The Vibe's Exhaust Problem

[msmyer]

I own a 2003 shadow vibe and have roughly 5,400 miles on it. When I purchased it I began to sometimes notice a slight burning smell (like sulfur) when “giving it gas” on highways ect. and took it back down to the dealer…they said that “it happens” for a short time because it a “new” car! Well, to make a long story short it still does it!! Do any of you Vibe owners have this same problem??? It is due for and oil change soon, and I was going to have that “looked” at, when I was down there….Thanks for any input you can give!!

[NSimkins]

Are you saying you can smell this while you are traveling on the highway? I would say smelling that while in motion is not normal.My Vibe has a noticable smell if you are near the near of the vehicle or downwind of the exhaust. I am assuming the smell is due to the emission controls at work. I relate the smell to something chlorine-like (like diluted bleach) or sulfur. Almost all newer 4-cylinder vehicles (any others, I'm sure) I have been in contact with all have this smell.

[msmyer]

Yeah...you can "smell" the burning while driving but it only happens when traveling at higher speeds (45, 50, 60, 70 MPH i.e the highway travel) after “giving it gas” but then it goes away!

[NSimkins]

I don't really know what to say. It wouldn't hurt to bring it up to the dealer the next time you are there. If possible, try to recreate the smell and give one of the service tech's a ride so they can document it in person. Give us more info on your Vibe and maybe someone else can comment. Tell us what model (Base, GT, AWD), automatic/manual, etc.

[Frosty]

This sounds serious to me. Get your exhaust checked pronto My Honda had the same smell but we only got it when we backed up and the heater sucked in the exhaust for a few seconds. We never smelled it on the road. My Vibe does not smell even when "backing up over my fumes" as my wife puts it. Please let us know your resolution. Good luck.

[Moreorles]

I had the same problem in my Matrix. The service department said it was the smell of burning fuel after you really "get on the gas". I told them I wasn't happy with it, it really stinks! They said nothing could be done.

[msmyer]

Hey....Thanks!That's what "most" people tell me....that it’s my catalytic converter, burning sulfur….and it will go away…BUT 5,400 miles…it can be bad!!!Thanks for all the input! IBVIBEN (My License plate)

[baltimore17]

Try a different brand of gas. Some brands may have a lower sulfur content and thus stink less out the tail pipe. Maybe there's something out there on the internet about sulfur levels in various brands of gasoline.

[Frosty]

quote:Try a different brand of gas. Some brands may have a lower sulfur content and thus stink less out the tail pipe. Maybe there's something out there on the internet about sulfur levels in various brands of gasoline.As msmeyer said "Yeah...you can "smell" the burning while driving but it only happens when traveling at higher speeds (45, 50, 60, 70 MPH i.e the highway travel) after “giving it gas” but then it goes away! "They shouldn't be getting sulphur in their passenger compartment at any speed. Something is seriously wrong here.

[Campbell]

I thought it was just me; well, my Vibe does have a distinct fumes odor when first started, but I usually run without recirc and so have not smelled anything even when giving it gas. I had a different problem with the A/C musty smell, and removing the air filter and spraying Lysol (then replacing filter) fixed that.

[Flip-Side]

Those pesky GM workers must be dropping bombs in the glove compartments.....

[Frosty]

The only bombs we have evidence of can be explainedhere http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1057

[msmyer]

Well...I went to the service department and the "shop manager" said the following: “The smell comes from the catalytic converter “cleaning” itself! When you excel into high speeds it makes a mixture inside of it …and the smell is of that cleaning itself!!!! He said it’s typical in 4-cylinders!!!!