Sulfur smell

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Oct 4, 2007 | 11:02 AM

karmann

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Sulfur smell

I have a sulfur smell in my 05 since new, it now has 23k and is a little better now. The dealer said to switch gas stations. I havent noticed this to help. I notice it going up hill with the top down sometimes but mainly after parking it in the garage. The dealer said it would not hurt the car. I worried that it is running too rich and damaging the coverter, plus it is annoying. I love the car but it sure isnt perfect.

Oct 4, 2007 | 01:10 PM

TXFM

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From: TX

It has to be related to the catalytic converter(s). If you've changed gas for a couple of tanks, then I'd go back to talk to that dealer or another one. You definitely want to have this fixed under warranty. And, smelling that rotten egg smell isn't normal and ok.

Does anyone else agree?

Oct 4, 2007 | 04:37 PM

karmann

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I just spoke with the dealer again and they said that there is nothing they can do. I believe them but it sure seems strange and frustrating. I wish there was an explanation. I suggested that they test the car for emissions but they dont have the facility for that. But I wonder if the car was out of specs the engine check light would come on? The car runs fine otherwise.

Oct 4, 2007 | 05:55 PM

Lexiss_sc430

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From: California

try another local dealer and explain your issue with the problem and how your current dealer is not addressing it to your liking....

Or contact cooperate HQ and tell them about your problem.

I would think your problem is isolated since I haven't heard of anyone else having such a problem.

Oct 4, 2007 | 07:41 PM

bt430

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From: Maryland

This has been discussed here before. I've got it, had it since the car was new in 04. If I really get on it, it'll smell. Did it with stock exhaust, does it with a Blitz. In my case the dealer wouldn't look at it because of the Blitz. Got 60K on the car now other then it sometimes being smelly it hasn't seemed to effect anything.

BT

Oct 9, 2007 | 10:47 AM

whokiid

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From: CA

my 02 sc has had this issue since its birth. ive talked about it with some other people who have sc's in the area, and they say they get that sulfur/ rotten egg smell after they really step on it.

no idea as to why this might be happening and id like to know why.

Oct 9, 2007 | 11:01 AM

karmann

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On the Lexus web site they state that CA limits sulfur of gas so I am suprised that you have the odor in CA. Lexus is putting the blame on the excess sulfur in gas. I wrote to Lexus and am waiting for an answer. Their generic answer does not explain to me why some Lexus models smell and others dont since we are all using the same gas. It seems to me that there is something not right with my car. Also how come my 05 Chevy never smells?

Jun 26, 2013 | 05:29 PM

pnutting

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sulfer smell

My 02 had a bad sulfur smell too. It turned out to be a bad battery,smell came in though the intake on the heat or air conditioner,the battery is right near the intake.My new battery cured the problem.

Jun 26, 2013 | 05:44 PM

#10

sixonemale

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From: CA

Pnutting, Your answer makes a lot sense since the rotten egg smell is Hydrogen Sulfide or H2S. Below is the reasoning:

"When a lead-acid battery is discharged, the electrolyte (sulfuric acid) and the active material on the plates of the battery (lead) are consumed to produce water and lead sulfate and current flow. The chemical equation for a lead-acid battery during discharge is: PbO2 Pb 2H2SO4 -->PbSO4 2H2O +Electrical energy. The chemical equation for a lead-acid battery during charge is the reverse with lead, sulfuric acid, and heat being yielded as well as some Hydrogen gas. Ideally, all of the lead sulfate is recombined with the hydrogen from the water to replenish the sulfuric acid. When a lead-acid battery is charged, electrical energy is added to the battery, causing the water and lead sulfate to be recombined to produce electrolyte and the active plate material. During normal charging, hydrogen gas is given off, however if internal damage to the plates or low electrolyte levels exist, internal gassing may create hydrogen sulfide gas. In sealed batteries this would normally not vent to the outside."

Jun 27, 2013 | 06:47 AM

#11

mandyfig

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From: GA

Great explanation about the sulfur smell.

Dec 30, 2013 | 06:07 PM

#12

leone

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From: OH

sulfur smell

I solved MY oder problem. I thought I would check out the battery cable connections and found a lot of corrosion. So, I disconnected both cables and connections; cleaned them real good then re-connected. Whala, no more sulphur smell during hard acceleration. fyi, the battery is about 5 years old.