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-------------Editting to add:
I just read an earlier post in this forum that states the following (i.e., there is a specific TSB for the 4runner):
EXCESSIVE SULFUR DIOXIDE ODOR
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
I just finished talking to the Toyota dealer and guess what bad news... there is a new TSB EG004-06 that does cover the 2006 4Runners... I am going to the dealer to let them check it out...
Thanks to all of the posters that contributed to the sulfur SO2 issue... it makes it easier to trouble-shoot issues when information is exchanged...
In conclusion, Toyota is not addressing this issue since it is a costly one (over $2k) to fix it and relies on a per case ("if you got the smell then we will take care of you").
Can you imagine $2,000 X 100k customers more or less = $200 millions...
Yes, but compared with the $30,000 X 100K = $3 BILLIONS they paid for the vehicles makes it small potatoes!
tidester, host
if the part number is the same then the issue is manufacture / quality control. it would be interesting to know if the part is being replaced with a different part number.
if the part number is not the same, while it could also be manufacture / quality control, most likely it is expense because of superior design, tolerances, materials, size, etc etc.
the number of TSBs across a range of models... perhaps its a matter of manufacturer / supplier lot related QA issues...
outsourcing issues?
I was at the dealership today and I feel like I'm getting the run around. I was told to change gas stations -- been there, done that. The dealership has known about this problem for at least two years and I told them I would remind them every time I came in. My service advisor said he'd provide me with the TSB that acknowledges the existence of a sulfur smell but that there is no fix for it. When I checked out with the cashier she did not have the TSB and said my service advisor did not provide her with one. She said I could check with another service advisor because mine had gone out for lunch. :mad:
Thanks in advance.
>>
TSB EG003-03
Introduction:
Some owners of Toyota vehicles may experience a sulfur like or rotten egg odor from the exhaust system. Sulfur is a natural component of crude oil from which gasoline is refined and the amount of sulfur can be decreases through the refining process. The amount of sulfur in fuel in CA is regulated, however gasoline sold in other states can have substantially higher sulfur content. Sulfur content also varies considerably between gasoline brands and locations.
Applicable vehicles:
All models
Repair procedure:
A sulfur odor emitted from the vehicle tailpipe does not necessarily indicate that there is an issue with the engine’s condition, but is most likely directly related to the fuel. If the vehicle is exhibiting an excessive sulfur odor, the following checks should be performed:
If the MIL light is ON, check for DTCs and repair as necessary
If no trouble is found after performing the above check, recommend the customer try a different source of fuel.
Replacement of oxygen sensors, air/fuel ratio sensors or catalytic converters will not reduce the odor and therefore will not be considered warrantable.
>>
That was amended with:
http://www.autosafety.org/Toyota%2003-04%204Runner%20Catalyst.pdf
And for the V8 there is this:
TSB: EG020-04:
Title: Excessive Sulfur Dioxide Odor
Models: '03-'04 4Runner (2UZ-FE)
Date: June 14, 2004
Google with the following to get a copy:
+"4Runner (2UZ-FE)" +sulfur
my VIN# is not in that range. I have a 300 series VIN
JTEBTxxRx30012751
I bought the 4Runner in VA but now live in Southern California and I still get the sulfur smell -- which I describe as an ammonia smell - it's acrid - burns my nose. My dad had a Buick Regal in the '70s that had that rotten egg smell which is different then what I'm smelling from my truck. My service advisor had the nerve to tell me to close the windows when I'm driving uphill to which I replied: then why do I have windows that open and close? so that I can keep them closed?
Thanks again.
Are you sure sure your VIN doesn't fall into the range convered by the TSB? It implies that for vehicles of the provided VINs moving forward in production, there is no issue (implying they caught it and fixed it or had otherwise switched parts), but for those *BEFORE* the VINs listed, there is the issue.
OK, I'm not a VIN decoder expert. I may be wrong.
OK - I re-read the printed TSB you provided and yes, I would think my 300-series VIN would come before the 400-series VIN but without my decoder ring I can't be sure.
We have a new Toyota dealership here in SoCal so maybe I will give them a call for my next service.
Thanks again.
here is some information:
http://www.autohausaz.com/html/vehicle_identification_numbers.html
My conclusion is either dealership did not do the job right or the gas brand Murphy USA is causing this issue.
Has anyone else experienced the bad smell SO2 on a 2006 4Runner LTD V8 4WD even after replacing the CCs?
Thanks--
it's nice to see the company is doing right by a good customer, vain or not.
