[btoak]

I have a new 2011 Terrain. After starting it, driving for a short distance and then stopping at a light, I get a rotten egg odor. It goes away when I start moving and doesn't seem to come back after the engine warms up. Any ideas what the problem is? I have less than 500 miles, but it happens consistently.

 

[NoobNox]

Catalytic converter burning off build-up

 

[ToeNuttz]

I agree, or just stop passing gas. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[NoobNox]

The "rotten egg" small has happened to every car I've ever owned...except for a 66 Mustang which was pre-emissions control. 8)

 

[GARYD]

It's the sulfer in the gas. Most cars can handle it and some can't. It been a problem ever since the early 70's.
Maybe try another brand of gas.

 

[RNOX]

Could be a bad Cat. Have it checked

 

[btoak]

Had it checked at the dealer. No computer evidence of a cat problem. The mechanic thinks that there is a "preservative" used in catalytic converters during manufacture that takes time to burn off. Because I make short trips and don't put a lot of miles on it's taling it longer. Hope this is accurate. I've bought 6 new cars over the past 30 years and have never had this problem. Never had a problem before now with gas smell in the car that wasn't caused by me ;D

 

[RIT333]

Had it checked at the dealer. No computer evidence of a cat problem. The mechanic thinks that there is a "preservative" used in catalytic converters during manufacture that takes time to burn off. Because I make short trips and don't put a lot of miles on it's taling it longer. Hope this is accurate. I've bought 6 new cars over the past 30 years and have never had this problem. Never had a problem before now with gas smell in the car that wasn't caused by me ;D

Mine never did that, and no one else had ever said anything about that. My guess would be bad cat. Keep an eye on it - or a nose !

Anyone else witness this ?

 

[RNOX]

I had a new exhust system but on a vehilce about 8 months ago including a new cat. All I got was a burning odor not a sulfur smell for a few days. I would monitor

 

[GARYD]

Have you tried different gas? If the smell goes away stay with that brand, the person behind you will appreciate it. ;D

My cars never had that problem, but following some cars, I can smell it. Not as much lately.

 

[MOCHA11NOX]

Anyone else witness this ?

Yes and no...
Our NOX had a "heated metal odor" for the 1st 300 miles...
but it was definately NOT sulfer or rotten egg odor.
Our NOX's odor was related to new exhaust parts "breaking in" but the smell never came from "within" the tailpipe...and...it was noticable when opening the hood.
Similar to the OP though the 1st 300 miles were limited to short trips.

I suspect one of two things here for the OP
Either the choice of words is misleading

I get a rotten egg odor. .

or there is indeed a potential issue...

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Had it checked at the dealer. No computer evidence of a cat problem. The mechanic thinks that there is a "preservative" used in catalytic converters during manufacture that takes time to burn off. Because I make short trips and don't put a lot of miles on it's taling it longer. Hope this is accurate. I've bought 6 new cars over the past 30 years and have never had this problem. Never had a problem before now with gas smell in the car that wasn't caused by me ;D

I would have to agree with the previous posts to keep an eye on the concern. It is possible that this is the result of needing to break in the vehicle further. If you feel that this is getting worse or that it is the result of some kind of problem, I would recommend contacting the dealership right away. Please feel free to keep me informed with any further information either on the thread of via private message. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

 

[mereksteele]

I just got a 2011 equinox an mine did the same for the first bit but only a couple times. I have 500 miles on it and it hasn't done it since.