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Comments
My friend bought his automatic 4runner in 99 new. He always shift to N position (from D) while slowing down approaching redlights, stop signs, while waiting on traffic or going downhills (when it's ok, he knows about engine break). He says that it helps saving fuel and a bit on transmission, and also feel like stickshift! My opinion is that doing so will somehow kill the transmission faster (too many shift between D and N positions).
Please let us know what you think. Thank you.
(His 4runner still runs like new now!)
If a TSB is claiming that a fuel additive is causing the repeated odors, then why is this not a problem in more vehicles. I have driven/owned many different makes an models of car/trucks, all seasons of the year and have not had that problem? If fuel additives were causing odors in many vehicles, this would have come to the attention of the NTSB a long time ago and changes would have been made. Manufacturers know what is in fuel--they would be the first to complain to Washington and the the oil companies if it was causing a widespread problem with their vehicles. The story would be on 60 minutes.
What is it about the design of the new 4-runner or the engine that is causing that problem. It seem as if the V8 is afflicted. That same V8 engine has been out in the Sequoia for some time? What is it about the new 4-runner that creates a problem?
Just some questions for everyone to ponder?
Official Petition to Ford/Mazda - Escape / Tribute gas odors II
GM:
2001 Suburban exhaust odor
VW, Nissan, Infiniti, Pontiac, BMW, KIA, Buick (and more!):
Rotten Egg smell exhaust
and that's just from a quick 2 minute search of Town Hall...
Steve, Host
Also, this is the first vehicle I have ever owned that did not achieve the posted EPA gas mileage printed on the window sticker. I have not been able to manage over 17 mpg at any time.
This issue is NOT exclusive to the Runner. Beyond those links that Steve provided showing other affected car lines, this has been discussed in the Sequoia topic and I have it in my Tundra (again, I only get it when I lead foot the thing).
I remember on the window sticker that I DO have the "50-state emission" feature. Maybe that's got something to do with it.
I have also heard about moving a little to save the brakes. The theory is when you brake hard and stop the pads are very hot and at a stop, the heat is just one area of the disc. If you move a little the heat moves to another part of the disc. Once again much ado about nothing.
I'm just trying to gauge how severe the problem is for people who are experiencing it. Is it something that literally makes you sick or is it something that doesn't necessarily drive you out of the car but you feel that for 30K there shouldn't be any odor at all. (Which I wouldn't disagree with)
I don't know what changes Toyota has been making recently in engine management software, but these are all the most recently redesigned vehicles that have this smell.
Don't forget, the gas sold in the 49 states has some of the highest sulfur content around (and I mean, internationally).
I say 49, because California mandated the low sulfur gas a couple of years ago, so that our gas here has less than 1/10 as much sulfur in it as everyone else. I have been asking people in the threads, and I have yet to find anyone with this complaint that is driving in California...is anyone here with a rotten-egg smell a CA driver?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I live in the DC area, on the other side of the DC Beltway from Cliffy. I have an 03 with the V-8.
MD requires "oxygenated" gas sold in the State during the Winter months to reduce pollution. North East states may also do this. It may reduce sulfer emissions.
I have noticed a very mild sulfer di-oxide smell when I used Amoco gas. I do not notice it on CITGO. Maybe CITGO has a lower sulfer content. I did notice that It seemed worse on Amoco after I accelerated faster than usual, then parked and got out. I have never smelled it inside with the A/C on, or with the windows open.
No way was it so bad as to cause my wife or two daughters to even remark about it, when we got out of the 4Runner. They are no strangers to complaining, either.
I am very satisfied with the vehicle. I would buy it all over again, even with the snow almost all melted. I'm going down to the Outer Banks of NC this weekend to play with my 4Runner in the sand.
Interesting, though, that this isn't limited to the 4Runner. Sounds like you'd be taking your chances with getting a stinky vehicle no matter what you buy.
Our gas here in CO is oxygenated, too.
I'd imagine they put the 50 state emissions on all the vehicles sold here in the US. It's a no-charge option.
