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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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#696 of 862 RE: TSB's, recalls, etc. by alfster1 by tloke1 by alfster1 Jun 08, 2004 (5:27 am)
**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.--
#697 of 862 Guys, EVERY by driftracer Jun 08, 2004 (5:41 am)
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....
#698 of 862 by toyboxx Jun 08, 2004 (6:05 am)
The problem with the cat converters is that they are using different a material in them now that is safer for their workers to handle and for the environment. So toatally going back to the old materials wouldn't be a good idea if only a small minority of vehicles are affected. If the consumer complains they put on a cat with the old material in it and it is over for the affected person. It did take them a while but I believe this is the best way to fix the problem while still limiting the exposure to people and environment to a more hazerdous material.
#699 of 862 Test vehicles by alfster1 by tloke1 Jun 08, 2004 (10:13 pm)
"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..."   Noticeable problems like this have always bothered me as I also cannot understand why they are not discovered during testing. I realize that manufacturers are not going to catch every little thing, that's rather obvious. But something like the sulfur issue is indeed baffling. For the all-new 4Runner model I would guess that Toyota had at least several hundred test "mules" out there in the real world. These vehicles would have put on thousands and thousands of miles in the deserts, in the mountain and on the streets. One would think that at least a few of the vehicles would have exhibited this symptom. Or, maybe the problem did arise and Toyota decided it would cost to much to re-engineer the parts vs the estimated number of complaints they might have expected to get.   Another classic example of "how did this get by?" is the new Armada and the "resonating roof" issue. On many vehicles the vibrating sound waves are so bad people cannot drive the vehicles. Looks like Nissan cut a few corners and manufactured extra-thin roofs without strong enough bracing. Their solution? A few extra large tubes of glue squeezed on and around the roof cross supports, which does not seem to completely solve the problem for a lot of owners. The entire roofliner must be removed, and in many cases are damaged in the process.   Amazingly, Nissan is STILL producing Armada's with the same exact faulty design. One has got to ask, HOW in the world did something like this not get noticed during the road testing phase? And what morons at Nissan are preventing a solution from being implemented as a running change? As word has spread many sales have been lost and the Armada reputation is getting a black eye.   I think manufacturer's need to "wake up" concerning situations like these. With the power and expanse of the internet it's a whole new world out there for consumers to share both their good and bad vehicle experiences. Negativity towards a given model or about its problems spreads like wildfire.
#700 of 862 Re: Check Engine Light & Sulfer Smell? [fudge123 #680] by bed33 Jun 10, 2004 (5:47 am)
Replying to: fudge123 (Apr 05, 2004 4:39 am) I posted 685 below and offer this follow up. Shortly after posting I called Toyota and gave them the info. They contacted my local dealer. I got a call back from them to set up a service call. I brought it in yesterday and they replaced both catalytic converters per the TSB and said I should be good to go. However, driving it home the VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights came on and stayed on. I brought it in this morning and they referenced another service bulletin and showed me the procedure. It was a simple recalibration using a hand held unit. They took it right away and I was out of there in about 15 minutes. I drove it in to work about 20 miles and did not see the lights come back on. I let them know the aggravation and inconvenience these issue have caused however to their credit they have very good customer service.
#701 of 862 bed33 by lukeg Jun 10, 2004 (5:23 pm)
At what number did you call Toyota?
#702 of 862 V8 TSB for the Sulfur Smell by 4rnr Jun 14, 2004 (1:42 pm)
The TSB for the 2UZ-FE engine(V8 powered 4 Runner) has just been released the TSB# is EG020-04. The repair procedure is identical to the V6(which was posted a couple of weeks ago). Replies to this message: gcmello (Jun 23, 2004 4:25 am)
#703 of 862 Re: V8 TSB for the Sulfur Smell [4rnr #702] by gcmello Jun 23, 2004 (4:25 am)
Replying to: 4rnr (Jun 14, 2004 1:42 pm) I'd like to take my 2003 V-8 Sport Edition to the dealership and have the repairs done for the sulfur smell, but I've not been able to find the actual TSB EG020-04 to print out and show to the service manager. I do have a printout for TSB #EG015-04 for the V-6. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
#704 of 862 Sulphur Smell is not all u should worry about! by roguewarrior Jun 23, 2004 (3:07 pm)
Hi I just did a little research on this problem and have learned that 60 complaints have been submitted to the NHTSA for this sulphur smell. What everyone is focusing on is the smell of rotten egg however disgusting and potentially dangerous that is, it is not what will KILL. The Carbon monoxide(CO)is the real danger because it is odorless and deadly it is also getting into the car by the same means as the obvious egg smell. I was so concerned that I contacted a environmental company who came for a ride along in my 2003 sr5 4runner. This ride proved to me that(CO)is indeed entering the cabin and alarmed the tech who came along with a (CO)tester. At one point he yelled "Close the F#%%& rear window". I saw the readings go off the charts depending on the configuration of the windows, with the rear window open being the worst. I did not pay for this test as they were being kind enough to just see if I had any (CO)entering the cabin. This was enough for me! I have since contacted Toyota customer service and I am waiting to hear from the regional rep from FL. Another option for people to find out on their own is to go to the home depot and buy a (CO) tester. This can be plugged into the 110 outlet in the glove box. I did and I do not drive with the rear window down at all any longer. This is a serious problem that may be corrected by changing the location of the tail pipe to vent to the side of the vehicle. I am going to complain to the NHTSA with this post and see if this will get the people who are supposed to protect us "to wake up." If someone else could do a similar test in their state we could have more ammunition to fight Toyota. I have found out that the EPA company would do a complete test with report and all for around $340.00. I am going to see if the service rep would do this but I doubt it. If anyone has the extra money that they could afford to use PLEASE DO IT! I originally posted on a 4 X 4 site I also made a complaint to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsear- ch.cfm the # is 10078432 I have been contacted by the Rep today and he is currently researching. I think I got his attention for a different reason (CO).
#705 of 862 RE: Sulphur Smell is not all u should worry about! by roguewarrior by alfster1 Jun 23, 2004 (3:18 pm)
Many 03-04 4Runner owners, including myself, drive with the rear cargo window open without experiencing any sulfur or apparently high levels of CO entering the cabin. The longest that I have driven with this window open is 1.5 hours, under varying speeds. I have used a CO tester, but I am not how accurate it is since it was made for home use and is not a professional tester.   Apparently, the exhaust issue only affects some 4Runners, either with or without the rear cargo window being opened, which is perplexing.

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