Gas smell when start in cold weather - 2016 Prius Two

i don't have a gen 4, but i have to think it is not normal. perhaps the emissions equipment isn't up to snuff, but i think it would be worth running it by the dealer, in case there is a safety issue.

 

Doesn't seem normal to me. I would get it checked out!

 

I would agree also with the others, and the coldest temps my Gen 4 has been is in the 20's. Doesn't get below freezing too often here in Florida. The only reason I could think its possible is if the gas tank is very, very full. Other than that, a trip to the dealer seems to be in order.

 

I think there was a previous discussion on this topic - could be worth searching. (The USA filler is different to that in Euro or Australia.)

Has this only just started? Before you go to the dealer, as @robsnyder20 said, how full is the tank?
Both USA and Euro Manual says:

 

This isn't normal.

The only reasons I know could be the cause, would be if the gas tank was filled above capacity, and if the fuel pump cover seal, has some cracks on it, you'd have vapour escaping from there to the cabin of your car, hence the smell of gasoline you perceived.

Another option is to check the engine bay area, if any of the injectors are leaking gasoline.

Here's a simple check:
Start the car as you'd always do, and check underneath the car, if there are signs of gasoline spills, or you could remove the rear seat where the fuel pump is located, and check for spills there.


Dxta

 

Depends on the actual smell. The cat. isn't warmed up and you can smell the alcohol (burned) in the exhaust until it does warm up and starts working. I suspect it is "normal" and is caused by the cat not being warm.

 

If the car is under warranty take it back to the dealer. There may be some kind of service bulletin out there by now about it by now.

 

One clue: this is happening at start up in particular, not a general "I can smell gas" when approaching the car thing.

 

clue 2: only in the cold.

 

My Gen. 4 does the same thing, although I would not necessarily call it a "Gasoline" smell.......definitely a chemical smell.....Ya, maybe alcohol??.......figured it was normal....

 

open container law?

 

Good to know, but your profile still shows as Gen 3. Do you have both in your garage now?

 

If there is any doubt, I usually make sure the cat is not under the hood before starting the car.

 

That's another way to keep the pesky mice out of the car!

 

Oops! ........yup, got both.....wife & I both HAD a Gen. 3.......now only she has a Gen. 3 ......

 

Maybe be good if avatar info allowed multiple vehicles. Don't know who to address that to these days though.

 

Following Bob's lead, you could fit in 3 vehicles, likely.

 

I guess it would be the Moderator of the North. @Tideland Prius is like a kind of Arch-Wizard on here. He's probably a stunt double for Gandalf the Grey!

 

I doubt he is old enough for Gandalf the White.