Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Sulfur Odor From Exhaust (EG001-03)
Reference number: EG001-03
SULFUR ODOR FROM EXHAUST
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| LEXUS: | All Models |
| SECTION: | ENGINE |
| COPYRIGHT: | © 2018 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA License Agreement TMS1002 |
Introduction
Some owners of Lexus vehicles may experience a sulfur-like or "rotten egg" odor from the exhaust system. 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 in fuel sold in California is regulated, however gasoline sold in other states can have substantially higher sulfur content. Sulfur content also varies considerably between gasoline brands and locations.
Applicable Vehicles
All Models.
Repair Procedure
A sulfur odor 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 odor, 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 odor and will therefore not be considered warrantable.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| OP CODE | DESCRIPTION | TIME | OFP | T1 | T2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Not Applicable to Warranty | - | - | - | - |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.