Exhaust smell inside the cabin

[Mo's TE]

Hi All,

I'm getting a lot of exhaust smell inside the cabin while windows are closed and ac on circulation. I'm pretty much convinced that it is coming from the vehicle it self rather that other vehicles.

Before it used to happen only hard acceleration, now I could smell it with very mild acceleration. I'm suspecting the parts below:

1. Rear hatch seal
2. Transmission breather line, trans fluid dripping on the exhaust
3. Exhaust leak

Did anyone experience this and what was the solution please?

 

[DirtyMarcus]

I'd say its likely coming from the rear hatch. Maybe a bad hatch seal or rear window seal. Unless you have an audible exhaust leak elsewhere, I would immediately rule out anything with the exhaust system. If its transmission fluid burning, thats a very different smell than exhaust fumes. You should also see some smoke if its fluid hitting the exhaust.

 

[Forgetful]

Have you looked under the hood or under the car for oil leaks?

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

Hi All,

I'm getting a lot of exhaust smell inside the cabin while windows are closed and ac on circulation. I'm pretty much convinced that it is coming from the vehicle it self rather that other vehicles.

Before it used to happen only hard acceleration, now I could smell it with very mild acceleration. I'm suspecting the parts below:

1. Rear hatch seal
2. Transmission breather line, trans fluid dripping on the exhaust
3. Exhaust leak

Did anyone experience this and what was the solution please?

Not on a 4Runner, for me personally, but I’ve heard of others with these vehicles having that issue - being less of an issue with the TRD exhaust out the side. Maybe that could be a nice change / excuse to upgrade.

I have personally experienced an exhaust leak in the engine compartment of another vehicle, but changing from fresh to recirc eliminated the effect. Since it doesn’t fix it for you, I am not sure that is the problem here, BUT if you hear an exhaust leak that remains a possibility.


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[ArthurKotb]

On my 2004 I had the same thing happening. I just changed the rubber gaskets (Upper and Lower) in March and it stopped. I still get the sulfur smell on long, strong accelerations but nothing at city or highway speeds, even on brief hard accelerations. I made a video. Mine was very easy to do. I was concerned that there wasn't any kind of sealer to hold it to the metal but it does just fine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OidqTdNeJFQ&feature=youtu.be

 

[bigdaddy2021]

Dumb suggestion, but can you confirm that your rear hatch glass is 100% closed? Mine was partially open and I was getting some exhaust smell right up into the driver/passenger area.

 

[flyrv9]

Look under the hood and under the vehicle when the engine is cold. check the entire exhaust system for loose connections, leaks and rust damage that could cause a leak. Also as mentioned, the rear window can appear to be up and not be all the way up. Check its seal and the rear hatch seal as well. It's common for the rear hatch seal / gasket to come loose along the bottom due to loading and unloading cargo - mine did!

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

Dumb suggestion, but can you confirm that your rear hatch glass is 100% closed? Mine was partially open and I was getting some exhaust smell right up into the driver/passenger area.

That glass does keep going pretty far up into the molding before it “thuds” shut. I wanna say over an inch.


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[Mo's TE]

I'd say its likely coming from the rear hatch. Maybe a bad hatch seal or rear window seal. Unless you have an audible exhaust leak elsewhere, I would immediately rule out anything with the exhaust system. If its transmission fluid burning, thats a very different smell than exhaust fumes. You should also see some smoke if its fluid hitting the exhaust.

It's on top of my list, part is out of stock where I am will order online and let everyone know the outcome. I don't see smoke coming out and I cant hear anything odd from the exhaust.

 

[Mo's TE]

Have you looked under the hood or under the car for oil leaks?

That I did multiple time, no sign of leaks.

 

[Mo's TE]

Dumb suggestion, but can you confirm that your rear hatch glass is 100% closed? Mine was partially open and I was getting some exhaust smell right up into the driver/passenger area.

How? Do you mean rolled all the way up using the window switch then yes I did that. But I cannot say that it's closed 100%. Is there an adjustment procedure to follow?