Hi All,

We have two nearly identical 2001 V70 XC AWDs. Both have the same problem which, thus far, we've been unable to solve.

The symptoms are that we get a strong raw gasoline smell inside the vehicle's cabin when the heating system is on (heat or A/C) and we're idling or driving very slowly. If driving at normal speed, then we can run the heater without problem.

Note: the fuel smell does not occur if idling at a standstill and the heater is not on and circulating air inside the cabin.

I bypassed the main fuel line in the engine compartment with a brand new line as an experiment, but it hasn't resolved the problem. Don't see any leaking around the fuel injectors.

At first, it was only one of the Volvos, now both are exhibiting the exact same problem. I also just bypassed the main fuel line of Volvo #2 and it didn't help in that case either..

No gas leaks under either car.

It's definitely a raw gasoline smell versus an exhaust smell.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Bill

 

The only place that I can think of a raw gas smell that would come into the cabin is under the hood. If you have looked around at the fuel injector rail and are sure that it is not leaking there, then the next place is the fuel vapor/purge line coming back to the vent valve under the hood.

If the hose for the vent valve is leaking, I'd suspect a check engine light due to the vapor system losing pressure. So, check again at the injectors.

Use a mirror to look under. Once the fuel drops on the engine, it will vaporize so you won't necessarily find it under the car. Push clean dry paper cloths along the fuel rail and you'll find the leak.

 

Thanks so much for your prompt and thoughtful reply.

Changed out the O rings on the injectors on both Volvos, and voila! No more raw gas smell!

Couldn't see any leaking, and couldn't smell it when sniffing right at the injectors on one of the cars, but could definitely smell it on the other Volvo's injectors, so decided to do O rings on both cars.. No more fuel smell in cabin.

Thanks again Tony!