The smell of fuel...

[Big_Lad]

Guys,

I have a concerning problem with my Ibiza. It started with my car taking a while to start when turning the key in the ignition. At first I thought it was down to the battery on its way out, so I’ve replaced it, as it was still on its first battery when the car was registered in 2002.

But now there is a distinct fuel smell when I’m driving along. My car has been parked for a day or two and I’ve regularly checked the underneath and can see no visible fuel leak from the car or on the ground, so it leads me to assume that it’s only a vapour smell, and a very strong one at that.

I’m no expert on the mechanics of the engine but could it be something to do with my fuel pump, I take it they must need replacing every so often.

I’ve got no engine management light on at the moment, but I suppose that doesn’t mean there aren’t any error codes coming from the ECU, so I’m going to charge my laptop up and take a look with my VAG-COM.

Has anyone else had anything similar? Can anyone provide a possible explanation?

Thanks in advance

 

[artemis_1991]

Is your car still sometimes hard to start? and what does it idle like?

Probably best to VAG-COM it.

 

[SeanyK]

Clogged fuel filter? When was that last changed?

Definately made sure the fuel lines under the bonnet are all OK and not split at all?

 

[Big_Lad]

Is your car still sometimes hard to start? and what does it idle like?

Probably best to VAG-COM it.

Thats what i'm hopefully going to do this morning. When i get it running it idles fine which surprises me

Clogged fuel filter? When was that last changed?

I've had the car 3 years and not done in that time, i very much doubt it has been done by the previous owners too. Is it a straight forward job?

 

[SeanyK]

I'd like to say I know fella, but I don't

I know it's very easy on a Fiat Punto but that doesn't help much! As it's a regularly serviced item, i'd imagine it's not the hardest thing in the world to do, although might be worth taking it over to a (can't believe im going to say this) Kwik Fit or place like that, and see if they'll just stick a new fuel filter on for twenty quid or something.

 

[artemis_1991]

Some sort of sensor probably, get the codes up on here when you get them.

 

[RichN]

£10 says it will be your coolant temperature sensor. Part number's in the FAQ, and they never last long - especially if it's the original black one... replacements are green now. It's 4 pin.

It might log an event in VAG-COM but it might not, although it will eventually! Mine didn't put the CEL light on until today, although it's been an issue for 3 days now.

 

[Big_Lad]

Well i finally pulled my finger out of my butt and got a VAG-COM scan on my car and the only code its thrown back is:

18010 - Power Supply Terminal 30: Voltage too low

I'm going to have a quick search through the forum to see what i can dig up. Its showing no error codes about anything to do with my fuel, but then again i'm unsure as to whether it would or not as i know no different.

In the meantime i've got a new fuel filter and fancy having go myself, anyone done one?

Or will a garage fit it for me for a few quid?

 

[lemonslap]

It will take a long time to start if there is a fuel leak (I know you checked but petrol evaporates unlike diesel) as air gets into the pipes and the system needs to bleed its self every time, please please do not use the car until it has been fixed!

 

[pj1985]

That code just means the battery has been disconnected I believe.

 

[Big_Lad]

It will take a long time to start if there is a fuel leak (I know you checked but petrol evaporates unlike diesel) as air gets into the pipes and the system needs to bleed its self every time, please please do not use the car until it has been fixed!

Well i'm going to have to take a chance to get it to a garage to get the filter changed.

That code just means the battery has been disconnected I believe.

Yeah i bought a new battery recently thinking that was the problem why it was taking ages to start.

 

[lemonslap]

Well i'm going to have to take a chance to get it to a garage to get the filter changed.

Why are you getting the filter changed is it leaking? Its your choice what you do, however make sure you have a power fire extinguisher with you.

 

[Big_Lad]

Well i'm going to have to take a chance to get it to a garage to get the filter changed.

Why are you getting the filter changed is it leaking? Its your choice what you do, however make sure you have a power fire extinguisher with you.

There is a distinct fuel smell when i manage to get the car going. Like i said i'm no expert really, folks are suggesting the fuel filter may be blocked which when i think about does make sense, it hasn't been changed while i've had the car (3 years)

Recently too, on my part i've been caught short when out and about and have let my fuel level get extremely low which i don't think helps, before getting to a fuel station.

 

[lemonslap]

There is a distinct fuel smell when i manage to get the car going. Like i said i'm no expert really, folks are suggesting the fuel filter may be blocked which when i think about does make sense, it hasn't been changed while i've had the car (3 years)

Recently too, on my part i've been caught short when out and about and have let my fuel level get extremely low which i don't think helps, before getting to a fuel station.

So the fuel smell is only at start up? This makes no sense really? blocked fuel filters cause running problems like power loss but not normally poor starting! So does it only do this on start up?

 

[Big_Lad]

So the fuel smell is only at start up? This makes no sense really? blocked fuel filters cause running problems like power loss but not normally poor starting! So does it only do this on start up?

Well not literally on start up. I get it running, can drive about about 5minutes down the road then i get a waft of fuel coming through the vents.

Since then a friend of mine has been out with me in the car, dropped something as he got out of the passenger side which caused him to bend down and pick it up, and he mentioned that he could smell fuel from the underneath of the car.

I'm hoping to take it into the local VW garage tomorrow and see what they say. I've been round the block doing a steady 20mph and run VAG-COM again and still nothing. Like i say, i consider myself to be a bit of an amateur mechanic but this is beyond me.

Just want my Cupra back to its healthy state again so i can abuse it again

 

[Sharky_82]

i had a similar problem - i found the fuel lines going on the fuel rails were slightly loose and tightened them - didnt come back again -
although i still randomely get the smell but no idea where its coming from - maybe 1 every few months if that

 

[Big_Lad]

Well i took my car along to my local VAG garage and they changed the fuel filter that i supplied them with, turns out it was 'leaking' and would've been changed at the next service interval anyway.

Car runs normally now and starts instantly when i turn the key.

All in all it cost me £9 to get my car fixed.

 

[artemis_1991]

nice one mate, lucky it was a cheap fix eh

 

[lemonslap]

I 2nd that nice one! probably worth rust proofing the fuel pipes underneath for the future as well.

 

[Big_Lad]

nice one mate, lucky it was a cheap fix eh

I 2nd that nice one! probably worth rust proofing the fuel pipes underneath for the future as well.

Definately, I'm pleased it cost so little