# Cabin Fumes in a 2000 Focus **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** focus, ford\ **Created:** [February 17, 2013, 6:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cabin-fumes-in-a-2000-focus/77434 "2013-02-17T18:49:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Aron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba9def/32.png) [@Aron](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Aron)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 6:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cabin-fumes-in-a-2000-focus/77434/1 "2013-02-17T18:49:56Z")
I have a 2000 Ford Focus ZTS with about 135,000 miles on it with a fume problem. Once it’s warm, I’m noticing what smells like exhaust fumes in the cabin when stopped or at low speed (not at highway speed.) It runs perfectly otherwise. I took it in a few months ago (before I noticed the correlation with engine temp), and the mechanic could not replicate the problem, and he said there was no exhaust leak, I now suspect this is because he only tested it cold. Before I take it back, I was hoping for some ideas of what the likely source(s) might be and just what kind of repair I might be looking at. Any ideas are appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cabin-fumes-in-a-2000-focus/77434/2 "2013-02-17T19:46:22Z")
It depends on how the exhaust gasses are getting in. I suspect the pipes are in good shape, so check for bad gaskets. The exhaust manifold gasket is suspect. Also, since you have a hatch-back, check the rear hatch weather gasket. Exhaust gasses could be creeping in from the tailpipe back there. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 10:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cabin-fumes-in-a-2000-focus/77434/3 "2013-02-17T22:57:58Z")
@Aron did your mechanic use an evap/smoke machine to locate exhaust leaks? ---
**Author:** ![Aron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba9def/32.png) [@Aron](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Aron)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2013, 3:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cabin-fumes-in-a-2000-focus/77434/4 "2013-03-24T15:41:43Z")
Sorry for the delay. I thought I’d get an email alert when there were replies, and I didn’t know there were responses. Thanks for the feedback! That gives me a starting point. Quick point of clarification, this ZTS is a 4 door sedan. I don’t remember what the mechanic used, he just said he couldn’t find a leak. I’ve been using the other car in the meantime, but will take it back this month probably. I will update when I have more info. Thanks again for your input! ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2013, 5:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cabin-fumes-in-a-2000-focus/77434/5 "2013-03-24T17:05:59Z")
**_Oil Leaks That Will Develop Over Time, In The Engine Compartment, Can Sometimes Allow Oil To Drip Onto Hot Exhaust Parts, Burn Off, And Cause Fumes._** Also, coolant fumes can enter the cabin from a leaky heater core, but usually you would notice a problem with windows fogging inside and probably a coolant loss. CSA