My son has a 2001 V6 Convert.
We are noticing a strong gas fume smell from the rear of the car, mainly when the tank is full.
The service engine soon light came on so we took it to the local auto parts store for an evaluation. They stated that the gas cap was not on properly. We “tighten” the cap, cleared the code, and went about our business.
Later the service engine soon light returned and the loose gas cap light came on, along with this strong fume smell.
The local auto repair shop has two ideas.
1) A sensor located near the entrance of the fill tube, but they said the gas novel would not fit properly, if this was the case. It fit. So,
2) 2) The overflow, or “recycle system” may have a problem.
They want to do a “smoke test” to find the leak. Take about one hour and cost $75, even before repairs.
Any thought or suggestions?

 

Does it have custom exhaust?(Just call me Captain obvious...shoulda looked at your sig)

Check your air filter hosing. A leak in that can cause your car to run rich and give off a nice gas fume(been there, done that). Go to midas and have them check your catyltic converter too(been there done that). Supposedly they do a heat test for free.

Also, what was the last work you have done on your car? Normally that is usually the cause of the problem.

Here is another idea. Buy a new gas cap, fill the tank and drive around. Maybe the cap went bad which could be why the computer said it wasn't on correctly. If that doesn't work, return it.

 

Do you know if the gas tank has a vapor canister? That may need replacing if it has one.

 

Is it leaking at all when you fill it all the way? I had this problem and it was because the rubber grommet on the tank where the filler neck goes in was cracked.

 

I wouldn't think you need a smoke test. Or that it would take an hour to find the problem. I guess that is pretty much the minimum charge any more though. Check to see if your filler hoses are cracked to the point of leaking, then I would find a shop that would knock some of that "diagnostic" time off, if you let them repair it.