I'm glad my 4Runner doesn't stink. It kicked major @$$ this morning in our big snowstorm. The VSC kicked in a few times in parking lots and the side roads. We've got probably 6 or 8 inches of snow already, looking for 10 to 20 more over the next 36 hours.
ariellyn "Hyundai Santa Fe problems" Aug 6, 2001 5:29pm
Never in CA:
nippononly "Vibe and Matrix Maintenance & Repair Concerns" Mar 12, 2003 8:32pm
I seem to remember a post, maybe in that M&R Rotten Egg board, where one refinery in Michigan was already meeting 2007 standards for low sulfur gas and that was supposed to cure the problem.
Steve, Host
SV
h109 "Mazda MPV Problems" Jan 29, 2003 11:47am
It links to a Mazda TSB about the smell, and applies to all Mazda models.
Unrepairable Foul Emission Oder In New Camry is a whole 'nother discussion about the smell (Toyota! and Saabs) and some more suggestions.
Steve, Host
http://www.crosslander4x4.com/toc/
leedavidyoung "Cross Lander" Mar 18, 2003 11:42am
Steve, Host
I have had cars in the past where the smell has been a lot worse, especially in my '79 Mustang. That was a real stinker, in more ways than one.
I can live with this issue. The truck runs great. I am getting aroung 17.3(my calculation) MPG doing about 75% city driving.
Knowing that the problem only occurs when I gun the engine can be useful. If someone is tailgating me, I can always gun the engine and let them have a whiff. Maybe that will back them off.
I tried Toyota.com website for 4Runner configuration and could not locate "Appearance Pkg" even after using different zip codes!!!
Thanks in advance
Dumeel
I notice it coming from my E320 since this Winter. It was not there last year.
I am looking for a grill guard for my 03 4runner, preferably something like safari bar. My dealer told me that it could be mid summer for Toyota to release something like that on 03 model. Does anyone know where I can find an after market one?
I need it badly. Thank you for any input.
I do have the sulphur odor problem. I live in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. It most often occurs after acceleration followed by slowing down or stopping. (I have experienced it with a 5.7 V8 Suburban and only once in 3 years with an Audi A6 V8.) Given that it happens on acceleration, it seems the engine must be running over rich (at least richer than the emissions system can handle). The 4.7 is in so many vehicles, Toyota should be able to fix this. Denying that the problem exists rarely contributes to a solution.
You may not have a choice, I didn't see a Ltd (MD area) without a stereo or NAV upgrade.
Finally, how much did you guys pay over invoice? So far, with sunroof (?), spoiler, day running lights, running boards, cargo mats, double decker cargo system, and sport package, the offer is $32,550 (un-negotiated). I think that this is about $2000 over invoice. How low can I talk them down? BTW, with those listed options, Cardirect quotes $30,363.
Thanks in advance for the input. I really would love to get this truck tomorrow
JBL Upgrade, If I could, I would not spend the extra money, but I never heard of a Limited without it.
By the way the truck still stinks when under heavy acceleration or going up small hills, overpasses, bridges, etc... It's so embarrassing!!! People comment: "Nice truck, but horrid smell."
As to the exhaust smell - that has been around since the advent of the cat converter. On some vehicles it tends to go away or diminish after a few thousand miles and it is somewhat dependand on fuel type(BMW had to make some changes to thier 4.0 V8 a few years ago, because the high sulphur content of US fuel was eroding cylinder walls - gave a BUNCH of people new engines). Yesterday, I was following a new Impala up a slight hill & guess what, sulphur smell from his exhaust! Station wagon types (SUV's)have always pulled exhaust fumes in thru the back window when down - it is jusp simple aerodynamics. Look in ANY SW/SUV owners manual & it will tell you not to drive with the back window open. Todays vehicles are designed to be driven with the windows up, at least at highway speeds. That is why we are blessed/cursed with the fancy HVAC systems. If you want open air feelings at highway speed - buy a convertible.