New TSB released on sulfur smell

[toyo]

They call me the TSB man!

 

[tkr128]

Wow...thanks! My car qualifies too! Not sure how I like them reprogramming my ECU though.

 

[bluewolf]

Man, I just can't understand why my 4Runner doesn't seem to have the "sulfur-stink" problem as bad as everyone else's. We rarely ever notice the odor... even with the windows down. I can smell it only if I put the rear window down and put the pedal to the floor, but even then it seems mild compared to the complaints I've read! I still think it must have something to do with the gas we use, we always fill up at the same Chevron station.

 

[toybox]

Did you read the warning on the TSB about permanent damage that may occur when recalibrating the ECU. That is a little scary.

What actually happens when they adjust The ECU? Will it affect performance in any way?

 

[ToolmanJohn]

That's fantastic!!

The egg stench has been my only beef about the 4runner since I purchased it. I did not know about the smell before buying, and my test drive didn't involve having the rear window down.
My VIN number qualifies me. I think I'll have it arranged for the fix in early August just before my vacation. I think the new catalytic converter will have a nickel based catalyst like the older 4runners. The new catalyst being used (less toxic) just can't handle sulfer as well.

 

[jharris2]

Man, I just can't understand why my 4Runner doesn't seem to have the "sulfur-stink" problem as bad as everyone else's. We rarely ever notice the odor... even with the windows down. I can smell it only if I put the rear window down and put the pedal to the floor, but even then it seems mild compared to the complaints I've read! I still think it must have something to do with the gas we use, we always fill up at the same Chevron station.

Agreed -- even though my engine was early production, I've only rarely noticed the smell. But we fill up all over town, multiple brands of gas, all 87 octane.

 

[xcalibur]

me also

i am with you, i have now hit 1000 miles on my v8 sport and i drive with the drivers side window half way down and the fan blowing at medium and with the rer window about half way down to vent the airflow out, and i have yet to smell any sulfer or egg smell as others here.

 

[Duc Hunter]

Yeah, where

 

[darktiger]

Should be interesting to see if they are going to release a TSB for the V8. Sulfer smell doesn't bother me, but it is there. Guess I was use to sniffing all that CS gas in the Marines.....mmmmmm CS Gas with fiberglass....

 

[xcalibur]

??????

I am really confused guys. Not that this is not a normal thing for me. But i was off work today and drove all over town with rear down and drivers side down...and i really get no smell at all as of yet. Is this something that is happening to everyone???

 

[toyo]

In regards to the sulfur smell, My v8 will emit an odor with the rear window down only under hard acceleration. However if you think about how many cars dont have roll down windows the problem is not noticed. Maybe the v6 does it more than the norm, but I feel all engines emit some type of odor.
I hope with all this customer complaints Toyota doesnt decide to stop designing the 4runner with the roll down window. I remember my 1987 and 1994 runner did the same thing. Youv'e gotta remember the exhaust pipe is right down under the bumper.

 

[Canuck]

My V6 is relatively bad when it comes to sulphur odor. I'll have to see if it qualifys for the upgrade.

I wonder if the ECM upgrade will effect performance?

 

[o9stealth5]

let me vent

FINALLY!!! I've been so embarassed about my 4Runner's cabin smelling like sulphur when I accelerate and then get stuck at a red light. Everyone's talking about having the windows down etc. Well...it happens with the windows up too!!! I've tried switching different types/ brands of gas and the smell still shows up if the opportunity arises. I even tried switching DEODORANTS! It's about time Toyota...

 

[mam4994]

On my V6 which was manufactured on 01/04, there is almost no sulfur smell unless you drop the hammer and the rear window is open. However, I rented a 2004 4Runner from a car company, and even with the rear window up you could still smell the sulfur, it was pretty sick.

I saw on the TSB it says there are two (2) plants where the 4Runner was manufactrued at: Tahara or Hino. I was under the impression that ALL 4Runners were manufactured at Tahara. But I could be wrong, please advise.

 

[pag04]

I also get the smell on my '04 V8. What is the best way to complain to Toyota about this to try to influence getting a TSB issued for the V8?

George

 

[bluewolf]

Re: ??????

I am really confused guys. Not that this is not a normal thing for me. But i was off work today and drove all over town with rear down and drivers side down...and i really get no smell at all as of yet. Is this something that is happening to everyone???

No, you're not the only one. I've done everything I can think of to get my 4Runner to stink like everyone else's to no avail. Like I said, I can smell it if I have the back window down and heavy into the gas, but still not strong. I feel left out!!

 

[Weedo]

The ONLY time I smell it is when the back window is down. But anything over, say, 1/2 throttle I'll smell it. When I hammer it, then it's real bad.

I heard someone say they replaced their exhaust (muffler, not the cat) and the smell went away. Seems odd though as it must be the cat!

 

[lildevil23]

stink bombs

I have not had the stink bomb released in my truck yet..hopefully I wont have to deal with this..but the section on edmunds.com townhall discussion on Maintenance & Repair has a couple of people complaining about the smell..to an extent that a few won lemon law cases..a few suggestions and tips are also provided.. its a 35 page post..i've been doing a couple of pages every day just in case!!..