2002 S60 Fuel Smell Vapor at rear of car

EdRedSled · Post by **EdRedSled** » 10 Nov 2014, 06:22

First time post, also searched..

My 2002 S60 (non turbo, FWD) has the odor of fuel at the rear of the car (both sides). I notice it when the car is cold (not sure about when it is hot as someone else drives the car.) No error codes, no liquid leaks on the ground. I am guessing it could be related to the vapor canister system?

I have a floor jack, but no lift. Any suggestions on troubleshooting this? Fluid is easy to see, vapor, not so much. Thanks.

Sardine · Post by **Sardine** » 10 Nov 2014, 15:18

One possibility: it's running rich. Does the engine oil have a petrol smell?

Post by **oragex** » 10 Nov 2014, 17:35

Some cars had a recall on a fuel pump hose prone to leak (I think can be accessed from the trunk, at the right, near the rear seat).

CountryBum-kin · Post by **CountryBum-kin** » 10 Nov 2014, 18:01

Inspect the gas cap seal for cracks. Mine had the same problem and a new gasket fix it.

EdRedSled · Post by **EdRedSled** » 21 Nov 2014, 13:19

Thank you for the suggestions, very helpful.

Results.
1) Oil does not smell of fuel
2) Gas cap appears to be fine and there is no fuel odor there
3) Back Seat - Bingo! That's it.

I can now smell fuel inside the car, pulled the bottom seat, removed the round cover (left rear under the seat) and the issue is definitely there, but no visible leaks. The gasket on the round cover seems imperfect, so I am tempted to replace it or apply some silicone, which will help INSIDE the car, but I suspect that is not fixing the source of the problem, right?

There are two wiring harnesses running under this round cover. One goes to the fuel pump assembly (connector visible), but the other harness "disappears" in the hole, so I am not sure where it goes. I'll climb under the car to take a look, but since these are both wiring harnesses..... and not the fuel lines I was expecting to see (per oragex's comments), I am back to trying to determine the source.

Fuel pump seems undisturbed (dusty & dry), but perhaps I should order a new gasket for that and plan to replace it? Is there anything else in that area that may be the culprit?

Thanks again

Post by **oragex** » 21 Nov 2014, 19:00

Depending on the state were you are located (or where the car was bought by the original owner), there was a recall on the fuel pump
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 11&t=25517
It might still be in recall, so the dealer may possibly fix it for free

Post by **jimmy57** » 21 Nov 2014, 19:55

If it has the "good" (not the subject of recall) pump the cap of pump unit will be yellowish plastic, most white are replaced. The fuel pump is under the right side (passenger side) access under the seat.

EdRedSled · Post by **EdRedSled** » 24 Nov 2014, 18:19

Thanks All.

So I now realize the smell is coming from the rear left (US Drivers side), which is the fuel level sending unit. No visible leak, so I am ordering a genuine gasket and hoping for the best. I suppose second step is to replace the sending unit...

With respect to the fuel pump recall, I am hoping it does not go that far as I am in CT (bought the car used in NY), and neither state is part of the recall. Apparently it was the southern states that were part of the recall. I also ran the VIN through safecar.gov and it did not come up in the recall.

Post by **precopster** » 25 Nov 2014, 06:18

The sending unit isn't part of that hatch cover. The cover is an electrical junction connector for both the fuel pump sender, left side sender and fuel pump power wires.

There is a large o ring within the cover underneath the threads that may leak or has dirt on it causing a poor seal.

sweet2burs · Post by **sweet2burs** » 25 Nov 2014, 06:49

check with Volvo my 2002 s80 i bought Feb 2014 had the same issue it was a dealership repair .they developed a leak on one of the lines to the flue pump .it is a safety issue so it is covered by them even on most older cars.