GAS ODOR IN CABIN

Tiny
RYSIEKS
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 HONDA ACCORD
There is a strong odor of gasoline inside the cabin and outside of the car after I start it in the cold. It has to be pretty cold (ie Chicago winter. So right about now). In the summer, or when its not FREEZING outside, I dont experience this odor. Any help?
Tuesday, January 30th, 2007 AT 12:06 PM

21 Replies

Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like you have a fuel injector leak gab a flashlight and lift the hood to confirm here is a guide to help walk you through the repair.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, January 30th, 2007 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
RYSIEKS
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Usually starts right up. It's garage kept, so no problems in the morning. Usually leaving work. Still no problems. I did notice that last night it cranked a few times more than normal. But other than that. Nothing much out of the ordinary. If it took a few cranks more than normall ALL the time.I would notice.
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Wednesday, January 31st, 2007 AT 11:47 AM
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
I checked on the technical bulletins on that vehicle and there is no common problem with this. What comes to mind is this. Cold contracts objects and heat expands them. So using that logic (or nonsense) Could you consider looking around under the hood the next cold spell you have or when you note the smell most. Don't start the car but activate the key to "on" and check around the fuel filter, the injector rail connections, vac lines off rail, injectors themselves and their seating, and finally around the throttle body to see if you can narrow the problem down with sight for leaks and nose for smell origination.

I am thinking that an o'ring, or connection is contracting when cold and allowing a small leak but seals right away with any temp change.
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Wednesday, January 31st, 2007 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
RYSIEKS
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Ok. So here is my update. I had the car looked at my a mechanic and they suggested replacing the injector seals. I said lets try it. It wasn't incredibly expensive. And that did the trick. No more gas leak under the hood, and no more gas ordor in the cabin. So just an FYI for those viewing this that have a similar problem.

Thanks
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Friday, March 16th, 2007 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
CHIS999
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 174,000 MILES
I have a 2000 honda accord that has a fuel leak. One of the steel lines has corroded underneath and connects to a plastic line, it looks like a quick disconnect type of thing. Question is can I cut the plastic line and connect a piece of fuel line with double clamping to the plastic line and the steel lline on the other end.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi chis999,

The plastic line would not be strong enough to be clamped so this idea would not work. You should instead concentrate the repair on the corroded pipe, which could be replaced and reconnected with the aid of joints.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TONY01
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 12,400 MILES
Hello
Around one month ago I have been noticing a fuel smell coming from my drivers side around the fuel tank, rear left tire when the car is warm. No smell when cold anywhere.
Checked fuel cap.
Checked visually under the fuel tank for any leaks none noted. No fuel Dripping.
Checked fuel pump through the access cover in trunk, no leaks noted.
Three days ago my Check Engine light came on with code P1456, something related to Emissions. Cleared the computer two days ago and so far it has not come on again. Any suggestions? Could this be related to the smell? Thanks in advance !
Tony
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi tony01,

P1456 = EVAP control system leakage ( fuel tank system ).

Yes, it is related to the fuel smell and the most common fault is a bad 2 way valve located on side of fuel tank.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDAIGUA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 1,999 MILES
I have been smelling gasoline coming from the back of my car. It's more noticible when I open the trunk. I have not noticed any leak spots on the ground. I plan to fill my tank and see how many miles to the gallon I am getting but for now I am wondering what could be causing the smell.

1999 Honda Accord, 2.3L, 152,000 miles
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the camlock seal and vapor hoses
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Check under car for fuel stains, check cap for sealing, proberbly will be an external leak at the tank or the lines.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDAIGUA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks guys. Do you think its possible that the tank itself might be leaking? I have not seen any fuel stains on the ground. Just the smell only.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be a small leak -inspect the fuel tank thoroughly
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LORE2010
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 124,000 MILES
Car smells like gas wen in use makes my head hurt has no leaks and don't know what to do so I would like some help from experts please and thank you lalalalal lalalal lalalala lalal lalala lalal lalal lalala lakaka lakalal lananaj lakajak sorry I'm dojng this but it said it neede ti be 200 words so I had nothibg else to ask once again so sorry or thr jummbled lettering sorry
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You should have used the extra required characters to provide more information of the problem. What you have provided is insufficient for us to make any suggestions. At least you need to find out where the gas smell is coming from.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZSWICKLIFFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 160,000 MILES
Hello, my honda is leaking gas at a very slow rate, and here is my problem. I have already had almost all of the fuel tubing replaced from the gas tank all the way to the engine, except for the last little bit, which I was told was rusty metal. I smelled fuel after the repair and I do not understand why the repair shop would go about repairing everything except for this, but I have no way of looking under my car and seeing for myself. I wouldn't even know where to start or buy parts for this problem.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi zswickliffe,

Is the part that is not replaced at front or rear of vehicle?

Did you ask the repair shop why the problem had not been rectified?
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HEATHERVISCO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
When I first bought my car, it was leaking gas, so I got it replaced with new gas tank and gas line. After a week of having the gas leak fixed, I started smelling gas again. At first it was here and there and now its everytime after I drive my car there is a strong smell of gas but there is no leak.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the charcoal canister if its saturated with fuel

Could be running rich due to the following below

Probable causes of an engine running rich are as follows:

1. Fuel pressure not within specs. Can be cause by restricted fuel return line or defective fuel pressure regulator.

2. Defective Oxygen Sensors.

3. Leaking injectors.

4. Coolant temperature sensor out of calibration.

5. Restricted air intake system.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 1996 HONDA ACCORD
  • 130,782 MILES
My car is leaking gas. And its leaking under the driver's seat. What can I do?
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 1:29 PM (Merged)

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