Odd smell inside cabin

[mazdathree3]

Hey, I've had this problem for awhile now but not sure if this is normal or if I should get it looked at. This doesn't happen all the time but sometimes when you drive the car for about 5-10 minutes and turn on the heater (I have A/C and recirc OFF) there will be the "rotten egg smell" people have reported of but in my case you can smell it inside the cabin. Once you roll down the windows for a couple of minutes the smell goes away. Anyone have any insights? Thanks!

[babyblue3]

I think I've had something like that too. Doesn't happen too often, but the last time was in the car wash. Not sure what it could be.

[loki]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?62826-Sulfur-Rotten-Egg-Smell-BARF!&highlight=rotten+egg

[Booter22]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?62826-Sulfur-Rotten-Egg-Smell-BARF!&highlight=rotten+egg

exactly. if you use the same gas station, try a different one. can always try a different grade to see if there is a difference from the smell but this link is correct i also posted this in there as well. so try different gas stations first. if not and no engine light could have any of the other possible causes but the fuel quality being topps.

2010 - Mazda3 - Engine
NO.26 EXHAUST SULPHUR SMELL [LF, L5]
26
EXHAUST SULPHUR SMELL
DESCRIPTION
•Rotten egg smell (sulphur) from exhaust.

POSSIBLE CAUSE
•Electrical connector disconnection
•Poor fuel quality cross this off the list if you have tried different gas stations.
•Vacuum leakage
•PCM DTC is stored
•Improper fuel pressure
•Charcoal canister malfunction

DESCRIPTION
On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components.

The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is caused by high amounts of sulfur in the gasoline being used in the vehicle. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but the regulation of sulfur in gasoline differs from province to province. Vehicles using fuel containing high amounts of sulfur will most likely emit sulfur smell from the exhaust system.

When high sulfur fuel is burned, there is a chemical reaction in the catalytic converter causing the sulfur to oxidize. As the vehicle is driven, the oxidizing reaction odor in the converter will decrease with mileage and age.

RECOMMENDATIONS
CAUTION: Replacing the catalytic converter will not eliminate sulfur smell and replacement will just extend the period of time needed for the converter to 'age' allowing it to reduce sulfur smell to an acceptable level.

1. Switch to a different brand of fuel and drive the vehicle for at least 160 kms. Monitor the decrease or increase in sulfur smell.
2. Do not add any type of 'fuel additive' as this could add sulfur to the fuel and cause/increase the odor.
3. Try to avoid extended periods of short trip driving or aggressive acceleration.
4. Request information from your local fuel dealers on the amounts of sulfur in their gasoline. Try to use fuel containing the lowest amounts of sulfur.

[mazdathree3]

Yeah, I took a look at that thread prior to posting. My guess if it is the gas maybe putting on "recirculation" when turning on the heater might narrow down the problem. Do you guys have recirculation on when the heater is going? Also, forgot to add that this only happens during the winter months.

[Booter22]

i dont usually use the recirc button unless i need max ac. otherwise i dont use it.

[geobur]

Yeah, I took a look at that thread prior to posting. My guess if it is the gas maybe putting on "recirculation" when turning on the heater might narrow down the problem. Do you guys have recirculation on when the heater is going? Also, forgot to add that this only happens during the winter months.

as far as I know the manual tells you not to use the recirculation button with the heater...

[Flagrum_3]

Recirculation can be used at any time when it is desirable NOT to have outside air coming into the cabin. Basically it closes the vents. I use it to cool the vehicle interior faster in very hot temps, or when going through a no-touch carwash. The OPs' smell issue is obviously from his CAT and can occur in cooler/colder temps periodically, as the Cat must reach proper internal temps before it performs optimally. Unless it occurs often, I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe try switching the brand of gas used, Shell gas in my experience seems to run very clean.

_3

[Booter22]

i fill up with petro mostly and esso a few times in brampton and i havent had any problems.