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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
| 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. | |
I was on another site and found out that there is a TSB on the sulfur problem for the 2003-04 v6. The person posted the letter he got. From two production plants(forgot names's), with certain vin #'s.
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Replying to: loudog2 (Jun 03, 2004 1:55 am) http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?s=624892871fccbc66a3- 725dc96ae1bdfa&postid=30258 it should take you to the TSB form for the sulfur smell for v6's... |
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| For owners of 2003-2004 4Runners that stink there has now been a TSB issued to help relieve the problem. Effective May 27,2004 this TSB includes flashing your Electronic Control Module (ECM) with a new set of instructions and the replacement of the catalytic converter assembly. This TSB is identified as “EG015-04” and is applicable to V6 engines only with VIN numbers that are earlier than the following numbers: (2WD) JTEZU##R#40026890, (4WD) JTEZU##R#40032900, (2WD) JTEZU##R#480115332, and (4WD) JTEZU##R#480119048. Remember that this coverage is provided if you have a complaint. Toyota is not anticipated to send you a notice of a recall. A recall for V6 engines is also coming on potential oil leaks stemming from an error in fabrication of the crankshaft pulley housing. Effected customers should receive a recall in the mail. Unfortunately I don’t have the numbers for this recall yet but your dealer should already be aware of this work and the effected vehicles. | |
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"there are not very many posts because most people don't experiece this sulfur problem..." This has been one of the most common "issues" affecting 2003 and 2004 4Runner owners. How many specific vehicle problems generate 700 posts on just one web site? "Fortunately, with this newest TSB, Toyota is "doing the right thing..." Toyota may be "doing the right thing" (finally!), but how long have they skirted the issue? For almost 1-1/2 years they have pretty much ignored the problem, advising owners to "change fuel brands" or to "drive with the windows up" etc. Meanwhile, owners have had to buy and install their own tailpipe extensions, drive with their windows up, and go through the hassles of "self testing" different fuel brands. Toyota did not go through the trouble and expense to issue this TSB because "only a few owners complained", they did so because they were forced to due to a massive amount of complaints. What is really apalling with this issue is the fact that Toyota is STILL using the SAME defective parts on current model production! According to the TSB dealers are advised to install the corrected parts ONLY if a customer complains of the sulfur order! That tells me the new 2005 models will probably also have this issue. Unbelievable. |
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"This has been one of the most common "issues" affecting 2003 and 2004 4Runner owners. How many specific vehicle problems generate 700 posts on just one web site?" ** There may have been 700 posts, but were they 700 specific, separate cases? Yes, it is one of the more commonly mentioned problems with the new 4Runner, but considering the many tens of thousands sold, there is still a comparatively small number of complaints specific to the sulfur problem.** "Toyota may be "doing the right thing" (finally!), but how long have they skirted the issue? For almost 1-1/2 years they have pretty much ignored the problem, advising owners to "change fuel brands" or to "drive with the windows up" etc. Meanwhile, owners have had to buy and install their own tailpipe extensions, drive with their windows up, and go through the hassles of "self testing" different fuel brands." **Sorry to say "it's better late than never," but even Toyota can make mistakes. Some of the so called remedies mentioned by Toyota are shameful. If I had these sulfur problems, I would probably also feel disenchanted, considering I have owned Toyotas over the past 17 years. Changing fuel to a lower sulfur content fuel seems to have helped many people with this problem. What really is interesting is that if the sulfur problem is due to a design flaw, shouldn't many more 4Runners be affected? I am now able to drive with all (or any) of my windows open, even the "forbotten" rear cargo window.** "Toyota did not go through the trouble and expense to issue this TSB because "only a few owners complained", they did so because they were forced to due to a massive amount of complaints." **Remember,this is only a TSB, not a recall. If a large number of vehicles were affected and the issue was truly dangerous, then a government mandated recall would probably be evident. A TSB is usually issued for smaller issues or for a smaller number of affected vehicles. It is entirely possible that a recall could be issued at a later time. I realize that this is little consolation for an owner with this sulfur problem. I guess it's our responsibility to let anyone we know who has a 4Runner know about the TSB and let the owner decide what action to take.** "According to the TSB dealers are advised to install the corrected parts ONLY if a customer complains of the sulfur order! That tells me the new 2005 models will probably also have this issue. Unbelievable." **Of course, the owner must complain if they have an issue with the sulfur 'odor.' Toyota has no idea which vehicles are affected. It is up to the owner to seek a remedy if their is a problem. This doesn't, however, imply that the 2005 modles will have this sulfur issue. Without seeing any official figures (because there are none), it would appear that looking through the past posts that most issues with the sulfur odor appear more frequently on the '03 than on the '04 model year. Every model redesign has the potential for posessing a flaw. The 4Runner is not immune. However, the sulfur problem, while evident in some vehicles, still comprises a minority of all 4Runners sold.** |
