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

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#673 of 862 2 4runnaway by reddfish Feb 05, 2004 (10:43 am)
Toyota is aware of the problem, but they will probably deny it initially. I hope your problem goes away, mine did not. If the problem continues, take it back to the dealer and document everything that is said and done, including date, time, and who you spoke with. You may need this info later. dm
#674 of 862 Got rid of the problem by rcgator Feb 14, 2004 (4:43 am)
Our Sequoia was repurchased by Toyota. They tried everything to get rid of the smell and it didn't work. They repurchased it without our having to take them to court or anything.   Once we got beyond the local dealership level, we were treated very well by Toyota. We turned right around and bought a Sienna. I know that's probably anathema to most SUV owners, but my mommy instincts prevailed. I needed something safe for the kids, so I'm back to the mommy-mobile.   I'm SO glad to have finally gotten rid of this problem. I hope the rest of you having this problem get it resolved very quickly.
#675 of 862 rcgator by toyboxx Feb 16, 2004 (4:20 am)
I don't think you'll miss the Sequoia. The Sienna has all the utility and a better ride and gas mileage than the truck.
#676 of 862 4runnaway - I agree, California also stinks. by 7937 Feb 16, 2004 (7:44 pm)
My new 04 Chevy Malibu also gave off the famous smell a few times. It was purchased in the SF Bay Area. If ever a car is tightly sealed it's this one. The last open door really has to be slammed in order to close it. So I haven't got a clue as to how the smell can enter the cabin. Somehow the smell must come in via the climate control vents and they are far from the tail pipe.   The dealer filled up the tank with gas just before I took it off the lot. No doubt the cheapest there is. I'm happy to report that the smell is now gone after I filled up with a better known brand of gas.
#677 of 862 From GM Techlink. by 7937 Feb 16, 2004 (8:05 pm)
Three conditions are necessary for "rotten egg" or hydrogen sulfide odor to be present in exhaust gasses: - Hot catalytic converter - Sulfur in the fuel - Rich air-fuel ratio, at least momentarily.   Of these three, the quantity of sulfur present in the fuel is the most variable, and most difficult to control for both a vehicle manufacturer and a customer.   High amounts of sulfur in fuel can cause not only a rotten egg odor in exhaust gasses, but also certain re-active sulfurs can corrode silver contacts in the fuel level sender, causing erroneous fuel gauge readings.   At present, there is no EPA requirement for the level of sulfur in fuel, outside of the state of California, and the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) specification limit is 1000 parts per million (PPM). To put that number into perspective, the current limit for sulfur in California phase 2 gasolines requires an average of less than 30 PPM.   In 2004, the EPA will begin limiting the sulfur content in gasoline. In 2004, the EPA limit for the corporate average sulfur content will be 120 ppm, and no single gasoline can exceed 300 ppm (except for small refiner exemptions). By 2006, the corporate average will be limited to 30 ppm (the current California limit), with a maximum of 80 ppm (except for small refiner delays). California Phase 3 gasoline, which will be available next year, will have a maximum sulfur content of 15 ppm.   In the absence of an identified vehicle condition, customers can be advised to temporarily change to a premium grade brand of fuel from a major supplier such as Shell, Exxon, Texaco or Chevron. Premium fuels in general have been found to have lower sulfur levels. However, even these suppliers can be susceptible in areas where base fuels are delivered either by pipeline or from the same refinery.   TIP: Dealers should refrain from attempting repairs or replacing catalytic converters for odor complaints, unless there is a MIL indicating a part deficiency.   - Thanks to Bob Furey and Jay Dankovich
#678 of 862 Darn.. by jjenkens Feb 16, 2004 (9:19 pm)
I just bought my 2k4 Ltd V8 4Runner.. Does this mean I'll have to give up using cheap gas from Sam's?? I'd assume it is of a lesser grade then major brands.   For the record everyone, I bought my 4Runner a few days ago and may, may have had a whiff once, but it was on hard acceleration, w/out recirc on. Then again, it was so faint, it may have been my imagination. So I'm VERY happy with the results and accompanying lack of smells thus far.
#679 of 862 toyboxx by rcgator Feb 17, 2004 (10:16 am)
Lovin' the Sienna so far!
#680 of 862 Check Engine Light & Sulfer Smell? by fudge123 Apr 05, 2004 (4:39 am)
Just wondering if anyone experienced this problem. I own a 2003 4 Runner SR5 V8. Yes I get the occasional sulfer smell. Two weeks ago the check engine light came on and "VSC Trac" and "VSC off" lights came on and stayed on. I took it to the dealer (not my normal dealer) and they reported the following: Scan Tool retrieved DTC PO420 Tech. checked sensor data and all within spec. No corrections at this time. No problem found.   The Technician simply reset the computer and the check engine light went off. Well today, the check engine light and VSC lights came back on again. I called the dealer and the tech told me that the code had to do with the catalytic converter. I asked him at what point do they decide that the converter should be replaced? He told me that I would have to bring it in and if the code was the same they would have to check the specs again. What specs? He stated the sensors worked with spec so doesn't that mean there is really a problem? What kind of sensors monitor the catalytic system?   Also, I don't know if this is a coincidence or not, but my gas mileage went from an average of 18.5 MPG (combined city highway) to 16.2 MPG over the past couple of months. I use regular unleaded 87 octane. I tried different gasses, but it didn't seem to make a difference.   Any help would be appreciated! Replies to this message: jaesee75edmund (Apr 20, 2004 5:59 pm) bed33 (Jun 10, 2004 5:47 am)
#681 of 862 That just irks me - by driftracer Apr 05, 2004 (6:54 am)
to list "No problem found", but to have a trouble code (DTC PO420) is a flat out lie.   The ONLY excuse I can see is if that DTC is for a loose fuel cap. Doesn't explain the traction control warning lights, though.   I'd be having a discussion with the service manager.
#682 of 862 fudge123 by sequoiasoon Apr 05, 2004 (7:23 pm)
Have you checked the brake fluid? The VSC and Trac rely on modulating the brakes. There is a sensor in the reservoir that if the fluid is a little low (like when the brakes are 1/2 worn) that registers as a trouble code and disables the VSC and TRAC systems. There is one TSB for the VSC light staying on due to a logic error in the skid control computer.

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