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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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#742 of 862 I've been involved by driftracer Oct 15, 2004 (3:44 pm)
in class-action evaluation on this, and after testing, we determined that there's no more noxious emissions in a new 4Runner than in several other vehicles tested. Comparitively, when tested by itself (4 vehicles), they were 70-80% less in cabin emissions, driving by themselves on deserted roads, than just driving the vehicle in normal traffic.   If you can't tell, I'm NOT a "sky is falling, let's sue everybody" advocate. We have become a country of victims and plaintiffs instead of men, women, and consumers.
#743 of 862 Re: [lear02] by biyo Oct 15, 2004 (6:59 pm)
Replying to: lear02 (Oct 14, 2004 12:00 pm) I've sendeng e-mails to Toyota Motor Co. copy to the director of my dealer, Toyota Motor Company said that TSB is not funded yet, and told me to contact the Customer Relation Manager of the dealer, I spoke with CRM and told me that they have to diagnose the vehicle but I doubt that even they will running for 2 hours, maybe they can't duplicate the problem due to the odor is not there all the time. Also I receive an e-mail from Dealer Service Director that asking me to make an appoinment and tell about the TSB and let him know once my car at the dealer. I will keep posted what ever the result.
#744 of 862 Re: Purchased Borla System [neumie2000] by biyo Oct 15, 2004 (7:02 pm)
Replying to: neumie2000 (Aug 23, 2004 9:24 am) I'm sure that changing fuel brand is not the answer. Replies to this message: neumie2000 (Dec 06, 2004 6:02 am)
#745 of 862 2003 4Runner Sulphur Smell by bgs Oct 15, 2004 (9:55 pm)
I am going to arbitration with Toyota Oct. 21, 2004. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have put up with this bad smell for about 12 months. I had the TSB performed, but the smell continues. The problem was not fixed. I live in southern California and have tried every kind of gasoline. Nothing works, the vehicle smells everyday. Is there anything to help me in arbitration? Please HELP!!! I cannot take this smell anymore!!!   How can Toyota blame this problem on gasoline? I have driven 5 different vehicles at work in the last year, and not one of those vehicles has a bad smell problem. Toyota says other manufactures are having the same issues. I would like to know who. Every friend and relative hate to get in our car. They don't have this problem.   What can I use to HELP my situation? Am I just fighting a losing battle? Replies to this message: rkinkead (Oct 16, 2004 12:39 am) driftracer (Oct 16, 2004 6:07 am)
#746 of 862 Re: 2003 4Runner Sulphur Smell [bgs] by rkinkead Oct 16, 2004 (12:39 am)
Replying to: bgs (Oct 15, 2004 9:55 pm) I am in Florida. I did the TSB about two months ago. The smell cleared up, and I have not had any problems as yet. Incidentally, they reprogrammed the ECU, then I had to wait a week for the new CAT. During that time, the smell changed from "rotten eggs" to faint "lit match". After the CAT change, it went to normal (disappeared).   Someone pointed out that the cabin vent is under the right side of the rear bumper, next to the exhaust. (true. I checked it out). That is why the smell is so intense. A co-worker of mine has a '03 Accord that smells of sulfur whenever he guns it with the windows open. The emission is common in many cars. Volvos from the '80s were plagued this smell. The problem is that the 4runner has a bad vent location.   Also, in driving without the fix for about 18 months, I found that recirculate kept the smell down. I was never one for driving with open windows, so it never bothered me.   The Toyota manual has a warning against running the engine in idle for more than 20 minutes (as in slow traffic). I hope that is not because they are aware of the risk of exhaust coming in through the cabin vent. CO is still produced even with the best CAT. I could see it building up to lethal levels in a cabin. But that is still possible if one has recirculate off while sitting in traffic behind any car.   Lastly, I have been checking to see if my fuel inefficiency has changed. (by calculating at fill ups) It appears to remain the same.
#747 of 862 Re: 2003 4Runner Sulphur Smell [bgs] by driftracer Oct 16, 2004 (6:07 am)
Replying to: bgs (Oct 15, 2004 9:55 pm) Two factors, as I have experience in both - first, a "Toyota arbitration" managed by the Dispute Settlement Board will waste your time. You have to participate, since it's a step the manufacturer takes to try to resolve the situation, but the DSB is hired and funded by the manufacturer, not some indepedent federal entity - who would you find for? A single consumer, or the guy who's paying you?   Secondly, although it's a nuisance, the condition DOES NOT meet with any lemon law statutes in ANY state - it is not a "significant impairment of use, safety, or value".   Don't get your hopes up with this arbitration - if it falls in your favor, great.   Your mileage may vary.
#748 of 862 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Oct 16, 2004 (6:31 am)
Well I wonder if this thing keeps getting publicity, if one day it will need become a significant impairment to value. I agree, I don't think it's a safety issue or use issue, you'd lose big time arguing that. But value, I think there may be a case for that if the "stink" made by consumers doesn't abate with Toyota's continued cooperation.   The success of the TSB procedure in some cases in encouraging.
#749 of 862 As a licensed appraiser, by driftracer Oct 16, 2004 (8:07 am)
and one whose opinion is accepted in courts in PA, DE, NJ, MD, and NY, I don't think it bears on value, considering this IS NOT solely a Toyota 4Runner issue - I lost count long ago of the number of people who've complained about this smell/exhaust problem - people who own vehicles from every mainline manufacturer is the US.
#750 of 862 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Oct 16, 2004 (10:46 am)
Well let's break it down here...if there are two similar cars (type, value, condition, etc) you have to sell, and one stinks to high heaven and one doesn't when you drive it, all other things being equal, which one do you think will have to be discounted?   If I were a referee and we could drive the car in question and it was actually exhibited a truly sickening odor during the test drive, with me driving, I'd rule in the owner's favor. If it was a case of "Smell that?" "Smell what?" "THAT" "WHAT?",....then maybe not. Replies to this message: tomfranklin (Apr 11, 2005 10:37 am)
#751 of 862 I agree wholeheartedly, by driftracer Oct 16, 2004 (5:49 pm)
however when the Jaguar X-Type or GMC Envoy parked next to it does the same thing, it's not just a Toyota 4Runner issue.   Value? OK, let's say 10%. Still not a "significant" impairment - those are strong words and standards to comply with. And mostly, use and safety aren't affected at all, unless the safety issue is pushed by great-acting, overly dramatic Academy Award nominees.   Not to be mean - I wish all these folks the best of luck, and sincerely hope the manufacturer ponies up some money. It's just that it's not happening (monetary or buyback resolution) with other manufacturers, and you'll never get me to testify in an arb or trial that it meets any lemon law criteria.

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