The smell of gasoline in the cabin is not only unpleasant and harmful to health. First of all, it is a signal of malfunction in the car. This means that there is a threat to the safety of you and others. Therefore, as soon as you feel the smell of fuel, immediately go to the service station for diagnosis and troubleshooting. Better by a tow truck.
Why do I smell gasoline in the cabin?
The smell in the cabin appears due to the penetration of fuel vapors through the numerous ventilation holes. Determining where it smells strongest will help identify the problem faster.
The main causes are:
- leaking under the hood. This is a dangerous defect, the elimination of which is better to entrust to auto mechanics. It is necessary to check the fuel filter, lines, joints of pipes with connectors. It is better to entrust the diagnostics to auto service specialists.
- 2. Leakage of a fuel tank. In most cases (95%) the cause of odor is a broken tank. It is difficult to independently identify the defect: visibility is limited and fasteners are often rusty. Computer diagnostics will be required.
- Loose fuel filler neck and cap. Wear and loosening is a natural process during operation. Timely detection of the defect is difficult because of limited access to the parts. The cause of gasoline vapor can also be a failed gasket on the filler cap.
- Defects of the adsorber. Over time, the assembly becomes clogged or worn, which leads to malfunctions and gasoline fumes in the cabin. The adsorber should be removed, checked and cleaned. If the problem is still there, replace it.
- Fixing of fuel level sensor. If the float is installed incorrectly or is fixed on a bad gasket, there will be petrol smell in any case. You have to fix the sensor and fix it firmly.
- Worn injector o-rings. Gaskets lose elasticity with time, which leads to changes in shape and loss of tightness. The rings begin to leak gasoline, its vapors penetrate into the cabin through the ventilation.
- Faulty fuel system. Poor quality repair or defect of at least one of the units will inevitably lead to the penetration of gasoline vapors into the cabin. You should fix it in checked service stations, not garage masters. Otherwise you’ll get a system with patches of sealant or glue, which will be quickly dissolved by gasoline.
The smell in the cabin can come from one or more causes. Once you’ve smelled it, get busy diagnosing and eliminating the source. The sooner you start, the better. Otherwise, you risk your safety, big expenses on repairs and replacement parts.
Not just gasoline: what smells in the cabin can’t be ignored
It’s not just fuel fumes that signal problems in your car. Problems can be indicated by other “aromas” as well:
- Mustiness. A damp smell indicates a clogged drain under the hood or a clogged cabin filter. And if the feeling of mustiness occurs when you turn on air conditioner – it means the problem is in it. It’s time to deal with its cleaning and antibacterial treatment;
- Mildew. The stench is often caused by damaged door seals, trunk, or windows;
- Burning plastic. Possible causes: problems with the clutch disc, technical fluid leaking, burnt wiring. You should call a service station;
- Sweetish odor. It appears because of antifreeze leakage.
If you felt a specific smell of decay, examine interior, look in all hard-to-reach places. Most likely, the stench came from a forgotten sandwich, fruit scraps, or spilled liquid.
Important: Do not look for the source of the fumes by lighting yourself up with a burning match, candle or lighter. Never troubleshoot in an enclosed garage: the combination of gasoline fumes and oxygen can lead to tragedy!
How to Clean the Cabin from Gasoline Smell
You’ve been diagnosed, the problems fixed, but it still stinks inside the car? Gasoline fumes are probably so embedded in the trim and covers that additional measures are needed. To get rid of the smell inside your car, you will need:
- Prolonged airing. Open all doors, remove covers, and remove all items that can absorb odors from the interior. Keep the car open for twenty-four hours or more. Wash or have the covers and mats cleaned.
- Homemade Recipes. Spread activated charcoal, ground coffee or baking soda around the interior. Keep for several days. The substances absorb even the most persistent scents.
- Table vinegar. Dilute it with water (1:2), remove the covers, mats, if possible – elements of the trim. Spray it on and leave it on for 24 hours. During this time, not only will the gasoline smell disappear, but also the vinegar smell.
- Clean the interior. Professional service using strong reagents is the most reliable way to get rid of gasoline smell. It will not be cheap, but it is guaranteed to get rid of annoying odor.
- Ozonation. Salon cleaning is carried out in car service centers with the help of an ozonator. Treatment with triatomic oxygen gets rid of persistent ambergris, cleans and deodorizes surfaces.
Important: Air fresheners and fragrances are unlikely to eliminate the smell of gasoline. They will weaken it and mask it for a while, but they won’t remove it.