Help with natural gas type smell!
02-27-19, 08:23 PM
#1
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Help with natural gas type smell!
Hello, I purchased a 2012 GX 460 with 100k miles. No complaints with the truck except i can’t diagnose a natural gas type of smell (not gasoline) I get when coming to a stop after a long ride. The smell will come through the vents and also present by the drivers side wheel well area. No visible leaks on the ground or suspension. I don’t smell it coming out of the tailpipe only through the front vents and drivers wheel well area after long drive.
02-28-19, 03:40 AM
#2
Super Moderator
Could that be a refrigerant leak from the AC system?
02-28-19, 01:22 PM
#5
Super Moderator
02-28-19, 02:41 PM
#7
Super Moderator
I would actually equate some sulfur smells to propane as far as my nose can detect anyway. You may want to consider you have an exhaust manifold leak too.
Trending Topics
02-28-19, 03:34 PM
#8
Lead Lap
I cant help myself but have you considered the component between the driver seat and the steering wheel :P
Usually that natural gas smell is linked to a egr system having an issue
Usually that natural gas smell is linked to a egr system having an issue
02-28-19, 03:43 PM
#9
Super Moderator
Interesting angle on the EGR.... I've never had one cause that but I suppose anything with exhaust/emissions could contribute.
03-01-19, 03:31 AM
#11
Super Moderator
How old is your battery? I see some discuss a similar smell that is outgassed on a cell that is fluid low.
03-02-19, 07:51 PM
#13
That is right in the pocket for end of service replacement, especially if you do a lot of short trips in the city. A shorted cell will heat the sulphuric acid in the battery and outgassing will smell jut like you describe. Wish Lexus had beefier batteries.
03-02-19, 11:08 PM
#14
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
So I changed the drivers front strut and the smell is still there. I will be focusing on the front differential next and hope to track down that natural gas smell that is present around that area.
03-03-19, 12:24 PM
#15
Pole Position
Have you checked that the charging system is not overcharging (cooking off) the battery ? ... specifically when operating in the RPM range (above idle) when driving ? The battery is located on the drivers side where you have observed the odor. The most common reaction byproducts associated with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) are hydrogen and sulfur dioxide ... smells like rotten eggs just like natural gas.
So you may want to better describe the smell given you say it smells like natural gas (which smells like rotten eggs) but you also say it does not smell like rotten eggs
Last edited by ASE; 03-03-19 at 12:29 PM.