If I understand the situation correctly, the sulfur mod TSB is not automatically implemented in newer 4Runners. Rather, it's something they will do on an as-needed (as-demanded?) basis. They change out the cats (probably to ones with more nickel in them) and reprogram the ECU. There are reasons (for Toyota, at least) to avoid doing this mod to every new 4Runner. I've heard that they're trying to reduce or eliminate nickel in cats, and that the ECU mod may have a small negative impact on gas mileage, since it *may* cause the engine to run very lean less often. It's apparently lean operation that deposits sulfur compounds inside the cats, and rich running (when you're pressing down farther on the accelerator) that burns it off to produce the smell.

For those who suffer from the smell and don't have the rear window down, try turning recirculate off (fresh air on) and keeping the HVAC fan on low at least. There is reason to believe the reason you smell the sulfur is that it's coming in backwards from the cabin air exhausts at the bottom rear of the vehicle.

Has anybody had the smell when the air selector is on fresh and the fan is on and the windows are up?

When I got my 2004 done, the service manager said that all new 2005 would come with the new CATs and ECU programming from the factory. You can give that as much credibility as you feel comfortable...

Soooo, if it's a TSB now, can I just drive into my local Toy delearship and complain about the smell and ask them to fix it 100% under warranty coverage? I figured that I'd ask here before calling them.

FYI: I only smell it when the rear window is down... but it's AWFUL. That's one of the reasons I liked the 4R so much - no, not the fact that the cabin air smells like a carefully executed fart, but the ability to have the rear window down while driving.

I don't think you understand. On the 2005, the fixes have already been implemented. I guess if a bunch of 2005 owners complain at once, they'll need to provide another fix.

Thanks.... that clears it up....

You're right, I didn't understand... I didn't understand that the fix was, in fact, done for '05.... yet my '05 smells like a heep of shit!

Soooo, what can we flatulent four runner owners do to solve this problem? (I don't like to complain. I like to get things done). Do I (we) just go to the dealer and demand that it be fixed? Call Toyota? Just curious....

yes, that ugly smell. 2005 4wd v6 SR5. i have been in denial and wished it were the exhaust of other vehicles around me :-(

is it really that hard to fix, even it'd been reported to Toyota in prev years!

Punk - I agree with you. My 2004 with the TSB completed still has the smell, but its better than before.. You should have smelled it BEFORE the fix! It would have dropped you flat on your back!!!

I had to get up off my back just to post this...

Noticed the sulfur smell in my 2005 V8 SE today when driving to work. I thought maybe it will go away or reduce once I break it in...

And I thought my kid crapped his pants....

New 05 Sport V8 and sure enough, when I have the rear window down and give it more than 1/4 throttle she smells VERY foul....
My understanding is that this is normal.... Many cars do this. Not quite as bad, but its normal....

Heck if I'm running 93 octane to kill the smell...

Soooo, basically you're paying out yer arse by putting in $14/gallon Superduperludicrouspeed octane??!!!! Go with the 87 and save yourself the dough since the smell is going to be there either way, unfortunately!....:upset:

he's right though, the premium gas actually has less smell. Don't ask me why, but it does.

My 05 V8 seems ok so far.....but I don't drive with the rear window down much. Driving with the rear window down in any SUV type vehicle is generally not recomended, as exhaust can enter the cabin, and all exhaust does smell somewhat, particularily under load.

Easy possible fixes:

a) Try different brands of gas, if that doesn't work, try different octanes (as mentioned)....For example, Esso and Petro Canada gas stunk bad in my 03 V8, but Chevron fuel did not smell at all (all 87 oct). Esso 87 stunk, but Esso 91 didn't, etc.

b) Don't drive with rear window down

c) a + b

I've actually only experienced the sulfur smell 3 times during the 11 months that I've had her ('04 V6 Ltd), but the 3 times happened only recently, during the last 2 months. I thought I was one of the lucky few people who didn't have the problem until it happened for the 1st time. I only put 91 oct premium in her after the very 1st tank when new. Maybe there are other factors involved, but I'm not sure. If it happens just once in awhile w/the rear hatch window opened (never more than 1/2 way) while driving, I can live w/it. I've never smell any sulfur w/the windows up. I don't want the TSB service if my mpg is gonna drop. Hopefully it won't get any worse, if it does, I may take it in. BTW, does anyone know if the TSB repairs are done only if the vehicle is still under warranty? Thx!

From my understanding, the Sulpher TSB has a mileage limit, I think its 80,000. But im not 100%. I had the TSB performed at 16,000 miles. I really didnt notice change in power or MPG. I am currently getting 19.5-22mpg average with almost 25,000 miles on the clock. I have not smelled the sulphur smell since the TSB was performed.