LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

funny smell

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Old 02-16-15, 02:42 PM
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Robles84
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I've been having a funny smell coming out of my 2001 ls430. It has 110xxx miles. Only happens when I gas it hard when I'm driving. If it normal?
Old 02-16-15, 04:16 PM
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KING
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You can try cleaning your MAF, and air filter, plus the inside cabin filter located in the drawer.

Try cleaning them thoroughly at first, or if they seem way too dirty then get new ones (air filters).


Another thing, is the smell coming out of the air vents?
You can get one of those A/C cleaning DIY from AutoZone, NAPA etc. they work really good and clean up your A/C pipes very well.

Or is the smell coming outside of the car?
Like from rear(exhaust?)
Or under the hood?
Old 02-17-15, 05:37 AM
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Boomer01
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There is a thread or two on here about that. It's like a sulfur smell that is most likely coming from the cats. Most people just live with it.
Old 02-17-15, 11:15 AM
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Robles84
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Yeah its a sulfur smell. In the outside. At first I thought it was because my car is slammed and the tires were rubbing. I also have the normal gas smell also on the rear passenger side
Old 02-17-15, 12:36 PM
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I have the sulfur smell too. Always smell it as I'm coming up the large hill by my house. I looked around and people on the forums say it may be the cat starting to go bad or it may be the type of gas you use. I always fill up with the cheapest gas, so last week I tried filling up at Shell instead. The smell didn't go away.

If it's the cat I guess I'll just wait and see if I fail smog
Old 02-17-15, 01:37 PM
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Slvr surfr
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After i replace a faulty upstream 02 sensor, cracked drivers side exhaust manifold and the y-pipe/CAT, my problems were solved. Not saying this is your problem but anything that's throwing off how the fuel/emissions system works, there will be these type of symptoms.
Old 02-17-15, 05:22 PM
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Lavrishevo
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Check for leaks. Pre-cat O2 sensors go first too. If they are covered in carbon then I would replace them in pairs. Sounds like your running a little rich.

Last edited by Lavrishevo; 02-17-15 at 05:32 PM.
Old 02-17-15, 08:40 PM
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Robles84
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I always use 91 gas and only she'll or chevron. But I'm going to have to check out for the leak
Old 02-18-15, 04:51 PM
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Gene01
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Robles84 - You are right to check out the gas smell. There is no such thing as a "normal" gas smell. If you smell gas, you are driving a time bomb.
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