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"** There may have been 700 posts, but were they 700 specific, separate cases? Yes, it is one of the more commonly mentioned problems with the new 4Runner" I wasn't trying to suggest that they were all specific cases, my point was that looking at a lot of different vehicle boards here on Edmunds that there is a much higher discussion level on the sulfur problem compared with discussions on other repair type issues. If you add up all of the discussions on other boards per the sulfur issue it seems to be evident that it is a widespread problem. "**A TSB is usually issued for smaller issues or for a smaller number of affected vehicles." TSB's are issued for both big and small issues, and for smaller OR larger amounts of affected vehicles - but typically it takes a pretty widespread problem to engage a repair-related TSB. Recalls, on the other hand, are most always related to safety issues, regardless of the number of affected vehicles. "**Of course, the owner must complain if they have an issue with the sulfur 'odor.' Toyota has no idea which vehicles are affected..." My point here was that Toyota is STILL using the SAME parts that no doubt are causing the sulfur issue. Why is this?? I don't understand why they would just not implement the new parts in current production runs so that future buyers will NOT have to deal with the hassles associated with this problem. My guess is that Toyota is looking at $$$ savings as the priority rather than customer satisfaction - OR, they would make sure that NO ONE had this problem in the future. I find this hard to believe, especially when the sulfur issue has undoubtedly hurt sales and put a tarnished image on the '03/'04 4Runner's. I guess it's cheaper to make the repairs compared to the amount of profit that is lost due to aggravated, unhappy or lost customers. "**Sorry to say "it's better late than never," but even Toyota can make mistakes..." By "mistakes" do you mean per the original manufacture of the defective parts, or that they waited so long to implement the TSB? If the latter, you'd think Toyota would have learned after getting their hands burned when they skirted the infamous sludge issue. It's all about money... Toyota ignored this issue for a long time probably figuring it would be cheaper to make the repairs on a "when complained about" basis rather than implement a solution in production a long time ago. But it looks like it came back to slap them in the face, and someone at Toyota finally woke up to face the facts. Obviously other manufacturer's pull the same crap, it's not just Toyota. I guess I'll never understand why these companies want to alienate and tick off so many customers before they decide to get off their arses and provide a solution to these types of issues. Baffling to say the least. |
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**I wasn't trying to suggest that they were all specific cases, etc.....** --Point Taken. **My point here was that Toyota is STILL using the SAME parts that no doubt are causing the sulfur issue" --I agree with you. Toyota should have corrected this problem as soon as they realized it. I am sure that costs were (and are) a factor. All I can say now is at least the issuance of the TSB is a first step towards correction of this problem at this time. If a full production 'fix' is implemented, then Toyota can be said to be on the road to making full amends.-- **By "mistakes" do you mean per the original manufacture of the defective parts, or that they waited so long to implement the TSB?** --I suppose I meant to place more emphasis on the latter. Toyota should have responded very quickly to early complaints of the sulfur problem instead of waiting. Toyota should have learned from the prior sludge issue, but apparently they did not. Considering this is a redesigned 4Runner, there are bound to be a certain number of errors in the newly finished product. However, I can't seem to fathom how apparently none of the Toyota test vehicles would have been afflicted with the sulfur problem. I would have imagined that this problem would stick out like a sore thumb. It is "all about the money" unfortunately, even for a respected brand such as Toyota. Mercedes Benz is also lauded for their high quality, well made cars of yore. Unfortunately, even MB has suffered many quality issues over the recent year. I also own an E500 Sport with many little issues that leave me wondering how a company can charge so much for a vehicle that is not rock solid. I am much happier with my 4Runner overall.-- |
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manufacturer should have corrected EVERY defect or problem (there's a difference) in EVERY model of car that they have - why don't they do the right thing immediately? Because they don't have to, that's why. I deal with lemon law litigation for a living. Manufacturers, every one of them, fight tooth and nail before settling a case. They do this because they know the average American is impatient and will sell, trade, wreck, or repo a problematic vehicle, and they won't have to come up with ANY money in about 75% of their cases if they just put you off for a while. I don't fault Toyota they're actually one of the better manufacturers - ironically, it's the manufacturers that produce the worst junk that fight the hardest - strange, but true.... |
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