A while ago i started to smell petrol fumes from my car whilst driving with the window down. I thought maybe i spilt a lil when filling up but as the days passed it was still there. I searched the whole engine bay, following all fuel lines, checking the fuel filter, etc but no leaks or anything (car had around 20,000ks at the time so leaks shouldnt be too common).

When my next service was due i told the mechanic about the smell, he searched but couldnt find anything. I took it to an exhaust shop they said the exhuast had a leak, hence the smell.
I replaced the whole exhaust system (under waranty through mistu still) and the smell was gone... i thought.
This only happens when i drive with the window down, with the a/c on i cant smell it. Its fairly strong at times, jsut wondering does this happen to anyone else, or know what it is?
I was told by someone that the old fords had a fuel breather too close to the air vents making the inside smell, is this the case in my TL? Cheers

Mine does this sometimes, dealer workshop said the cap was loose when I mentioned it- can't find anything loose, but I think I'll try an aftermarket cap soon and see if it changes. Doesn't do it often though

yeah mine doesnt do it all the time, only sometimes when the window is down:confused:
Maybe i will check my cap.. wouldnt have anything to do with the pressure build up inside the tank would it? Cos i dont really feel like opening the cap every couple of days lol

mine does the same thing that you guys are describing

+1

I only noticed after I had the fuel tank replaced, so was thinking it may be a loose line at the fuel tank.

I cbf pulling the back seat of though to get to it.

My TL does the same thing. I seem to always smell fuel when I open the left hand rear door when the car is stationary. Sometimes when I open the boot. My guess is some breather around the filler cap area inside the rear guard vents fumes at times. However the economy is unaffected, and I can't be bothered pulling the trim apart to find the cause. Just put up with it. I never smell anything from the front seat.

hmmm sounds like a common problem then aye? I wouldnt normally care, but as its my family car and my missus and my son are in the car most days i fear for their health. Im sure it can be dangerous to inhale the fumes over a pro-longed time

I'll buck the trend and say Nope no probs here

mine does as well.

i suspect 85% that it is my fuel cap.
smell is more prominent in the heat.

i've yet to investigate further. but i think maybe the o-ring isn't sealing properly or something.

next time you smell it. pull over (usually happens at low speeds, ey? it wafts into cabin that way) open flap, and stick your head in there... see if its that.

Newer magnas get a sulphur smell from the exhaust sometimes. Usually a stuffed oxygen sensor

Newer magnas get a sulphur smell from the exhaust sometimes. Usually a stuffed oxygen sensor

mine does this untill i reset the ecu (cause i was getting bad economy,17.8l per 100k) no smell now and the econmy is back to normal

I think it's safe to say most people on here would know the difference between a fuel smell and a sulphur smell.

*puts up hand*

yep I get a fuel smell too from around the filler area.. I also assume it`s the seal on the fuel cap, may have dried out over time.

UPDATE!!!

i bought a new cap, i think it was $12 (trade) and problem fixed.

when you tighten the cap, i noticed it felt different, i could feel the o-ring tighten with gradual tension. where as the old one was just stiff and would go straight into 'clicking'

so get it!

+1 to the fuel smell problem

i only notice it when i stop & shut down the motor.
only occasionally tho..

my fuel cap jut goes to clicking when i tighten it back up - have a spare laying around here too will try that