Ok, I already know the rotten egg smell from the 4Runners are somewhat "normal". Does it go away after the catalytic converter gets "broken in" or after a few months or thousand miles? It's getting warmer and warmer around VA and I'd like to ride around with the windows or rear window down without having to hold my breath.

Hopefully some of you guys that have the 2K3 are having better luck with the smell...

I was driving around with the rear hatch window down the last time it was 65* and it was ok as long as I wasn't accelerating hard. As soon as I got on the gas though the smell would be unbearable.

What's your situation?

PS: I've had my 4Runner since January and I just hit the 4k mile on it. I haven't even had my first oil change yet...

Also, if it matters I usually put 89 octane in. periodically I'll throw in 91, but not lately since the gas prices have rocketed up...

nah, doesn't get better, sorry to say!

I got new tips that are angled out the side and that helps a bit.

however, in general, you probably don't want to drive around with that rear window down much as it sucks in just about every particle of dust and debris your tires throw up!

When I told the dealer about this, they showed me a bulletin regarding this problem. They said it should go away after 5,000 miles. I have 6,650 miles, and it still appears every now and then. I do not find it as frequent but the smell is still there when I floor it. By the way, I love people's first reactions when they smell the horific smell for the first time. It amuses me!

If the smell is due to an overly-efficient catalytic converter, why do they tell us that it will go away with time? I was under the impression that it would only go away when the quality of fuel improved? hehe ... I don't know, all I know is that you're right - it is funny when people smell it for the first time! I don't doubt that my face was just as twisted and wide-eyed when I first smelled it in mine too ;)

Nope, it will not go away. I have tried every premium fuel just to see if any change could be made to the smell, but the extra cost is money down the toilet, and no change in the smell. I use the cheapest gas now (87 octane), and just don't drive with the rear window down unless you're cruising, no sudden acceleration, or it will enter the cabin.
Besides, I don't think we really need the rear window down to get a lot of airflow. Open the windows and the sunroof (not the tailgate window), and the smell won't be evident unless you gas it. Or accelerate and then stop quickly before the catalytic can burn it off. Or gas it when a crowd of kids on rice rockets follow to close (HEE HEE!!!) I love the reaction!! PEEEEE YEEEW!!!

I too changed my method when somebody tailgates me. I do not do a brake check. I just floor it. That is more of a punishment.

I love when the passengers who smell the smell try to figure out what it is. I have gotten the funniest answers to what is causing the smell.

If you find something that works in the NOVA area, let me know! This smelly ass truck kills me sometimes.

Next time tell your passenger " I am really sorry I knew I should not have eaten all those eggs and beans yesterday". That will get you a look.

How about when you put the rear window down put your drivers side window down it pull the air out the back instead of sucking it in. Works on mine.

This is a great excuse to fart away!! If they question it, then just say that it's your truck....:FOS:

I have had it where everyone in the car was accusing each other of farting. I then had to explain to them that nobody farted it was the car. That is usually every ones first question about the smell: who farted?

My wife says that my Runner smells like old cigarette smoke.

And I don't smoke!! Nor has anyone who has ever ridden with me.

I guess the catalytic converter is dumping out tar and nicotine as well as Co2 and H2O.

Does that problem exist ont he 03's only or do the 04's have the same problem?

I have noticed the smell with my '04.

10 years ago I had a Dodge that had the hydrogen sulfide exhaust smell. Whenever my wife would ride in it she would feel the need to comment on how the exhaust from my Dodge stank but the exhaust from her Toyota didn't.

My first thought is, "no I do not have this problem." But then I remembered a few weeks ago my buddy was following me, and trying to be a wise ass. So I decided to show him how much horse power my 4R has: I floored it, and on the walkie talkie's we were using to talk to one another, he was complaining the horrific smell he received when I floored it.

Who needs excuses. I am surprised I am still married.