General Strong Petrol smell in cabin

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General Strong Petrol smell in cabin

Jasmine the Panda

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Jun 23, 2017
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Hello, Just joined and having a problem with my 2012 1.2 active model Panda. She is the 2003 shape, not the updated model. For the past few weeks I have noticed a strong petrol smell inside when driving, It was so bad the other day that I had to have the window open when popping to the shops. I can't see anything in the engine bay or any obvious leaks underneath near the petrol tank. Has anyone else had this problem? is it the fuel line, fuel filter, etc???

The underside of the car has a lot of plastic shielding which my previous Panda ( 2006 model) didn't have fitted. Any pointers??? :cry:
 
Once the engine is running the fuel system is pressurised. With the engine off, this pressure will gently drop off. As petrol evaporates easily, finding a leak can be difficult.
The fuel lines run under the car from the tank to the engine bay, so there should not be any smell inside the car.
With the engine running, open the bonnet and inspect the fuel lines to the engine. Take care not to touch anything hot or rotating.
Might need to look underneath while it is running.
If those inspections show nothing, it might be a leak at the tank, where the fuel sender/pump unit fits into the top of the tank. This is accessed under the rear seat base. There is a large cover, which may not be sealed effectively.
There was a thread recently about a Palio with a petrol smell/leak. Have a look at this thread, as the Panda is similar. https://www.fiatforum.com/palio/441323-fuel-leakage-while-filling-petrol-tank.html
 
Thanks for the reply,

We have had it up on ramps on the drive while running, no petrol from engine bay or anything obvious underneath when running....Unlike the Palio in the video.:eek::eek::eek:. Will have a look underneath the back seat cover to see if it is the fuel pump.?

Recently had a new back silencer fitted as the old one had rusted, do you think it could have been knocked by a bit of careless exhaust fitting???
 
This might sound silly.. but I used to keep a plastic back up petrol tank in my boot. Saw it in Tesco for £4 and thought it'd help if I ever ran out of fuel or low when on long trips.

Having this container in the boot - even fastened tight - used to stink the car of petrol so I stopped using it. Smell went away.

Be careful driving with them fumes in the car! Don't smoke in it either if there's a strong petrol smell in case.
 
I've found if the petrol cap isn't screwed on properly you can smell it inside,especialy if the windows down a little.Another thing is check the air filter box and breather hoses are tight,I've had a petrol smell from that being loose.
 
Did you sort this ?


I noticed the GF car smells of petrol when first started.


There is a leak in the exhaust near the catalytic converter. I think its not allowing the O2 sensors to work properly. See if goes after I fit the new exhaust.
 
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