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Sulfur Smell from Toyota 4Runner

862 messages,  Last post on Aug 20, 2009 at 3:48 PM

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#61 of 862 mhallack and asdf by tacoviva Aug 25, 2003 (8:32 am)
Guys,   Go back and read the rest of this thread. I have the same problem with sulfur entering the cabin with the windows up and A/C on recirc. The fortunate thing abou the sulfur is that is lets you know that something/s wrong with the vehicle (can 't smell CO). I am scheduled to arbitrate on the 9th. Let me know if you guys need help.
#62 of 862 Technical data by tacoviva Aug 25, 2003 (9:18 am)
For those who care...here it is.   JUSTIFICATION   I feel that the condition of Sulfur entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle is persistent and substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, market value and presents a health and safety issue. The condition appeared at delivery and I was told that this is common in new vehicles and this would disappear after the vehicle break in period. It did not. Finally, after waiting for several thousand miles, with the smell still present and stronger, I took the vehicle in to address to the problem and was told that there was nothing that could be done. In fact, Toyota of Ft. Worth and the Regional Customer Service Representative suggested I pursue the repurchase/replacement option immediately. Researching the problem, I have arrived at the conclusions below.   Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is formed when fuel containing sulfur is burned. Sulfur Dioxide has an odor threshold. What this means is that if you can smell it, the concentration can be determined. According to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, the instant you smell Sulfur Dioxide the concentration is known to be 3-5 ppm (parts per million).   Reference: Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety   High concentrations of sulfur dioxide can result in temporary breathing impairment for asthmatic children and adults who are active outdoors. Short-term exposure: o reduced lung function o wheezing o chest tightness o shortness of breath Long-term exposure: o respiratory illness o alterations in the lungs' defenses o aggravation of existing cardiovascular disease People affected include children, the elderly, and those with cardiovascular disease or chronic lung disease.   Ref: http://www.adb.org/vehicle-emissions/General/Health-sulfur.asp   According to OSHA, The STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) is limited to 5 ppm over 15 minutes of exposure. Therefore, if the odor threshold is 3-5 ppm and the STEL is 5 ppm, then if the smell is present in the vehicle for 15 minutes of driving, then the Government standard for exposure has been exceeded. This has occurred on a regular basis since delivery of the vehicle. Reference: Safety and Health for Engineers, Roger L. Bauer, ISBN 047128632-X   Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is the byproduct of the fuel containing Sulfur. Eye Effects: Low concentrations will generally cause irritation to the conjunctiva. Repeated exposure to low concentrations is reported to cause problems, including tearing pain and blurred vision.   Inhalation Effects: Continuous low level exposure will generally cause irritation to the mucous membranes, and may also cause headache, dizziness, and nausea. Continuous low level exposure also causes olfactory fatigue. Thus, detection by exposed individual may be ineffective. STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit): 15 ppm Reference: Hydrogen Sulfide MSDS. I’m employed by a major Engineering company in FT. Worth, Texas. While employed here I’ve dedicated a considerable amount of time as a Safety Engineer performing analyses such as this for the various programs. The data used in this analysis is readily available and well documented. Furthermore, the smell is extremely unpleasant and as such reduces the value of the vehicle. Therefore, I respectfully request that Toyota repurchase or replace my vehicle.   Sincerely, XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
#63 of 862 4 Runner by vaughn4 Aug 25, 2003 (2:12 pm)
I dumped my 4Runner after 6K. My biggest concern was that it was dangerous and that the truck would be worth a lot less if I kept it and word of the sulfur problem (INSIDE THE CABIN) gets out to the general public. Again, I'm talking about INSIDE THE CABIN sulfur odor - Who cares what it smells like on the outside? No vehicle should smell the way mine did inside the cabin - All windows up & A/C on recirculate. This is a health and financial issue. Amazing!!!
#64 of 862 Recirc and sulfur smell, carbon monoxide by corancher Aug 25, 2003 (2:12 pm)
We've been talking mostly about those who get the sulfur smell while the air system is on recirculate. I don't remember much discussion of smell experience when the intake was was on fresh/outside instead. I don't know where the cabin exhaust ports are, but I suspect they're at the rear of the vehicle. Could this be a significant factor? Is it very common to have the smell problem while moving down the road and having the button in the fresh/outside position?   Also, I suppose that carbon monoxide is always a potential problem, but my understanding is that modern engines with oxygen sensors and closed-loop mixture control systems don't produce appreciable CO. CO is a byproduct of incomplete combustion and the modern systems set the mixture up for very complete combustion if they're running correctly. Of course, even a little CO produced on an occasional basis might be a problem, as the body is very slow at getting rid of it.
#65 of 862 Recirc and sulfur smell by vaughn4 Aug 25, 2003 (2:18 pm)
My odor was present with or w/o the recirc on. Both fresh and recirc - It still smelled like a rotten-egg factory. All for about $30K - What a deal!!!
#66 of 862 by rokink Aug 25, 2003 (3:54 pm)
Put the A/C on manual (like most other cars are usually set) and recirculate the air, then accelerate like hell and back-off the accelerator. You wil find that there is no sulphur smell in the cabin.   In auto mode, some amount of outside air is let into the cabin.
#67 of 862 Fresh air by tacoviva Aug 26, 2003 (7:58 am)
All vehicles are required by law to allow some amount of fresh air in the cabin even on recirc. Vaughn4, I agree that you should never, under any circumstance, have any emission inside the closed vehicle.
#68 of 862 by sacstate1 Aug 26, 2003 (11:35 am)
I was walking through the parking lot on my way into the office. A co-worker pulled into the lot, drove by me, waved, parked and then WHAMMO! Talk about a nauseous, horrible, wrenching rotten sulphur smell! My eyes and nose were burning just standing there listening to the engine idle. The car: '03 Honda Accord V6.   This claimed smell is not a Toyota only issue.
#69 of 862 by micksdad1 Aug 26, 2003 (12:28 pm)
Gotta tell you that this sulfur issue now has me concerned. I was hoping to put my yellow lab in the back and ride with tailgate window lowered. One poster is saying that the owner's manual says you shouldn't drive with the rear tailgate window open. Now I'm seeing postings where people are experiencing the sulfur smell with the windows entirely closed! Is this something I'm going to detect immediately when I test drive the vehicle that I hope to buy or lease? or should I just forget about the 4Runner and go with the Acura MDX?
#70 of 862 micksdad by rensho Aug 26, 2003 (1:53 pm)
The sulfur smell was really bad on the drive home from dealer. Since then, it is less, a lot less. My nose is not great, so... On the initial drive home, with the rear window open and front window open, the smell was horrible. Since then, I don't drive with both open, so we have 2 unknowns. I'll try with both open when i get a chance today.   Again, I'm in CA, so if others are right, our state has the least chance of the problem. I feel for others in the higher sulfur content states. (although your gas is likely to be less expensive)

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