Gas + Exhaust Fumes= Headache

[gaewsky1]

Got a question for those of you in the cold states:

The interior of my car has been filling up with a smell that smells like a mixture of exhaust and gas fumes. It's really bad and is giving me a headache. I also noticed that after driving home from work at lunch and parking it in my garage the smell filled the garage. It just started happening and I was wondering if any of you had any ideas or if it has happened to you too?

[hellafastWRX]

Probably because it is a running vehicle, which produces exhaust fumes, is in your garage, which is an enclosed place. Just be careful, cause that carbon monoxide can be a prob if you inhale a lil too much.

[Mandra]

If it is really cold where you are the gas smell may be a fuel leak. THe early 02 WRX's have a TSB that covers some hose changes. I would do a search to see if that's your problem.

[gaewsky1]

Subaru has a TSB out about exactly what I was smelling. I guess when the temp drops low something happens with the hoses connecting to the fuel line. The hose must be replaced along with the fuel pipe assembly. I guess its a problem on early 2002 model WRXs. If anyone else has a similar problem the TSB is #09-36-03. Or you can search NASIOC, thats where I found the answer.

Contacted my dealership and they are going to fix it next week!

[gaewsky1]

Thanks Mandra, I guess we posted at the same time.

[vtjim]

I must be immune. Or I hope I am. I got mine in May of '01 (Early MY02), and it gets a little chilly in these parts.

If any such leak happens, I'm assuming they won't balk at a TSB just because I have exhaust mods.


Thursday Night
Mostly clear. Lows 10 below to 15 below.

[photog72]

If some of you haven't passed the magic mile count on your car (36K miles), it will be fixed for free. I don't think TSBs are fixed for free after the warranty expires. TSBs are not recalls. Recalls are issued for safety reasons. Thankfully, my car has not been subjected to a TSB or recall... yet.

[vtjim]

Originally posted by vtjim
I must be immune. Or I hope I am. I got mine in May of '01 (Early MY02), and it gets a little chilly in these parts.

So I'm driving home from work today, and it's zero degrees out.

I'm driving somewhat spiritedly, as the cold air does nice things for boost.

I nearly got home when... I smelled gas! Definitely from my car. I backed into the garage and the garage smelled like gas, too. The smell went away after a short time though.

I guess I'm not immune. I suppose conditions were right this time.

Next question: How hard is this to take care of? Is it just a quick fix for the dealer, or do I have to leave the car?

[gaewsky1]

From what I know if the dealer has the part they can fix the problem in a couple of hours.

I'll post what happens on Wednesday when I take it in.