2005 Grand Am Gas Smell

[scoogie_scott]

I keep getting a gas smell every now and then. When the smell becomes evident, its always in the morning when its cold out. It definitely appears to be coming from under the hood. Any suggestions on what to check and how to check? Thanks

 

[melsg5]

Do you have a check engine light on? Check the fuel rail especially in the area of the pressure regulator vacuum connection. Other possibility is related to the evaporative purge system having a disconnected/broken hose.

 

[scoogie_scott]

No check engine light. I would have to double check this evening, but I think part number 10 in the picture is a little rubber hose right next to the idle air control valve. It seemed that it was kind of dry rotted. Is this something that would leak gas fumes?

 

[CatSkinner]

Possibly, your purge valve may be sticking and saturating you vapor canister. Try getting it scanned and check idle vacuum.

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[msmith1956]

That little u shaped hose (part 10) is known to be problematic. Replace it, and see what happens. Mine went soft, and would collapse under vacuum, and it set a p0442 code.

 

[jallegra]

i'm having the same problem with a 2000 grand am gt. The smell of gas is potent and is really hit or miss ---- havn't been able to diagnose the issue. i have had it to the dealer several times and they tell me nothing is wrong and i don't have any leak...

 

[CatSkinner]

If the vent line from the purge canister to the intake manifold is plugged or broken, or the vent line from the gas tank to the purge canister leaks, it will saturate the carbon. In most instances, if you correct the problem, the canister will recover and work normal.

Oh, and I'm not sure that a faulty purge valve will throw a light, even though it throws a code.

 

[Kaywin]

2004 Pontiac Grand Am 2004 Gas Smell

I found this and thought I would repost it. My car goes in for service Thursday. Will update after it is repaired.
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If you can smell exhaust when your car is just sitting it could be a couple of different things depending on the situation.

1. If you smell exhaust after you start it when the engine is cold (early in the morning or after it has sat for a while) and after the engine has warmed up the smell goes away then it could be a cracked exhaust manifold. The reason it goes away when it is warm is because the heat causes thermal expansion of the material the manifold is made of and the crack temporarily seals itself up. When it cools the crack opens up again.

2. Exhaust gaskets could be weak or bad. This could leak more exhaust towards the front and you could smell it in the cab. This won't go away whether the car is warmed up or not.

3. Your exhaust pipe running from the engine to the muffler could have a small hole in it. Again thermal expansion could seal this up. If you look under the car and can see exhaust coming from anywhere but the end of the muffler when it's cold then this could be it.

With all of these an increase in exhaust volume (sound, not size) is noticeable. If your car is louder when you push down on the accelerator than it used to be then this could help narrow down the problem if you told an expert.

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[Kaywin]

2004 Pontiac GrandAm Gas smell

I just picked up my car from the dealership after a week long issue of a gas smell when I start it up until it has ran for a bit. I was told it could be a cracked exhaust manafold....
It turned out to be a leaking fuel pressure regulator.
The part cost $107.12 and parts & labor came to $287.82 plus misc fees for enviormental recycle. My total bill from Morries Parts & Service Group today was: $335.49. (Not including rental fee of a car).
I bought an extended warranty when I bought my car and it was to expire in Feb.... Found out I was 1,000 miles over the warranty!! Darn it'
So - FYI: I had a gas smell inside my car. It wasn't a usual exhaust smell but more gas. It would go away after car was warm and runnig for a while.

 

[Kaywin]

I found this and thought I would repost it. My car goes in for service Thursday. Will update after it is repaired.
_________________________________________________________
If you can smell exhaust when your car is just sitting it could be a couple of different things depending on the situation.

1. If you smell exhaust after you start it when the engine is cold (early in the morning or after it has sat for a while) and after the engine has warmed up the smell goes away then it could be a cracked exhaust manifold. The reason it goes away when it is warm is because the heat causes thermal expansion of the material the manifold is made of and the crack temporarily seals itself up. When it cools the crack opens up again.

2. Exhaust gaskets could be weak or bad. This could leak more exhaust towards the front and you could smell it in the cab. This won't go away whether the car is warmed up or not.

3. Your exhaust pipe running from the engine to the muffler could have a small hole in it. Again thermal expansion could seal this up. If you look under the car and can see exhaust coming from anywhere but the end of the muffler when it's cold then this could be it.

With all of these an increase in exhaust volume (sound, not size) is noticeable. If your car is louder when you push down on the accelerator than it used to be then this could help narrow down the problem if you told an expert.

It turned out to be a leaking fuel pressure regulator total cost of repair today: $335.49