[jakester]

I recently started to smell gasoline when my car is idling, which is something that started over the last few weeks. I don't have the air conditioner on either when I do smell it, if that helps.

Any thoughts on what it could be?

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Make sure the gas cap is tight. See if you can tell if it's coming from under the hood or near the gas tank. Open the hood and look for any apparent leaks from the line going to the fuel rail. Similarly, see if you can see or smell gas around fuel pressure regulator hoses, for instance, going to the fuel tank. Solder jobs can loosen over time. Finally, ensure you are not continuing to put gas in the tank once the nozzle cuts off--you may be drowning your EVAP control system with raw gasoline, instead of fumes.

[jakester]

Make sure the gas cap is tight. See if you can tell if it's coming from under the hood or near the gas tank. Open the hood and look for any apparent leaks from the line going to the fuel rail. Similarly, see if you can see or smell gas around fuel pressure regulator hoses, for instance, going to the fuel tank. Solder jobs can loosen over time. Finally, ensure you are not continuing to put gas in the tank once the nozzle cuts off--you may be drowning your EVAP control system with raw gasoline, instead of fumes.

Thanks, Tex. Turns out that there is a small leak from the line gong to the fuel rail. Is that dangerous enough for me to ground the vehicle for the time being? I'm afraid engine spark could ignite the gas or something.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Yes. Carefully disconnect the negative battery cable, so as not to create a spark, especially if you decide to make repairs. Before making repairs, depressurize the system. The procedure varies from car-to-car; sometimes, it just requires opening the gas cap.