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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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When I noticed the smell on my new Limited V*8 2004 4Runner, I took it to the local dealer in Westminster MD, mentioned the TSB on it, and they corrected it for free. I don't know what the problem is with some of your Toyota dealers not wanting to fix it free. BTW, no problems since it was fixed in June 2004. PS. I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I now own the 4Runner mentioned. I am much happier with the 4Runner. The Jeep made me worried everytime I drove it. Not a very smooth ride compared to Toyota, and the engine is too loud.
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For many owners, the solution is not as simple as just performing the TSB. If that were the case you would not have people invoking the lemon law to get rid of their 4Runners. While the TSB has solved the issue for some, for hundreds (or thousands?) of others it has not. In addition, models that were manufactured after the TSB was issued still exhibited the problem, proof that Toyota has not taken care of it like they should have a long time ago. So far, all 3 model years of the new gen 4Runner have had the sulfur problem. For owners who have the sulfur problem, if your dealer does not seem to want to help solve the issue and wants to brush it aside, try another local dealer if one is nearby. Some dealers are a lot more helpful than others. Remember that you do NOT have to have warranty work performed where you bought the vehicle, ANY Toyota dealer can perform warranty work. |
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Replying to: mah1 (Jul 03, 2005 9:33 am) Also, does anyone know when to change the timing belt on the 03 4 Runners. the manual didnt state anything and it only say's to change the belt on the V8 at 90k Called the dealer and they said it should be changed at 60K to 90K. Does any one know the exact milage or if it needs to be changed. BTW has anybody looked at the 03 owners manual. Man, its realy bad. |
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Replying to: md4runnerman (Aug 19, 2005 8:14 am) I also have the sulphur issue and the tsb I got says nothing about a fix, just that lead contents in fuel have changed, and so I am in the process of trying different fuels, funny no matter how hard I drove the Jeep I could still drive with the windows open.
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Replying to: yobow1 (Nov 17, 2004 1:07 pm)
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Replying to: bob443 (Jul 09, 2003 6:18 am) Models: ’03 – ’04 4Runner (2UZ–FE) Technical Service BULLETIN June 14, 2004 Some customers may complain of excessive sulfur dioxide odor on 2003–2004 model year 4Runner (2UZ–FE) vehicles under the following conditions: �� Stop and go driving. �� Heavy acceleration. In order to reduce the sulfur dioxide odor, the Electronic Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) fuel cut control logic has been modified and a new catalyst is provided. Follow the repair procedure to reflash the ECM and replace the catalytic converter assembly. NOTE: For more complete understanding of the root cause, refer to TSB No. EG003–03 “Sulfur Odor From Exhaust,” dated February 24, 2003. �� 2003 – 2004 model year 4Runner vehicles equipped with the 2UZ–FE engine produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below. MODEL PLANT DRIVETRAIN PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN Tahara V8 2WD JTEZT##R#40016279 4Runner V8 4WD JTEBT##R#40037525 Hino V8 2WD JTEZT##R#48004215 V8 4WD JTEBT##R#48015016 OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2 EG4004 Recalibrate ECM (PCM) Engine 0.8 17410 50360 60 99 Combo A R & R Catalytic Converter Assembly 0.2 17410–Applicable Warranty*: This repair is covered under the Toyota Specified Major Emission Control Component Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date. * Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s specific complaint. ENGINE Introduction Applicable Vehicles Production Change Information Warranty Information |
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Replying to: rhett3 (Nov 07, 2005 9:07 am) Models: ’03 – ’04 4Runner (2UZ–FE) Technical Service BULLETIN June 14, 2004 Some customers may complain of excessive sulfur dioxide odor on 2003–2004 model year 4Runner (2UZ–FE) vehicles under the following conditions: �� Stop and go driving. �� Heavy acceleration. In order to reduce the sulfur dioxide odor, the Electronic Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) fuel cut control logic has been modified and a new catalyst is provided. Follow the repair procedure to reflash the ECM and replace the catalytic converter assembly. NOTE: For more complete understanding of the root cause, refer to TSB No. EG003–03 “Sulfur Odor From Exhaust,” dated February 24, 2003. �� 2003 – 2004 model year 4Runner vehicles equipped with the 2UZ–FE engine produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below. MODEL PLANT DRIVETRAIN PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN Tahara V8 2WD JTEZT##R#40016279 4Runner V8 4WD JTEBT##R#40037525 Hino V8 2WD JTEZT##R#48004215 V8 4WD JTEBT##R#48015016 OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2 EG4004 Recalibrate ECM (PCM) Engine 0.8 17410 50360 60 99 Combo A R & R Catalytic Converter Assembly 0.2 17410–Applicable Warranty*: This repair is covered under the Toyota Specified Major Emission Control Component Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date. * Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s specific complaint. ENGINE Introduction Applicable Vehicles Production Change Information Warranty Information |
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| I own a 2003 4Runner which I purchased new in Nov. 2002 with the obnoxious sulfur smell. I complained about the small bitterly to Toyota and posted numerous complaints with many agencies. When the 6/14/2004 EXCESSIVE SULFUR DIOXIDE ODOR TSB came out, I learned about it through an editor at the Plain Dealer who had written an 6/17/2004 article titled "Customers Driven to Make a Stink". The editor has read one of my complaints when doing his research. I immediately contacted Toyota and had the service outlined in the TSB performed including replacing the Catalytic Converter Assembly. I have not had a single incident of sulfur smell since. My understanding at the time of my service that it was a service of last resort only to be pursued when all other measures failed to satisfy the owner. Unfortunately I had to live with the smell for 1-1/2 years before finally being rid of it forever and the smell certainly diminished the pleasure of owning such a nice rig. Best regards everyone, Bill | |
I haven't visited this site in almost two years. That was after I took Toyota to Lemon Law arbitration and won.(for the smell problem). It seems like they still don't care. Maybe that's because their stock price busted $100. a share. Don't give up, your new car smell shouldn't be SO2  (sulfur dioxide). You don't need a lawyer, just document every visit to the dealer, every phone call and comment, and do your research on the effects of SO2 and Toyota's negligence or inability to find a solution to this serious problem. If you want any info on this case or have any questions, I would be happy to try and help.
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Replying to: reddfish2 (Jan 20, 2006 6:31 pm) Is it possible Toyota still hasn't fixed the problem or could this be something else? |
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