I contacted the EPA about the sulfer problem with the GX470 . This is there response. Everyone please email the NHTSA and ask for help. Remember there is power in numbers!

Thank you for bringing your sulfur fume issue to the Environmental
Protection Agency. The percentage of fresh air required in the
recirculation mode of your vehicle?s air conditioning system is not
under EPA jurisdiction. It may be governed by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA can be contacted at
1-800-424-9396 or on the web at www.nhtsa.dot.gov

EPA has been made aware of concerns regarding sulfur odors. It is my
understanding that in 2002/2003 Toyota replaced the nickel based
catalytic converter lining with a non-nickel containing compound in
order to reduce the exposure of its employees. Nickel is a toxic
compound. we believe that new lining currently in use, specifically in
2003 and later Toyota models, does not handle the sulfur in gasoline as
well as the former nickel compound. Therefore resulting in the sulfur
odor you are noticing in your vehicle.

Over the next few years, Air Quality Tier 2 regulations are requiring
the formula for gasoline to change. If you wold like more information,
the final rule regarding sulfur content in gasoline was published on
February 10, 2000 and is located in the Federal Register Volume 65 (65
FR 6698). Currently, the sulfur content in gasoline is approximately 120
parts per million and is capped at 300 parts per million. By 2006
refiners must begin producing gasoline with an average sulfur content of
30 parts per million with a cap of 80 parts per million.

I hope that this information assist you. If you have any further
questions, please feel free to contact me directly by phone at
(214)665-8555, or by e-mail at richardson.karla@epa.gov.


Karla Ann Richardson
US EPA Region 6
Air Planning, 6PD-L
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75202

 

Oh crap! I don't have the sulfer smell... does that mean my catalytic converter lining is poisonous? You just can't win

 

Makes me wonder if they used a similar cat in the 2001-2002 year 4 runner. I have the smell in my '04 GX and would love to get rid of it. I'd change the cat out if I found one that fit.

 

My '02 4runner does not have the sulfur smell.

 

Anyone have an aftermarket part number for a catalytic converter? I'll pay the price to replace it if I have to.

Gray

 

I bought my car on Janary 2nd 2004...and I crossed over the break-in 1000 mile barrier a few days ago. I have laid into the accelerator a few times and the odor has occured.
I had a simular problem with my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee when it was new. After I moticed the problem and had done research, I determined that the cause was the cat. converter. I went to the dealer and asked them to diagnose the probelm. To my surpirse, their feedback matched my research. They replaced the cat under warranty...problem solved.
If my problem persists...I will ask the dealer to do the same when my 5,000 mait. comes up. If they cannot accomidate, I will then go the Lexus Zone manager and demand it. If Jeep can do it, Lexus sure as hell should.

 

Wow, this is a coincidence that I stumbled on this thread.

A friend of mine dropped by last week with a used Lincoln Mark VIII he bought, and took me for a ride, explaining that when he "got on it" with hard aceleration, he gets a weird smell through the vents. He nailed it a couple times and sure enough, it's what you are all describing here. I was baffled until I read this thread, because I had never heard of this before (my 1998 GS400 doesn't do it ).

He had no clue as to the cause either, but I will point him to the info here. I hope somebody in the corporate offices gets this message that there are many unhappy people having this problem, but something tells me they won't care until it starts affecting their bottom line, and people stop buying the vehicles with this known problem.

Cheers.

 

i have had a slight sulfur smell in the cabin but with many aif freshners have been able to reduce the smell alot. but recently i have put a new exhaust tip on (chrome for looks only)and i think they placed the tip out a little more then the factory and havent smelled sulfur for more then 2 weeks now.can this be a fix?

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/pl...6830180623.xml

~ Cap

 

Hi there,

New member to the forum and soon to be owner. Was just wondering if anyone with the sulfur smell problem has had their cat replaced by Lexus?

Also, for those who reported that they didn't have the smell, what is your build?

TIA!

 

Not in my GX (Getting one soon) but in my SR5 6 CYL 4runner 03 they did from the Engine to the back with new mufflers. didn't have to pay a cent. Thanks TOYOTA

 

On my 03 GX, Lexus replaced the cat. Two weeks later - same smell. Nothing helps...

 

Hey there turboBB,
Welcome to the Lexus GX forum!! I have a 04 9700G build, took delivery less than two weeks ago. No smell whatsoever, absolutely love my truck (thus far) I am not afraid to get on the gas pedal and have experienced no strange chemistry class odors. I have also not experienced any vibrations or thumping, so I think you are good to go with a late model 04.

 

Guys thx for the response. Looking forward to getting the car next Wednesday.

 

I don't believe it happens when the vehicle is that new.

I am now starting to notice it and I have over 10k miles on my 04. (Actually have 12k.)