jarm

Almost every time I really accelerate hard, I smell this rotten egg smell inside my car. Anyone else have this problem? Could it be an exhaust leak or cat. converter leak? Thanks

greg3852

Tons of threads on this already..

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sea...archid=4577490

Cheap gas or bad catalytic converter

is150

iTrader: (10)

I think the warranty for the catalytic converter is 8 years 80,000 miles.

1BlinkGone

Likely the catalytic convertor. Telltale sign.

GotGr1p

Most likely Catalytic converter

jarm

OK everyone finally agrees is a catalytic converter. Doing my research it looks like I have 4. How to I find out which one needs to be replaced? I would go to the dealer but I have 82K miles on the car.

Devh

I would still try and find the cause of the problem rather depending on the conclusions from the internet. If you have emissions testing in your state you could possibly pay them out of pocket for an emissions report to see if the catalytic converter has failed.
I don't know if this car has pre-cats or not but if it does I wouldn't worry about those.
I would replace the main catalytic converter, and I would get a good used salvaged one from a wrecking yard. new catalytic converters are very expensive.

roadfrog

Normally any failure of cats or O2 sensors will set of the MIL on your dash, so it may just be normal. I get the odor sometimes too.

There is a TSB on this.

Subject:
SULFUR ODOUR/SMELL FROM EXHAUST

Some owners of Lexus vehicles may experience a sulfur like or "rotten egg" odour from the exhaust system. High levels of sulphur in gasoline cause sulphur compounds to be deposited and burned off in the catalytic convertor during certain driving conditions. Sulfur is a natural component of crude oil from which gasoline is refined and the amount of sulfur can be decreased through the refining process. The amount of sulfur content in fuel sold in Canada can vary from Province to Province and varies considerably between gasoline brands.

On June 23, 1999, the federal government passed regulations limiting the amount of sulphur in gasoline. Starting in 2005, low-sulphur gasoline (that is gasoline with an average sulphur level of less than 30 ppm) is required throughout Canada. As an interim step, gasoline with an average sulphur level of not more than 150 ppm is required starting in 2002.

The implementation of the low-sulphur fuel requirement is not until January 2005. If customers are concerned about this issue they should contact Environment Canada, or their member of parliament.

APPLICABLE VEHICLES: All Models.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
A sulfur odour emitted from the vehicle's tailpipe does not necessarily indicate that there is an issue with the engine's running condition, but is most likely directly related to the fuel. If the vehicle is exhibiting an excessive sulfur odour, 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 odour and will therefore not be considered warrantable.
NOTE:Issue of this Technical Service Bulletin is to ensure that proper repair information is available. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. Normal provisions of the formal warranty policy, as applicable, will apply.

Devh

It sounds like a gas problem based on the TSB.
Usually you will know if a catalytic converter has gone bad when you get the CEL indicating the cat is below efficiency which is monitored by a post cat 02 sensor.

triniexr

This was happening to my dad's Sienna. He changed the oil, filter, air filter, and filled it with 94 octane.. smell is gone.

Try a different grade or different gas company and see if that helps.