# Why am I smelling Gas? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [June 5, 2007, 1:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-am-i-smelling-gas/252 "2007-06-05T01:00:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![michkeri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@michkeri](https://community.cartalk.com/u/michkeri)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2007, 1:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-am-i-smelling-gas/252/1 "2007-06-05T01:00:57Z")
I have a '99 Chevy Cavelier. Just recently I’ve noticed the smell of gas both on the inside and around the outside of the car. I have checked for possible leaks but haven’t found any. It’s weird t me that I am smelling it when I am in the car any thoughts? ---
**Author:** ![lprocter](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/lprocter/32/40_2.png) [@lprocter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lprocter)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2007, 1:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-am-i-smelling-gas/252/2 "2007-06-05T01:06:47Z")
When do you smell it? All the time or only sometimes? Is there a Check Engine light on? Are there any leaks from other places than the gas tank? ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2007, 1:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-am-i-smelling-gas/252/3 "2007-06-05T01:21:40Z")
There’s only one explanation. Your car has a leak somewhere in the fuel system. This is DANGEROUS! Have this checked and repaired ASAP, before you go up in flames. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2007, 1:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-am-i-smelling-gas/252/4 "2007-06-05T01:31:47Z")
I haven’t detected any leaks…I am taking the car in for service. Check engine light doesn’t come on. Thanks for the advice! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2007, 2:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-am-i-smelling-gas/252/5 "2007-06-05T02:39:48Z")
Sounds like it’s time to let someone borrow your car and see what happens. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2007, 6:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-am-i-smelling-gas/252/6 "2007-07-09T06:49:04Z")
I have had the very same problem recently with my 2005 Chevy Impala. I guess I am just very unlucky because I had a similar problem in 1999 with a Mazda MPV van that had a defective fuel vapor separator tank. At least I know what to look for. If you have a Chilton’s book for your car it will show you the fuel system. You might try looking up recalls too, on the internet to find out if there are other consumer complaints. Which is what I am doing now. ---
**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2007, 5:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-am-i-smelling-gas/252/7 "2007-07-09T17:12:25Z")
Fuel vapors spread 360 degrees when fuel is leaking that’s why you smell it inside the vehicle. It’s not airtight. You may have a cracked or split fuel line from the tank or even a loose in-line filter clamp. Follow the fuel lines from the tank forward along the frame rail. If the lines are married and clamped together at some point they rub together and may start leaking.`