Sulfur Smell

[Huskers79]

Good morning,

Approximately two months ago I took my 2016 4Runner (~50k miles) in for an oil change, tire rotation, and the 4x4 (differential) service. When I arrived home from that service I smelled a fairly significant sulfur smell from the driver's side rear. I took it back a week later, and they were unable to diagnose any leaks or issues.

It's now going on two months and the smell persists. It strongest on the driver's side and only after being driven. The smell is much fainter near the exhaust (passenger rear).

I've read lots of complaints with early 4th gen 4Runners, but I haven't seen much with regards to the 5th gen 4Runner. Additionally, I find it suspect that I never noticed this prior to the 4x4 service.

Thank you.

 

[Bossman]

Rotten Egg Smell???

Rotten Egg Smell from Exhaust

Rotten egg smell from exhaust

Exhaust Smell

Sulfur smell from exhaust around 55-60

Egg Smell... I'm Not Alone?!?!

 

[s13koop]

I always associate that smell with a bad battery

 

[fkheath]

The rotten egg smell is caused by sulfur in the gas, i.e. cheep gas. Change your brand of gas to a top tier gas and it should go away. TOP TIER™ Gasoline Brands

 

[RichinRidgewood]

Good morning,

I smelled a fairly significant sulfur smell from the driver's side rear.

Dog farted?

 

[<<<<]

Gasoline is not the issue unless you get yours from Uncle Mickey Surplus store. It is most likely Cat Convertors (5th gen has several). Usually this is issue in 4th gen and rarely 5th. Have you had any exhaust work done? Is it possible your service added some "cleaning agent" to the gas tank?

 

[Bassturd]

I used to get an odd sulphuric type smell coming from my old Tacoma. Some days were worse then others. I got it to go away by replacing the charcoal inside the charcoal canister. Not really sure if that’s were the smell was coming from but at the time it was an easy solution to try and the smell went away. Good luck with yours.

 

[Huskers79]

Gasoline is not the issue unless you get yours from Uncle Mickey Surplus store. It is most likely Cat Convertors (5th gen has several). Usually this is issue in 4th gen and rarely 5th. Have you had any exhaust work done? Is it possible your service added some "cleaning agent" to the gas tank?

This is where I'm confused. First poster linked numerous threads where the answer was "it's normal". Others say it is not.

In regards to all of the questions in this thread:

- Gas is from Costco...which is supposedly top tier. Premium doesn't seem to make a difference.
- No "cleaning agents" added.

Why do I only smell on driver's side and not much at all over by exhaust? Peak smell is near the tank. And is there anything accomplished during the 4x4 service that may have caused the issue?

Thank you.

 

[02SE]

Gear oil can have a strong sulfur smell. The fact that the smell showed up after having the gear oil changed leads me to suspect possibly loose drain or fill plugs. Overfilling and it's puking out the vent. Or plugged axle vent leading to a possible gear oil leak from an axle seal. If it is an axle seal, you will probably see the gear oil running down the inner tire sidewall.

 

[<<<<]

That is it! Gear oil possibly got splashed near exhaust pipe and when pipe gets hot you smell vapors. Just run trough a car wash with bottom rinse and you will be good.