kpalmer

Hello All. I'm new to the forum. I have a 2007 RX 350 with 47,000 miles. Recently I started noticing an odor that can only be described as a combination between sulfur and bad perm solution (ammonia)? I live in Florida and keep my a/c on recirculate. I've read the past posts related to sulfur smells and catalytic converter issues. I've also read the TBIS issued by Lexus pertaining to excessive sulfur odor in 04 - 05 models. I was wondering if any members have experienced this problem in later models? I love my RX 350 and would considering purchasing it at the end of my lease in December. However, I don't want to be stuck with this stinky problem. Lexus suggested that I do some highway driving to clear out the engine (I'm a city dweller). It hasn't helped so far. I am using premium Mobil fuel. Next up, I'll try Shell or Chevron to see if that doesn't make a different. I would appreciate any other suggestions. Thank you.

Adamjeeps

Might want to also replace your cabin air filter if its been awhile.

kpalmer

Lexus checked the air filter - it was clean. The odor seems to occur about once every 10 miles (more frequent than that on the highway).

xfirechief

Change the cabin filter!
You can't see a smell.

It is only about $15.

lexus114

Usually that will happen when using 87 octane fuel. But since your using Premium,I`m stumped. Maybe an Italian tune up as suggested will remedy the smell.

mandyfig

If at a loss, if warranty is still available, take it in and have Lexus look at it.

968racer

Take it on the freeway and step on it on the on ramp so the RPMs get close to red line. Repeat a few times to burn & blow the sulfur out. My wife does mostly city driving as well and I've had the same issue. The cabin filter change won't help.

noz34me

As someone who's done a lot of commuting, I can tell you that it used to be quite common that Japanese made vehicles emitted a sulfur (rotten egg) smell from their exhausts. I could always tell when I was behind one, without even looking at the badges on the car.

Haven't noted it so much in last few years, though. I know cats are very expensive (if that's your problem)

lexus114

yep,and you cant get these cat`s at the spca.

kitlz

Italian tune up, cat's at the spca, you're on a roll today, lexus114

lexus114

hahahaha !!

1koolfella

iTrader: (1)

I'm starting to have this issue and my vehicle is an '09 with about 32k miles on it.

I've always used premium but have been going to different gas stations.

I've called a Lexus dealer they told me to change gas stations. I've tried Sunoco and about to refill up on Shell. It's been over a month and I still smell it but at low speeds and I do live in the city.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

How do you get rid of sulfur? Does those gas treatments help?

mandyfig

There was a TSB on this sulfur odor...

kpalmer

My car was still under warranty at the time I started experiencing the stinky sulphur smell. However, I was close to the end of my lease and my Lexus dealership refused to acknowledge the problem. I was only too happy to get rid of that vehicle. I have since leased another RX350 (2010) and have been trouble free thus far (knock wood).

lexus114

I have nothing but good things to say re; Lexus. they came through for me on the leaking radiator, and the transmission tsb. Its a shame that some scenarios end like yours did.