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Car Interior Chemical/ Petrol Odour


Theatreofdreams
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Hi I have a stubborn odour in my car, like a chemical or petrol stench. I am not sure if it's because of a recent leak of my polishing cream bottle in the boot of the car, or a leak of the petrol tank. How can I determine? I have fabric seats and it's a hatchback so the boot area is connected to the cabin.

 

I've tried febreeze and charcoal but to no avail. How can I determine the exact cause, before I resort to a steam cleaning of the interior?

 

Thanks.

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Neutral Newbie

Are there any visible staining you can see on the fabric? Can you undo some of the plastic trim catches to lift up the carpet?

 

Febreeze and other deodorizers will only mask the smell, but will come back in a matter of days every time. I believe you may need to deep extract by wet vac or better steam clean to get rid of.

 

I doubt its a leaking petrol tank as you'd notice the gauge go down quicker, less mileage and drip beneath the car. If it is though, I wouldn't waste any time and bring it to the mechanic straight away as that's an extreme safety risk!

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Could be due to fuel line leaking. The fuel tank is just below back passenger seat for access to fuuel pump. Years ago remember on e a friend pumped full tank, within a short periodof ttime the fuel gauge dropped a lot and while cabin smell of petrol. Stopped car immediately and call for help. Washer that's connecting to fuel tank needs replacement and fuel has been leaking. Emergency service FOC, washer cost $0.50.. half tank of wasted petrol no refund.

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Supercharged

Very possible, you haven't serviced to change fuel pump or fuel filter recently have you?

 

how often we need to change the fuel filter?

every 20k?

 

i also notice that lately my car interior got this problem too

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(edited)

Thanks guys.

 

Yea it's kinda a headache as there seems at least 4 possibilities.

 

1) fuel line leak (no major fuel level drop issue however)

2) fuel filter issue

3) exhaust pipe leak

4) rear windscreen gasket issue (no noticeable water leakage issue however)

 

Regarding pt 4, I went for an interior fogging job recently hoping to address the issue. And noticed fog escaping through a side of the rear windscreen. I'm wondering whether exhaust fumes or sth might have entered cabin through this.

 

Am thinking of bringing it to Motor Image for troubleshooting. It's a 4.5 yr old Impreza i got in feb. other than this troubling issue i love everything else about this car.

 

The odour is bad whenever I enter the car in the mornings. My current measure is to keep my windows slidely down when it's parked, and this helps.

Edited by Theatreofdreams
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Fuel leak will always smell it.

 

I had the same problem recently on my Rex. After a few days trouble shooting...found out that it was a O ring that kaput in the engine bay. Swap that out and no more petrol smell.

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