04 4-Runner and Burning smell

[Brian R.]

I've answered this. It is other cars. If you had done some research on the issue you would realize this.

California gasoline is required to be low in sulfur content. That is why you don't normally smell it in California. Even fewer cars in CA smell than in other states.

If you are worried, don't buy it. Just don't worry out of ignorance of the issue, and don't spread uninformed claims. You have a responsibility to read about issues before you spread rumors. Live up to that responsibility.

Here are some links - read.

http://www.swri.edu/10light/catalyst.htm

http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/TROUBL...G/exhaust.html

http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h56.pdf

http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h64.pdf

http://www.autosite.com/garage/subsys/bacataly.asp

http://brickboard.com/ARCHIVES/1997NOV/4911.shtml

http://forums.vmag.com/suvmt0199/messages/1033.html

http://216.239.51.104/search?q=cache...rter&hl=en</a>

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...opic=2926&st=0

http://brickboard.com/ARCHIVES/1999JUN/10012012.shtml

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/Web...smell&count=20

http://member.rivernet.com.au/btaylo...tenEggGas.html

http://www.dodgedakotas.com/boards/raise/359.html

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...5723#post95723

http://www.thecarconnection.com/inde...9&article=1514

There are hundreds more if you search the internet.

[C-DUBYA]

man i work for a Hyundai dealer and ALL of our cars have a funny smell for the first few thousand kilometers, especially if you are into spirited driving, but after that it goes away and they are fine. ALL manufactureres experience it. ever plug in a new dvd player or tv and get that annoying smell from the fan? well these are cars so they have a few more new moving parts!

[ffUser]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

I have talked with many on line that have not. Only a few that have. I have also driven behind hundreds of new 4Runners. They can't hide if it from me if they have that smell.

They only emit the nasty exhaust under medium/hard acceleration, correct? Correct. Just because you didn't smell anything, doesn't mean that the vehicle doesn't produce the rotten eggs.

Originally Posted by Brian R.

Also, there would be a lot more on the Edmunds problem topic than there is currently. The topic is dead. To me that means very few are interested. That means very few have the problem other than the 10 or so posters on that forum who profess to have that problem. The few with that problem have said their peace.

I'd say that it means most owners have already tried to get resolution on the problem, and have finally given up because the dealers are unwilling to address the issue. It's probably a harmless issue, though. So not a huge deal.

[Brian R.]

"They only emit the nasty exhaust under medium/hard acceleration, correct? Correct. Just because you didn't smell anything, doesn't mean that the vehicle doesn't produce the rotten eggs."

No, not correct. The vehicles that have the problem smell bad all the time when they are being driven hard on the expressway.

"I'd say that it means most owners have already tried to get resolution on the problem, and have finally given up because the dealers are unwilling to address the issue."

That's one interpretation. Not necessarily the correct one.

I am not going to argue further about this problem. I have no interest in this issue any more since I am no longer in the market for a 4th generation 4Runner. Read the references I posted and others you can easily find. If you want to argue further, there are forums devoted to this issue with people who love to argue. I don't.

[ffUser]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

No, not correct. The vehicles that have the problem smell bad all the time when they are being driven hard on the expressway.

Isn't that basically what I just said?

[Brian R.]

I am pointing out that there is a much higher probablility of driving close behind a vehicle on the expressway in rush hour than being close behind one under medium/high acceleration conditions on other streets. Since I drive the expressway daily, I am exposed to this type of conditions with 4 Runners (and other vehicles with this catalyst) somewhat frequently.

[Brian R.]

California gasoline is required to be low in sulfur content. That is why you don't normally smell it in California. Even fewer cars in CA smell than in other states.

And, like said previously, it is not a coincidence that the 4Runner you drove smelled. I will not restate my comments.

[Brian R.]

Here is a reference to a TSB from Toyota regarding a fix for this problem.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attach...p?postid=30258

[frank69m]

Hey Brian, thanks for the info. Sorry, haven't been on the board for a while.

so, toyota is admitting this is an issue? :-) do you know if this fix, as well as the master cylinder issue will be fixed in the 05 4runner?

[Brian R.]

No, sorry. I don't have information on that. Check out this thread - They discuss the most recent information.

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/[email protected]

[stevec9999]

Originally Posted by ffUser

What makes you think that most 4Runners don't have this problem? I haven't run across a 4Runner owner that hasn't had the smelly exhaust.

I must be an extremely lucky 4Runner owner because I own a 2003 V8 Limited 4WD and a 2004 V8 Limited 4WD and have never smelled anything. To top it all off -- I use the cheap gas and drive very aggressively.
Shoot, I might want to start playing the lottery.


--Steve

[frank69m]

Originally Posted by stevec9999

I must be an extremely lucky 4Runner owner because I own a 2003 V8 Limited 4WD and a 2004 V8 Limited 4WD and have never smelled anything. To top it all off -- I use the cheap gas and drive very aggressively.
Shoot, I might want to start playing the lottery.

I guess you like 4runners, but why the heck would you get the same vehicle (1 hear apart) and for god's sake...the same color...:-)

[Brian R.]

His and Her 4Runners

[stevec9999]

Originally Posted by frank69m

I guess you like 4runners, but why the heck would you get the same vehicle (1 hear apart) and for god's sake...the same color...:-)

I Found the 2004 at a great price and couldn't resist. Also, the 2004 has a spoiler and pinstripe where the 2003 doesn't. However, I am currently adding a stainless brush-guard, tinted front windows, lense covers, TRD supercharger, a light bar, and possibly a winch to mine. That should make them a bit different. She wants to keep hers stock. Also, I did find that it makes washing her car much easier, I just use the same routine developed while washing my mine. :-)

[Florex]

I have an 04 SR-5 V6 2WD and I smell it when accelerating up the freeway on-ramp. (i live in socal)

I got this from a thread on tundrasolutions.com

Looks like Toyota finally is admitting that there is a problem with the release of TSB EG015-04. They are replacing the cat and reprogramming the ECM.

Toyota does not notify owners when a TSB is issued, only if it is a Campaign (Recall) or a Customer Support Program.

June 14, TSB 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).

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I asked them about my late 03 4Runner and they are saying that changing the converter has no effect on the smell. They don't want to deal with it. Did anyone notice a reduction in the stink with a changed catalytic converter?

reply
It is more than replacing the Cats, it also includes a reprogram of the ECU. Combined there is a drastic improvement. I don't think they have a lot of option when it comes to doing this. If you are having the problem with the odor, then they are obligated to correct it.

You may be running into the summer problem. In the auto repair business summer is the busy time of year. They are probably trying to discourage warranty work because it doesn't pay as much as they can charge customers coming in the door. I bet you stop by the first week of Januaray and they will want to perform every TSB they can find on your 4runner.

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