Poor gas mileage and a strong gas smell

CRESTE

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA ECHO
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

The bad fuel economy always seems to be an issue but the smell is only noticeable when the car is driven during the heat of the day. Smell seems to be coming from the rear of the car.

Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 5:02 AM

7 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Hi,

This sounds like you have fuel in the emission system. I would suggest testing the purge valve to see if it has failed.

You could also just have a fuel leak. Have you ever found any fluid on the ground?

The way this works is the fuel vapor from the fuel tank goes into the canister where the purge valve pulls it into the engine to improve fuel mileage and reduce emissions. If this is stuck, it can effect both and produce a smell.

Let me know if you have questions but lets test this first and then go from there.

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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 5:25 PM

CRESTE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hello and thank you for the response. I think you may be on to something as far as the purge valve is concerned. Let me ask you this if I may, would the purge valve make any kind of an audible noise when it actuates? In times past whenever I would put the key in the switch and turn it to the "on" position there would be a short humming noise proceeded by a click. Now that process lasted only a few seconds and happened every time before I started the engine until just recently when all these problems started. And as far a fuel leak, I've never seen any fluid on the ground.

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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 6:31 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Okay. If no fuel on the ground then the canister is most likely where the smell is coming from. As for the noise, it could make a noise. It is a valve with an electric actuator/motor on it. I have not heard any of them make a noise but again, it is possible. Normally the purge is not active at start up but it could be going through a self test. If it is now stuck open it wouldn't make the noise anymore. However, when they stick open they normally make the engine run rough but it is not a guarantee.

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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 6:38 PM

CRESTE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Okay, thanks again. That's most helpful. Now the engine itself seems to run okay with the exception of it trying to stall at idle at least twice in as many days here lately, once at a traffic light and once sitting in a parking lot. Would I be able to take this car somewhere and have the purge valve tested? I don't currently own an ohmmeter. Also where is the canister?

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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 6:49 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

That makes sense. Stalling is a sign of a purge valve. The canister is located under the vehicle back by the fuel tank. I could not find a location to be able to show you exactly where but here is the picture of it. It should be close to the fuel tank because it is where the vapor from the tank is held until the purge pulls it into the engine.

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