Elantra GT - Gas smell at ignition

[krepitor]

I have been noticing that since I reached 4000 kms my GT is having a strong gas smell when starting up every morning or when parked for more than 2 hours. Have you experienced it too. Any idea what could it be?

[austex04]

When gasoline engines are cold, they run more rich fuel mixture to assist in cold starting, and usually there will be gas smell from the exhaust for the first min or two. Sound like the fresh air intake on the climate control is sucking in those fumes when you first start the car. Try leaving the climate control off when you first start the car, and turn it on once you start driving, or use recirculate for the first min of driving.

[Em-squared]

Did have this happen every so often with my regular 2011 Elantra, too.

[markjenn]

Is the smell before you start the engine or after? Is the space you're running it in enclosed at all (e.g., garage with the door open)? Raw fuel smell or rotten eggs?

No unusual smells with mine at 5K miles.

- Mark

[OkieRich]

Originally Posted by austex04

When gasoline engines are cold, they run more rich fuel mixture to assist in cold starting, and usually there will be gas smell from the exhaust for the first min or two. Sound like the fresh air intake on the climate control is sucking in those fumes when you first start the car. Try leaving the climate control off when you first start the car, and turn it on once you start driving, or use recirculate for the first min of driving.

+1 Outstanding! That's what it is and that's how to stop it! Well, that and the onset of Spring/Summer to lean down the fuel mixture.

[Flying Turtle]

Not getting it with mine, but I have had cars before that did stink a bit. I assume you've checked for drips.

Geoff

[elantraVT]

13k miles on mine...no gas smell at all..and we are pretty chilly up here in VT right now.