Fuel smell: Codes, Causes & Fixes
A faint fuel smell after refueling often comes from the evaporative emission system – a loose gas cap, a leaking purge or vent valve or a cracked EVAP hose – and may come with codes in the P0440–P0457 range. A strong raw fuel smell, especially with visible drips under the car or from the engine bay, can mean a leaking fuel line or injector seal and is a fire risk. In that case do not start the engine, keep ignition sources away and have the vehicle inspected or towed.
34Codes
2.3Average severity
6%High or critical
32%DIY-friendly
Severity distribution
Most viewed
P0172
Powertrain
The engine computer is pulling as much fuel as it's allowed on bank 1 and the mixture is still…
Moderate
P0300
Powertrain
The engine computer sees misfires that jump between cylinders or hit several cylinders at once.
High
P0442
Powertrain
The EVAP system leaks through an opening of about 0.040 inch — a cracked hose, loose joint…
Minor
P0457
Powertrain
The EVAP leak test found the system wide open — almost always a loose, missing or worn gas cap.
Minor
P0455
Powertrain
The fuel vapor system can't hold vacuum at all — check the gas cap first, then hoses and valves.
Low
P1456
Honda · Powertrain
Honda's EVAP test found a vapor leak on the fuel tank side of the system.
Low
All codes (34)
P2097
Powertrain
The sensor behind the converter keeps seeing rich exhaust, and the ECU can't lean the mixture…
Low
P2178
Powertrain
Above idle, bank 1 carries more fuel than the PCM asked for, and pulling fuel out no longer…
Moderate
P2188
Powertrain
At idle, bank 1 gets extra fuel from somewhere the PCM doesn't control; above idle the mixture…
Moderate
P2422
Powertrain
The EVAP vent path is blocked, so the tank can't breathe – slow refueling and a whoosh when…
Low