06 V8 Sport - Sulfur smell when back window down?

[JoJoBetsy]

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[Scuba4Runner]

Thanks for posting these TSBs. I called my dealer up and they still won't fix it until I have at least 5K miles on it. I will try another local dealer.

Again, thanks for posting this.

ScubaRunner

 

[Baba Booey]

I notice in the TSB that the replacement cats have a different part number than the original factory installed cats. Beacause this has been a recurring problem for several years, I wonder why Toyota never discontinued using the original exhaust parts and switched over to the other "non-smelly" parts during assembly.

What would be the reason for not trying to eliminate the problem on the newer vehicles from the start? Cost? Could the original cats be "better" in some other ways? You would think that any cost difference could be made up by Toyota not having to pay for these replacements under warranty.

I opened my rear window only once so far while driving, and I immediately noticed the strong sulfur smell. Once the nice weather hits, I wonder if I'll be looking to have this service done on my rig too.

 

[JoJoBetsy]

Thanks for posting these TSPs. I called my dealer up and they still won't fix it until I have at least 5K miles on it. I will try another local dealer.

Again, thanks for posting this.

ScubaRunner

Yes, try ONE more dealership and if they don't fix it with the TSB in your hand then let them know you will be contacting Toyota (http://www.toyota.com/about/contact/index.html) to follow up on how the dealership(s) are refusing to repair your vehicle to the factory TSBs published. "Do you see a mileage requirement on this TSB?" is something I'd say. The general manager of the dealership you bought it from should be contacted as well.

Good luck anyhow. I had my '05 fixed and they were too happy to do it. Hope your next stop is likewise.

jb

 

[no1sportz]

I had my '05 fixed and they were too happy to do it. Hope your next stop is likewise.

So I am assuming this is a different TSB that the prior ones, correct? I remember them having one before but it never actually fixed the problem. Any clue?

If this is a new TSB then that is great news! I might actually have to get it completed!

 

[JoJoBetsy]

So I am assuming this is a different TSB that the prior ones, correct? I remember them having one before but it never actually fixed the problem. Any clue?

If this is a new TSB then that is great news! I might actually have to get it completed!

Different...yes, however, this is the only TSB for the 2006 regarding the sulfur complaint. It is essentially identical to my 2005 TSB issued for the same reason. The parts the TSB states to order were indeed ordered by my dealership, I was called back within the week and the Runner was repaired to the TSB specifications.

If you look at the '06 TSB it refers back to another TSB that was published in Feb '03. The '03 TSB told service writers to basically tell the customer they were full of sulfur smelling gas and that replacing those parts which, according to the later TSBs, actually fix the problem would not fix the problem. Does that make sense? Essentially in '03 they didn't own up to the problem and in '04 and subsequent years, they did. So, if your dealership refers to the '03 TSB it can be confusing, but you, the customer, should get the service writer, if not the service or general manager, to focus on the model year TSB you own and insist they repair the vehicle to the specification of that TSB without question.

In Texas, four times in 12K or 12 months for this kind of problem will get you a new vehicle, especially with TSBs published.

 

[jlboers]

Re: Re: Re: I called the dealer..

I too have a V6 2006 T4R and the same thing. I now have ~3k on it and the smell has definitely dimished. I think the cat needs to "burn in". I will be visiting the stealer at about 5k and if it's there, raise holy hell about it. For now I am just considering it as the toyota "new car smell"

Well.. I recently turned 5000 miles on the odometer and I still have the sulphur smell. I brought thr 4R in to have the sunroof glass replaced (tornado/hail damage) and mentioned the tsb to the service writer. He called me up and said he'll have the new cats in tomorrow. Not a problem at all. Now lets hope it fixes the issue. Warm weather is here now and I would love to ride around with the windows down.

 

[busbeepbeep]

I have a new 06 V8 4runner on order. Should I call the salesman and ask if to make sure this TSB is performed before i take delivery?

 

[snap315]

I have a new 06 V8 4runner on order. Should I call the salesman and ask if to make sure this TSB is performed before i take delivery?

The Dealership will not perform this TSB prior to you taking delivery of it.

If you do smell this problem (not all 4Runners have it) take it back to the delaer (along with the printed out TSB) and ask them to fix it. They will then test it to see if the vehicle does have this excessive sulfur smell problem.

Once they determine this problem does exist on your vehicle they will order the replacement parts (2 CAT converters & some pipe). Once the parts arrive (2 days to 2 weeks) they will install them. Your T4R will have a different smell for a couple of days if the new parts haven't been "cooked" in yet. After that the smell should be gone or greatly reduced.

Good luck and enjoy your awesome new ride.

 

[Uneek]

I have a new 06 V8 4runner on order. Should I call the salesman and ask if to make sure this TSB is performed before i take delivery?

Wait until you get your truck. I haven't noticed the smell on mine. When I first start up getting it out of the garage or coming back, there's no sulfer smell, just that usual exhaust smell.

 

[CVsGX470]

I have an '05 V8 Sport 4x4, but I have never had the sulphur smell..knock on wood! I bought it new with 6 miles or so. It now has about 10,000. I guess I'm lucky?

Put your rear window and your front window down. Find a hill to go up. Go up the hill slowly. When you are going up the hill, punch it for a few seconds and let off...you'll smell it.
CV