Help! Horrible Burning Smell at WOT - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

ThirdHorseman · #1 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 08:19 AM

We are having this problem with our Sequoia. Mentioned it to the service writer last time we had the oil changed, but of course they could not duplicate

When driving the vehicle normally, there is no odor whatsoever. However, when blasting WOT, the cabin is filled with a burning smell that instantly reminded me of a recently fired gun, along with a tinge of...MOTHBALLS?

As soon as you let off the gas, the smell wafts away until the next time I punch it.

What could this be? ???

Blaque · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 08:49 AM

Maybe its that burnt smell you get when you stomp on the gas pedal on most any vehicle. but if its a really strange smell, I would ask if a tech could ride along so you can duplicate it.

Manoah · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 10:39 AM

catalytic converter burning off excess gas? sometimes smells like sulfur, do you have your windows down while doing this?

ThirdHorseman · #4 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 04:58 PM

It is NOT normal, I assure you. It makes your eyes sting when the windows are down. You can faintly smell it with the windows up.

My suspicion is a slipping belt. I have to take it back to the dealer with more direct instructions.

Theohiomike · #5 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 06:44 PM

+1 I would also see if they will re torque your exhaust..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manoah

catalytic converter burning off excess gas? sometimes smells like sulfur, do you have your windows down while doing this?

mikerat · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 05:30 PM

Is your rear window open. It'll suck that exhaust right into the cab. Try opening another window or sunroof when the rear is open. I can smell that on mine if it's open.

djburger · #7 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 08:06 PM

We have an '07 Sequoia that we bought in Dec '08. I first noticed this last spring with all the windows down.

I think it smells like cat pee.

I searched the Sequoia forums and postings say "it's normal"

I also have noticed it with all the windows closed when I "stomp on it"

Big Vic · #8 (**permalink**) 09-08-2009, 12:52 AM

I get it worst when the back window is open. It is acrid and ammonia like to me, like smelling salts.

LV4R · #9 (**permalink**) 09-08-2009, 07:11 PM

Yea I had this problem with my v6 4runner. There was finally a TSB issued on it that required the changing of the cats. Did absolutely nothing. I hate that the sequoia does this too.

ThirdHorseman · #10 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 10:46 PM

Took it back to the dealership. They said they could find nothing wrong, and advised that I turn on the "recirc" button...un-freakin-believable. I pointed out that NO vehicle with 10,000 miles should smell pungent, but he just wasn't getting my drift. How can this be normal??? My Tundra NEVER smelled!

I am going to try another local dealer in a couple of weeks. If they tell me the same thing...I just can't fathom that a $50,000 vehicle has to flippin' stink...

mike552 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 07:39 PM

I had this "problem" on my 04 4Runner and it's reappearing on my 08 Sequoia.
When I first raised this issue with my 4Runner the toyo service guy basically said that it was the ethanol in the type of fuel I was using. He said that if I tried fuel without ethanol the smell would go away... guy was totally right. Now I live in the mid-west where 10% ethanol 89 is cheaper than non-ethanol 87. Currently going higher octane but not sure if it's the better deal.

jpasint · #12 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009, 08:12 AM

Had this on our 08 Seq for about the first 9 months. Seems to be gone now or we are just used to the sulfur like smell. It was not that strong to begin with and we never smelled it unless I was stepping on the gas really hard like trying to merge into traffic or something.

Joe