Info - Sulfur (Rotten Egg) Odor From Exhaust System
| Subject: | Sulfur (Rotten Egg) Odor from Exhaust System |
| Models: | 2003 Pontiac Vibe |
Customers may notice a sulfur, or rotten egg, odor coming from the exhaust system. This odor may be most noticeable when coming to a stop, during hard accelerations or on vehicle start up.
The sulfur odor is neither an indication of an engine concern nor the cause of reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The odor is a by-product of the catalytic converter during vehicle operation.
The reason this odor is more common in newer vehicles is because the catalytic converter is working at its highest efficiency. As the vehicle ages, the odor will not occur as often.
Important: Replacement of the oxygen sensors, air/fuel ratio sensors or the catalytic converter will not reduce the odor.
The following recommendations should be discussed with the customer:
| • | Inform the customer that sulfur is a natural component of crude oil from which gasoline is refined. |
| • | Suggest that the customer try a different brand of fuel. They should use the new fuel for at least 160 km (100 mi). |
| • | Inform the customer that conditions such as extended idling, hard braking, aggressive acceleration and long wide open throttle maneuvers may intensify the odor. |
