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Comments
the fix works just fine and it's fully covered by the warranty.
Thanks for your consideration,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
What method did you use to fix this problem, and do you have a 2005 Model? If so, do you know what part number your dealership used?
Thanks,
Sean
I really like the v8 over the v6 and what's even more surprising I think that I am getting better gas mileage with the v8. :surprise:
Polartoy
For example, the cabin air filter? Would this cause the filter to need to be changed prematurely?
As for long term effects, I would be concerned about damage to the engine itself?
Any thoughts?
Now, others, like myself, who have a similar smell while sitting still in traffic is a whole different story. The explanation that I received is that when the 4Runner was redesigned, they used a new material in the catalytic converter that was supposedly safer for workers to handle when building the vehicle. This new material has been causing some excess sulfur smells, especially depending on the type of gasoline you use. There are no long term adverse effects, whether for your cabin filter or otherwise. Just keep the back window up and enjoy your 4Runner!!
+
HOWEVER, if your 4Runner has the odor all the time, whether in traffic, idoling, or otherwise, then there is an issue of concern. This is not normal. However, the explanation I have received is that the catalytic converter is now made of a new material that is safer for the workers who put your 4Runner together.
So, my final point is this. Driving with the back window down is a bad idea in any vehicle because it will tend to suck exhaust back into the vehicle. There is no reason to drive with the back window down unless you are hauling something that will not fit. So your choice is this......continue to allow the smell to make you upset and spend lots of your valuable time at the Toyota dealership complaining, OR just put your window up. Whether you think that is stupid or not, those are pretty much your choices. Lemon law will not likely help you either, because depending on the law of your state, the problem usually needs to create a safety issue which, unless the smell is making you physically ill, is not present here.
Enjoy!
BTW-If I still had this problem I wouldn't listen to the folks in here because they have never experienced this first hand. If they had they'd understand. Good Luck and if you give up, just don't buy another.
thanks,
I've owned a lot of new vehicles over the years and have never had this issue. I have owned Grand Cherokee's, Ford Explorer's, Chevy Trailblazer's, Honda Accord's and many more. Floored them all as I drive aggressively at times.
Was looking to buy a 2005 or 2006 Grand Cherokee and in my research have never seen a single post about rotten egg smells, not even in the older models.
It is INEXCUSABLE why Toyota has not addressed this defect. 2003, 2004 and 2005 models have the problem, and no doubt 2006 models will have it as well. In typical Toyota fashion the issue is being skirted. Sheesh, people tried to "warn" me about buying a Grand Cherokee, told me to get a 4Runner instead. Am I ever glad I did NOT take their advice!
4Runner owners with the sulfur issue are pretty much screwed. You really have no choice but to trade it in and get another brand SUV, or to go out and buy gas masks for the entire family.
So please limit your contributions to helpful and constructive comments and solutions.
thank you
MrShiftright
Host
Huh? What other 4Runner forums?
"4Runners are about as bulletproof as a tin can. While they have enjoyed above average reliability ratings in the past that has slipped in recent years. The new 4Runners have been plagued with problems, many of which have been difficult to resolve. These have not just been for the new 2003 model year, the same issues have carried over for 2004 and 2005. The way Toyota addresses vehicle problems I'm sure you'll see the same for 2006."
Any other questions?
ONE other post does not constitute "bashing the 4Runner for months". And I do not consider posting the truth as "bashing". The new 4Runner has had more than its share of issues and is far from as reliable of a vehilce that some owners would like you to believe. What is frustrating is the fact that Toyota is not doing all that they can to resolve the problems.You can pretty much count on the fact that 2006 owners will be dealing with the sulfur issue.
thanks
Shifty the Host
PS. I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I now own the 4Runner mentioned. I am much happier with the 4Runner. The Jeep made me worried everytime I drove it. Not a very smooth ride compared to Toyota, and the engine is too loud.
For owners who have the sulfur problem, if your dealer does not seem to want to help solve the issue and wants to brush it aside, try another local dealer if one is nearby. Some dealers are a lot more helpful than others. Remember that you do NOT have to have warranty work performed where you bought the vehicle, ANY Toyota dealer can perform warranty work.
