Gasoline Smell coming in Heater Vents 2002 PT Limited

[MarcusO]

Hi,

I just purchased a 2002 PT Cruiser Limited with 73,000km (45300 miles) on it. Its winter here in Southern Ontario (near Detroit) and after about 5 or 10 minutes of driving I start to smell gasoline in the passenger compartment seems to be coming in through the heater vents. I checked for leaks from the gas tank and didn't find anything or smell any gas. I opened the hood with the engine running and didn't smell gasoline. Any ideas on what could be causing this?

[CREWZIN]

I did a search and found these answers....

I had this happen. On mine it was related to the evap system (emissions) and mostly happened when I filled up with gas.

On my 2002 I had the same problem and was caused by the evap system (emissions). The module is located in the back of the car, tucked up right by the back fender-pannel by the fuel filler tube.

[MarcusO]

CREWZIN, Thanks for the quick and helpful response. You may have nailed the problem as it began after I filled up the tank (for the first time). If it is the evap system then would that mean it is leaking into the passenger compartment at the back of the car and then getting blown around by the heater system? How might I solve the problem and will it be expensive?
Marcus

[CREWZIN]

Marcus,

As I said, I just googled "smell of gasoline in a PT Cruiser" and it came up with what I thought may be your answer. I'm not familiar with the evap system so you'll have to get further info fro another source. Your guess sounds pretty good on what's happening.

If the smell goes away after awhile, you might try (if your not already doing it) to not put any more gas into your PT when the pump shuts off the first time. Don't over-fill the tank.

[BLUEH20]

CREWZIN--nailed it.

Topping off fuel can/will send raw feul into the charcoal cannister...smell and possbily a CEL for good measure. In todays world of evap systems--just not good juju to top of your fuel tank beyond the auto cut off.

[MarcusO]

Hi,

A quick update. I drove around town and now that the tank is down to 2/3 the smell issue seems to have gone. Thanks for the help.