have a 2005 Tacoma pre runner. I have noticed the smell for about 8 months. Always a big blast of it when I first turn on the blower for air or heat. My first thought was that the AC condensation water drain was plugged. But I checked that it it was dripping fine. Looked for a bad cabin air filter but have none. This weekend, I was taking off my driver side door panel to fix the arm rest, and OMG, the smell was in the door. Does not seem to make sense cause there are drain holes at the bottom of the door, but they must have something in the door that rotts when it gets wet. I am going to air out the door panel for a while then look close for what is causing the smell in the door. It would be great to have someone else check it out. Pulling off the door is easy after removing two screws and giving it a big pull at the bottom.

#867 of 874 My Toyota Stinks Too!! by simmone31

Jul 22, 2010 (7:25 pm)

Hi, I am from Malaysia and I am also facing the same problems as you guys/gals from across the globe. My 7 months old Toyota Innova (MPV) is producing excessive sulfur from the exhausts which is absorbed into the cabin. As such I have read many articles and found out that is is caused by the new catalytic converter (toyota replaced the cat converter with low nickel type). The smell will come 1) during stop and do 2) heavy acceleration.
 
There is nothing wrong with the air cond system; the excessive sulfur has forced its way into the air cond vent. There are 2 air cond systems in my car. The Service Centre concentrated so much on the front air cond vent that they have forgotten about the back air cond. All they are doing now is sealing the flaps (or any entries or gaps). Toyota is aware of their problem as it was posted in the TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MAY 24, 2004 (you can type and surf the title). Camry 02-04 Camry (2AZ-FE) faced the same problem.
 
The only thing I am afraid is that the catalytic converter will be clogged and I will face major engine problems. I heard misfire sounds (firecracker sound) from the exhaust the last few days and there were also excessive smell outside the car. I have turned off the rear air cond at the moment and there is no smell these 2 days but I am still monitoring the car.
 
I'll be sending my car back to the service centre on Monday to let them seal any gaps at the back and also to check the exhaust systems. Have called a few private car service firms to find out more. Most said that only 2 parts produce sulfur 1) Over charging battery 2) the exhaust/catalytic converter.
 
I hope I can share my solution from a cross the globe. At least the Americans can apply the "LEMON LAW" which is not applicable in Malaysia at the moment. Sealing gaps are temporary measures; sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problem in the long term......BUT THE MAIN QUESTION IS " WILL THE NEW CAT CONVERTER DAMAGE MY ENGINE?"

#868 of 874 Re: Thinking about purchasing a 4Runner [tidester] by simmone31

Jul 22, 2010 (7:38 pm)

Replying to: tidester (Jan 27, 2010 10:39 pm)
It is pretty persistent my dear; and the stench is not a mild one (but more like 10 people farted in your car) and I have wind down the window 2-3 times a day that would be how many times a year? multiply that for another 10 years. In the long term it will cause respiratory problems. It is really not fair to pay so much and face such a cumbersome problem from a new car. (by the way my MPV cost RM106,000.00 (USD33K).)

#869 of 874 Toyota Technical Service bulletin history by simmone31

Jul 22, 2010 (8:10 pm)

Type in search and read (same problem on different models); but the problem is actually persisting till 2010....so is TOYOTA DOING ANYTHING?
 
Toyota Techincal Service bulletin Excessive sulfur dioxide odor
 
http://www.toyotapart.com/EXCESSIVE_SULFUR_DIOXIDE_ODOR_T-EG009-04.pdf
 
http://www.toyotapart.com/EXCESSIVE_SULFUR_DIOXIDE_ODOR_T-EG017-04.pdf
 
http://www.autosafety.org/Toyota%2003-04%20Corolla%20Catalyst.pdf
 
http://www.autosafety.org/Toyota%2003-04%204Runner%20Catalyst.pdf

#871 of 874 Toyota and the exhaust problems by toyotasuck1

Mar 15, 2011 (12:56 pm)

I have a 2003 4Runner V8 Sport and am also having the issues with the exhaust coming into the truck. I spoke to the attorney General in Maryland who stated that they can file a complaint on my behalf to Toyota. You will have to send in any service records that you have that showed that you tried to have the problem fixed. They told me to go to there webpage and there should be a link that says How to File a complaint. Maybe if enough people complain about this issue, they could have a recall. Hope this helps.

#872 of 874 Re: Toyota and the exhaust problems [toyotasuck1] by bfinacchio

Aug 12, 2011 (10:15 am)

Replying to: toyotasuck1 (Mar 15, 2011 12:56 pm)
I have a 2003 Toyota 4Runner which has had a rotten egg smell coming from the back since the day I bought it. I took it back and asked if there was a problem with the catalytic converter. They said no. It smells to this day. I've been waiting for a recall.

#873 of 874 Sulfer ammonia smell by 4runnerproblem

Nov 26, 2011 (5:00 pm)

This is a problem with my 08 4runner v6 with approx 40k miles. It smells VERY powerful under acceleration. It is persistent and it is so strong it's concerning to my health, let alone the environment. This needs to be resolved by Toyota. I would not have bought this car if I knew it could emmit such an offensive oder almost all of the time. I bought a Toyota because I wanted a quality vehicle, this is not in any way a reasonable car. I can't imagine anyone ever buying this car from me if I were to sell it.

#874 of 874 No sulfur smell so far by tsu670

Nov 27, 2011 (7:41 am)

I have a '08 T4R Limited V6 4WD with 38k miles and it does not have a sulfur smell. To date the vehicle has been flawless save for the silly gas pedal recall.

Messages Page 88 of 88

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