01-016-18-3522

Technical
Service Bulletin
Mazda North American Operations
Irvine, CA 92618-2922
Subject:
SULFUR SMELL FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM
Bulletin No.: 01-016/18
Last Issued: 09/06/2018
BULLETIN NOTES
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red.
Previously Issued TSBs: Date(s) issued
01-003/16
02/15/16
01-010/12
02/13/12
01-043/06
11/03/06
01-029/02
11/22/02
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
1995-2009 B-Series 2001-2006 Tribute
1997-2003 Protege 2008-2011 Tribute
1997-2005 Miata 2003-2018 Mazda6
1997-2002 626
2004-2018 Mazda3
1997-2002 Millenia 2004-2011 RX-8
1997-2006 MPV
2006-2018 MX-5
2006-2015 Mazda5
2007-2012 CX-7
2007-2018 CX-9
2011-2014 Mazda2
2013-2018 CX-5
2016-2018 CX-3
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 EPA regulation of sulfur in gasoline
differs from state to state. 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.
Page 1 of 2
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.
© 2018 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A.
Bulletin No.: 01-016/18
Last Issued: 09/06/2018
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 100 miles. 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.
5. Visit the EPA and gasoline company websites to stay informed on any changes in fuel or
environmental regulations. A website to check is:

www.epa.gov
Page 2 of 2
CONSUMER NOTICE: The information and instructions in this bulletin are intended for use by skilled technicians. Mazda technicians utilize the proper tools/
equipment and take training to correctly and safely maintain Mazda vehicles. These instructions should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers.” Customers
should not assume this bulletin applies to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies,
customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership. Mazda North American Operations reserves the right to alter the specifications and
contents of this bulletin without obligation or advance notice. All rights reserved. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical---including photocopying and recording and the use of any kind of information storage and retrieval system ---without permission in
writing.
© 2018 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A.