Sulfur (Rotten Egg) Smell Coming from Exhaust (Replace PCM and/or Catalytic Converter)
| Subject: | Sulfur (Rotten Egg) Smell Coming from Exhaust (Replace PCM and/or Catalytic Converter) |
| Models: | 2003-2005 Pontiac Vibe |
| with 1.8L Engine (VIN 8 - RPO LV6) |
This bulletin is being revised to add vehicles with manual transmission and update the Correction and Warranty Information sections. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-06-05-011A (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a sulfur or rotten egg odor coming from the exhaust. Vehicle conditions such as extended idling, hard braking, aggressive acceleration and long wide open throttle maneuvers or driving in reverse may intensify the odor.
Cause
This condition may be caused by the sulfur level in the fuel. Sulfur is a natural component of crude oil from which gasoline is refined and the amount of sulfur can vary between different sources.
Correction
Important: PCM replacement is NOT necessary for 2005 model year vehicles or for vehicles equipped with manual transmission.
In order to reduce the sulfur odor, a revised catalytic converter has been made available. Replace the catalytic converter with the revised part, and replace the PCM on 2003 and 2004 model year vehicles with automatic transmissions. The new PCM will come pre-programmed from GMSPO.
Important: Do not replace the oxygen sensors or air/fuel ratio sensors. Replacement of the oxygen sensors or air/fuel ratio sensors will not reduce the odor.
Parts Information
Model Year | Transmission | Description | Part Number | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | Automatic | PCM - All Wheel Drive (SM) | 88974132 | 1 |
PCM - Front Wheel Drive (SL) | 88974133 | 1 | ||
2004 | Automatic | PCM - All Wheel Drive (SM) | 88974100 | 1 |
PCM - Front Wheel Drive (SL) | 88974101 | 1 |
Model Years | Description | Part Number | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
2003-2005 | Converter, Catalytic -- All Wheel Drive (SM) | 88974214 | 1 |
2003-2004 | Converter, Catalytic -- Front Wheel Drive (SL) | 88974213 | 1 |
2005 | Catalytic Converter - Front Wheel Drive (SL) | 88974401 | 1 |
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation | Description | Labor Time |
|---|---|---|
L2300 | Converter, Oxidation Catalytic -- Replace | Use Published Labor Operation Time |
Add (2003-2004 Vehicles with Automatic Transmissions Only) | To Replace the PCM | 0.3 hr |
