Arcturus

Hello,

We have been having prolonged periods of very cold temperatures in Quebec. I notice that when I start the car there is a strong, almost overpowering smell of unburned fuel coming from the tailpipe.

There are no error codes and the car drives without any issues. I know it takes a rich mixture to start a car in cold weather. However it seems quite strong compared to other cars that we've had.

Is this normal behavior? Can anyone else who owns an LS430 chime in and let me know if you've experienced the same thing.

If it's normal, no problem. However if it's not, what do you think may be the problem? I would like to avoid expensive repairs if possible.

Thanks.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Condensation in the exhaust can cause the car to run rich while it is warming up. This is normal and happens when it is pretty cold. I think you should monitor it. These cars are pretty good at telling you something is amiss. If the 02 sensors were wacky it would let you know.

Arcturus

That's what I'll do. Doesn't seem to affect driveability. The car drives well. I would tend to agree with you. It seems these cars are very sensitive and would probably throw a code if something was wrong. Just wanted to know if this is a normal condition.

warminwisc

I started mine up at 16 below this am and had a burnt smell out of the vents. Very faint and short lasting. She squeeled this am for a few more seconds than normal. Hate to put er thru the ringer at 16 below but I gotta work.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Minus 16. Ridiculous. It's supposed to be 9 in the morning here. Glad she has synthetic in her.

Gene01

+9 in GA? I shouldn't mention today's temp here in CA ! :-)

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Tell me about it. It's not normal. It was 4 in N GA and 6 when I got up this morning. But without the wind it's really not that bad. Average low for us this time of year is 34. I don't even want to know what it's like up North.

Arcturus

Was -28 C (-18F) last Thursday in Montreal. This was extreme for us but we have had prolonged periods of -15 to -20 C (5 to -4 F) in December. Car starts like a champ just smells like gas when first started. Only outside though never in the car.

Lynzoid

This condition is NORMAL. We had even -35C winter days in moscow couple of years ago.
Computer senses, that conditions are hard, and enriches the initial mixture to achieve stable ignition.