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SUVs Toyota 4Runner Sulfur Smell from Toyota 4Runner
862 messages, Last post on Aug 20, 2009 at 3:48 PM
You are in the Toyota 4Runner Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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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!
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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. |
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| 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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Replying to: fudge123 (Apr 05, 2004 4:39 am) |
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| If there is a A/F ratio or O2 sensor after the catalytic converter, then that is the monitor they were referring to. | |
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Purchase a new 2003 V6 basic 4 runner, no spoiler, about a year ago and have 19K miles on it now. The smell does not go away! Experienced the smell most recently while towing small trailer. Made the wife and kids moan and groan out load, it was that strong. A couple of weeks earlier experienced the same strong smell 3 or 4 times during a 3 hour trip from Mass up to New Hampshire, yet did not get it once coming back. Called Toyota hotline and they registered my complaint, suggesting I take it in to the dealer. They said they would notify the dealer of my pending visit. I hope they can help but I'm very pessamistic after reading almost all the previous posts on the subject. I have to say I was surprised that many posts didn't think it was much of a problem. To me it's very simple, A new car should not have that kind of smell, ever. I don't care about the gas, driving conditions, etc. These are all normal inputs that Toyota should have considered in building the 4 runner. You can't say that because the manual says don't drive with the rear window down Toyota is free and clear. Putting a rear window on a SUV, with dashboard controls, begs for it to be used. I work for a medical device company and in our risk analysis process we cannot dismiss things easily by saying we say don't do it in manual. IF we know operators will do something we need to have several layers of mitigation. Toyota needs to do more to solve this problem. To their credit, I had also experienced the sun roof rattle and they fixed it with no issue. I showed them the service bulletin I found on this site. Thanks for all the good info and keep it up. |
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" have to say I was surprised that many posts didn't think it was much of a problem. To me it's very simple, A new car should not have that kind of smell, ever. I don't care about the gas, driving conditions, etc. " ** I think that there are not very many posts because most people don't experiece this sulfur problem. For others that do, it may only happen under certain conditions and to various extents. The only time in the past where I have experieced the Sulfur problem is when driving with the rear cargo window open. Recently, I drove for about 50mi with the rear window opened and didn't smell any sulfur gases. It has finally gone away under all conditions for me after 12,000 mi. I do agree, however, with you that manufacturers should do all in their power to reduce harmful emissions from entering the passenger cabin. Fortunately, with this newest TSB, Toyota is "doing the right thing." I hope that this TSB will solve all problems with the aformentioned issue. Perhaps if Toyota really wanted to prevent drivers from operating the rear cargo window while driving, they would have some sort of a mechanism preventing it. I do find it somewhat disconcerting that the rear cargo window can be opened from the key fob, but must be closed either via key or the dash mounted button control. I do believe that if the manual warms someone not to do something, then the owner should not do it. If Sulfur only entered the passenger compartment while the rear cargo window was opened, then I am sure that very few people would have reason to complain. However, if sulfur can enter under other conditions (ie. all windows closed), then this is a true safety hazard. I agree that the rear window control is pretty tempting to operate and to "show off" the convenience of the rear powered cargo window.
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Replying to: alfster1 (Jun 01, 2004 12:24 pm) Regards, Bill |
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| See post #9914 in the Toyota 4Runner forum | |
| Yes, I posted the Rotten Egg TSB in the main 4 Runner forum for maximum exposure. The NHTSA item number is 10007092 and refers to the Lexus GX 470 Odor TSB. No item number yet for the 4 Runner but it will not be long I don't think. | |
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