Also, does anyone know when to change the timing belt on the 03 4 Runners. the manual didnt state anything and it only say's to change the belt on the V8 at 90k
Called the dealer and they said it should be changed at 60K to 90K. Does any one know the exact milage or if it needs to be changed.
BTW has anybody looked at the 03 owners manual. Man, its realy bad.
I also have the sulphur issue and the tsb I got says nothing about a fix, just that lead contents in fuel have changed, and so I am in the process of trying different fuels, funny no matter how hard I drove the Jeep I could still drive with the windows open.
Models:
’03 – ’04 4Runner (2UZ–FE)
Technical Service
BULLETIN
June 14, 2004
Some customers may complain of excessive sulfur dioxide odor on 2003–2004
model year 4Runner (2UZ–FE) vehicles under the following conditions:
�� Stop and go driving.
�� Heavy acceleration.
In order to reduce the sulfur dioxide odor, the Electronic Control Module (ECM)
(SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) fuel cut control logic has been modified and
a new catalyst is provided. Follow the repair procedure to reflash the ECM and replace
the catalytic converter assembly.
NOTE:
For more complete understanding of the root cause, refer to TSB No. EG003–03
“Sulfur Odor From Exhaust,” dated February 24, 2003.
�� 2003 – 2004 model year 4Runner vehicles equipped with the 2UZ–FE engine
produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.
MODEL PLANT DRIVETRAIN PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
Tahara
V8 2WD JTEZT##R#40016279
4Runner
V8 4WD JTEBT##R#40037525
Hino
V8 2WD JTEZT##R#48004215
V8 4WD JTEBT##R#48015016
OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2
EG4004 Recalibrate ECM (PCM) Engine 0.8
17410 50360 60 99
Combo A R & R Catalytic Converter Assembly 0.2
17410–Applicable Warranty*:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Specified Major Emission Control Component
Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs
first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.
* Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s specific complaint.
ENGINE
Introduction
Applicable
Vehicles
Production
Change
Information
Warranty
Information
Models:
’03 – ’04 4Runner (2UZ–FE)
Technical Service
BULLETIN
June 14, 2004
Some customers may complain of excessive sulfur dioxide odor on 2003–2004
model year 4Runner (2UZ–FE) vehicles under the following conditions:
�� Stop and go driving.
�� Heavy acceleration.
In order to reduce the sulfur dioxide odor, the Electronic Control Module (ECM)
(SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) fuel cut control logic has been modified and
a new catalyst is provided. Follow the repair procedure to reflash the ECM and replace
the catalytic converter assembly.
NOTE:
For more complete understanding of the root cause, refer to TSB No. EG003–03
“Sulfur Odor From Exhaust,” dated February 24, 2003.
�� 2003 – 2004 model year 4Runner vehicles equipped with the 2UZ–FE engine
produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.
MODEL PLANT DRIVETRAIN PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
Tahara
V8 2WD JTEZT##R#40016279
4Runner
V8 4WD JTEBT##R#40037525
Hino
V8 2WD JTEZT##R#48004215
V8 4WD JTEBT##R#48015016
OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2
EG4004 Recalibrate ECM (PCM) Engine 0.8
17410 50360 60 99
Combo A R & R Catalytic Converter Assembly 0.2
17410–Applicable Warranty*:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Specified Major Emission Control Component
Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs
first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.
* Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s specific complaint.
ENGINE
Introduction
Applicable
Vehicles
Production
Change
Information
Warranty
Information
Is it possible Toyota still hasn't fixed the problem or could this be something else?
What does Toyota need to do about it? Only one thing. Own up to it. Toyota refused to acknowledge IN WRITING that my car had a systematic transmission problem. Their customer service reps politely took my trouble report, gave me a trouble report number, told me that I'd never have to pay for a replacement transmission as long as I owned the car blah, blah blah. And then they refused to put any of their statements, mainly that I'd never have to pay for a transmission for this vehicle, in writing. "It's not our policy".
Folks ought to know that, before they pay Toyota's "quality" premium and contrary to all the B$, Toyota is no better than other car makers.
TOYOTA IS NOW REPLACING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.