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/sulfur_smell/eg003-03.pdf
And here's the only link I could find for the TSB EG004-06
http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Toyota/1141200000000_1141718400000_EG004-06/index.htm- l
please reply if you're experiencing the same smell with your 4runner
Logan s
Basically there is nothing you can do. It's a matter of them using a different Catalytic converter (a cheaper one). I took this trough the Arbitration court and lost. I tried hard and based my issue with the fact that the smell was putting my child's health at risk. It didn't work. So here is what you can do:
1. Buy the attachment that pushes the exhaust pipe out to the side and then it won't come into the windows as bad.
2. Your best bet if you don't like the smell hook up your car to run E85 and you will smell french fries instead.
http://running_on_alcohol.tripod.com/id26.html
3. Buy a Honda.
I don't mean to be harsh but I am so fed up with Toyota and I have since sold the 4Runner.
Good luck, sorry I don't have any good news to report.
EG020-04, EXCESSIVE SULFUR DIOXIDE ODOR, 2003 – 2004 model year 4Runner vehicles equipped with the 2UZ–FE engine produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs listed (see the TSB for the VIN #'s).
see message 808.
Factually, Toyota had issues with a number of models with CAT Convertors that were probably defective.
Good luck.
did you do this BEFORE the new cat was available? replacing it with the same CAT and just doing a reprogramming probably wouldn't help.
did you try taking it to another dealership? because the new P/N covertor and the reprogram should have helped you.
thx.
I had this problem ever since I bought the car a year ago. Every time I take to the dealership, a mechanic will drive the vehicle and he does not see or feel the problem. They plug a computer to it and get no reading. It's getting very frustrating because friends who ride with me are experiencing the problem and the dealership don't. Not sure what to do or if anyone else is experiencing this as well. Sounds like I have a bad transmission but cannot prove it.
it's also possible you have a lazy / slow solenoid valve assembly which controls where the fluid is ported. my thinking is. they won't replace that for you?
have you brought it to another dealership? should be a warranty item right?
i feel for ya.
I have tried various scenarios like accelerating with the AC and the re-circulate on and accelerating with the AC on and the re-circulation off. I have also tried both previously mentioned methods with the AC off. Windows open, windows closed, you name it..I've tried it. I mentioned it to my mechanic before her recent 10,000 oil change, when I picked her up he said everything he checked the exhaust and everything was okay.
Has anyone had any luck having the dealers remedy this since the last post? I'm due for an inspection in September, if I point my mechanic in the right direction, he sees a problem, is there a chance it won't pass? If it does, I was planning on bringin the failure slip to the dealer. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
good luck with resolving the problem.
I wouldn't be too concerned about the sulfur smell. It's not like it's persistent or choking or toxic or anything like that. Typically, you occasionally get a whiff of it then it's gone.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
There is nothing wrong with the air cond system; the excessive sulfur has forced its way into the air cond vent. There are 2 air cond systems in my car. The Service Centre concentrated so much on the front air cond vent that they have forgotten about the back air cond. All they are doing now is sealing the flaps (or any entries or gaps). Toyota is aware of their problem as it was posted in the TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MAY 24, 2004 (you can type and surf the title). Camry 02-04 Camry (2AZ-FE) faced the same problem.
The only thing I am afraid is that the catalytic converter will be clogged and I will face major engine problems. I heard misfire sounds (firecracker sound) from the exhaust the last few days and there were also excessive smell outside the car. I have turned off the rear air cond at the moment and there is no smell these 2 days but I am still monitoring the car.
I'll be sending my car back to the service centre on Monday to let them seal any gaps at the back and also to check the exhaust systems. Have called a few private car service firms to find out more. Most said that only 2 parts produce sulfur 1) Over charging battery 2) the exhaust/catalytic converter.
I hope I can share my solution from a cross the globe. At least the Americans can apply the "LEMON LAW" which is not applicable in Malaysia at the moment. Sealing gaps are temporary measures; sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problem in the long term......BUT THE MAIN QUESTION IS " WILL THE NEW CAT CONVERTER DAMAGE MY ENGINE?"
Toyota Techincal Service bulletin Excessive sulfur dioxide odor
http://www.toyotapart.com/EXCESSIVE_SULFUR_DIOXIDE_ODOR_T-EG009-04.pdf
http://www.toyotapart.com/EXCESSIVE_SULFUR_DIOXIDE_ODOR_T-EG017-04.pdf
http://www.autosafety.org/Toyota%2003-04%20Corolla%20Catalyst.pdf
http://www.autosafety.org/Toyota%2003-04%204Runner%20Catalyst.pdf