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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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"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. |
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Replying to: fudge123 (Apr 05, 2004 4:39 am) 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. |
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| At what number did you call Toyota? | |
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).
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Replying to: 4rnr (Jun 14, 2004 1:42 pm) |
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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 |
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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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Here's the V8 TSB. I do hope this helps you out. 4rnr http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?s=124f3cec65e55127ce- 630d89cb99007e&postid=31585
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I have 04 4runner v8 Sport. Today Toyota dealership fixed the smell problem. They have changed the catalyst and reprogramed the computer. The smell is gone. I don't drive with rear window down, but smell still was entereing the cabin from time to time. Also I am tired of hearing on the street on the red light that my truck stinks like $***. No more bad stink and I can drive with side windows open. Schedule this repair. It takes few days to get parts in. I still have problem with: - sit being loose - vibration with RPM between 1800-2000 - vibrating breaks. |
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