I am sick of the sulfur odor

[RobXS]

I called my friend that is a service advisor today about the odor that won't go away. Apparently this problem isn't isolated to the 4 runner. He had a canned speech ready that is Toyota's stance on the problem. Toyota blames the gasoline. This is the biggest bunch on nonsense I have heard in my life. I had a Toyota before this and used the same gasoline with no problem. I have tried every brand from here to Florida and still had the sulfur odor. I talked to someone with a v8 4runner at a gas station the other day and he said that he had no problem. My friend said that Toyota will not replace anything or even look at it under warranty because they say the problem is the gas. He also said that his brand new Matrix has the same problem and he can't get Toyota to do anything.

[EDGE]

I ride around with all windows down except the rear hatch one, and I have no problem.

I've also noticed that this smell is on other new vehicles, must have something to do with tryin to clean up emissions and make these things pollute less, maybe we notice it cause the rear window goes down.

[kaneman]

I'm with you on the Sulfur odor. I'm getting it stronger then ever the last couple of weeks and it's giving me very bad headaches. There is a guy over on the edmunds Town Hall board that I'm talking with. He had the odor and ended up getting rid of his under the lemon law. I may try to do the same in the next few weeks. I love the truck but it's pissing me off.

[EDGE]

Originally posted by kaneman
He had the odor and ended up getting rid of his under the lemon law. I may try to do the same in the next few weeks. I love the truck but it's pissing me off.

What exactly did he do take it to the dealer every week and complain and then send a letter to Toyota saying nothin was ever fixed, after 5 times they bought it back, I would do that.

[kaneman]

I got a feeling that is what he did. I got an email from him saying that he was going to send me all the info I needed, when he gets the time.. I will keep you posted but will probably PM it to you so we keep it off the boards.

[EDGE]

Cool

[RobXS]

Hey Justin, please, please, please, send me the info also. This odor is killing me!

[kaneman]

You got it as soon as and if I hear from this guy.

[Good Times]

I believe he's using it under the lemon law in his own state. Each state has a different view on the lemon law so it might not apply to your state. So before you guys get all excited, you're gonna have to do some homework first (just warning ya)

My take on this whole sulfur problem:
It's not going to go away. I've encountered this problem from time to time and the best way to go around it is to just keep the rear window closed. I only open the rear window while I am crusing but not during the stop and go (city streets) traffic. I'm sure toyota will not address this issue because they have a disclaimer on the manual stating it (read this somewhere - referenced by another member).

I've read that the seq's have had this same issue and since they've been around longer I don't see why they would do anything about it now. It sux but nothing we can do unless we physically take the catalytic converters off ourselves. I think the problem resides there but by law we have to have those to keep the environment safe...

Maybe if the tailpipe is off to the side of the vehicle this might be resolved? I dunno just a suggestion.

I know that most of us are just b!tching about this issue cuz we're just blowing off steam but are you all guys/gays serious about returning the 4runner just cuz of this problem? We all know that the problem is not isolated so getting another one won't resolve the problem. So then what? a JGC or something else? I really can't imagine getting any other truck to replace the 4runner...

Lance

[nhparrot]

Just a friendly reminder that it is a violation of TundraSolutions.com posting rules to conduct discussions "about lemon laws, arbitration or law suits whether personal or not"

If you are unaware of the posting Rules & Guidelines, please see
What are the guidelines and rules in posting?

[MrTom]

The May 2003 issue of "AutoWorld" magazine discusses this problem. They suggest experimenting with different brands of gasoline. Apparently some brands have different sulfur formulations for different parts of the country. The problem seems to exist mostly when the engine is cold.
Tom

[nhparrot]

That's exactly what the TSB on this issue (EG003-03 SULFUR ODOR FROM EXHAUST) suggests.

[kaneman]

I'm just thinking about it more then anything. I doubt I will take action but it does give me some wicked headaches. If I do choose to pursue(I doubt I will) I will be buying a 3rd gen and s/c'ing... I really like everything about this truck but the smell. Mine has smelled like ammonia the last few weeks.

BTW good post...

[kaneman]

Thank you for the reminder. I wasn't going to post any info on the board anyhow. Not only is it unethical but I don't want Toyota coming after ME! LOL...

BTW, this guy from the edmunds board still hasn't emailed me..

[Good Times]

nhparrot:

I just hope that nobody has to resort to it. (only cuz owning a toyota, it shouldn't have to go that far...)

Kaneman:

hehe, a 3rd gen ehe! Yeah not a bad idea! but it's hard to give up on the v8 though! lol... I'm actually looking for an old fj40 or an unimog so... who knows! hehe

Mr. Tom:

Actually I've experienced the smell even after driving for about 1 hr. Took a pit stop and was on my merry way (1-2 min stop) and the smell was there... so I'm sure it's not the cold engine factor. I do believe that it is some part the gas we use though. The smell is only evident during acceleration (esp during hard acceleration).

Lance