2007 Camry Hybrid ~ Rotten Egg Smell ~ 250K miles

[needanswers]

@funboy6942

I was reading another post that you had commented on from 2001....discussion is closed so I couldn't respond on it.

I recently had my rear bumper/passenger side back panel replaced. When I picked up the car, the low engine oil pressure kept dinging at me so I went to get the oil changed (both filters replaced as well). The car is driven around 300 miles a week. Then 2 wks later the car smells like rotten eggs.....we fill up the gas tank around every 10 days or so. Usually at the same few gas stations. I have always used regular unleaded. Could it still be the gas if it is just starting? I first noticed it after I had parked, walked into the post office, and came back out. I thought it was someone else's car until it followed me to the grocery store LOL. I read all the info about the cat con and I do not have any warning lights on in regards. I don't want to get ripped off by taking it in without seeming to know what I am talking about....been there done that, not fun especially around the holidays. I am tired of the reasoning "it costs more because it is a hybrid" I filled it up again last night (first time since it started smelling). The smell is definitely worse by the tail pipe....walked the car while getting gas. I didn't think this and the "mouse running on a wheel sound" (best way for me to describe) that just started went together but....I only hear that it seems when I turn and not all the time either. My fan blower also rattles but I have gotten 2 opinions on it (that started 6 months ago) One place said if I don't mind listening to it just let it go until it stops working....another place said it has debris in it and I could pay 75.00 to get it cleaned out.

Oh, another new thing....my push button seems to not always want to start the car. It will turn on all the dash lights like when you would turn the key half way but sometimes you have to wait...turn it back off and push again several times before it will start. It can't be the battery if the radio comes on etc., right? It doesn't always do it either.

I know my car is falling apart but I really like it...when it doesn't stink or make a squeaking noises..and it starts LOL

You seemed to know a lot so I wanted to ask you your opinion 🙂

 

[deadlyapp]

rotten eggs would point to emissions or some sort of fuel issue. Your engine computer (ECU) may be going out which would also point to issues with the start button.

You can probably rent an ECU scanner to see if there is a fuel issue (too much fuel causing car to run rich, foul catalytic converters, etc).

 

[EXCellR8]

So no recent CEL codes at all? Also, what grade fuel are you buying and where?

You could just be getting really lousy gas if you're a regular at a "Uncle Mike's Convenience" vs Mobil or IRVING etc.

 

[needanswers]

So no recent CEL codes at all? Also, what grade fuel are you buying and where?

You could just be getting really lousy gas if you're a regular at a "Uncle Mike's Convenience" vs Mobil or IRVING etc.

The only recent thing I have had was the Low Engine Oil Pressure after the oil change it stopped. (FYI it was not telling me Maintenance due yet....I still had about 500 miles left) I usually get gas at 7/11 or Racetrac and sometimes Quick Trip depending on when/where I am when it is needed. I have always put regular (cheapest) in for 8 years.

 

[EXCellR8]

Yea oil pressure light/CEL is fairly common. I'd look at the fuel filter if it's in a place that's accessible. A lot of times it's actually an in-tank filter but it could be gunked up. You could also try to run some of that Gumout injector cleaner throught the system on the next fuel up with higher octane fuel. It's usually in the discount bin at auto stores. You might feel it burning up a bit but it's a good way to clear out the system, especially since the car has a lot of miles.

A rotten egg smell can also be caused by electrical components, such as motors and/or servos.

 

[Thump553]

Check your 12v battery. If it's like the Prius it is stored internally in the rear and has a vent tube to the outside. When mine failed recently the vent tube came off and really stunk.