2003 M45 Gasoline Smell in Cabin

[phunk311]

Here is the original thread that I was posting in:

zer...in-az

I purchased the vehicle in the beginning of January. When I took delivery, there were no odd smells inside the vehicle. On the way home from the dealership I ran out of gas (didn't know at the time since it said I had half a tank left).

It was towed back to the dealership. They replaced the fuel sending unit twice and then finally the instrument cluster.

I got the vehicle back yesterday and now it smells like gasoline inside the cabin. I pulled everything out of the trunk and noticed a residue all over the metal parts. I wiped everything clean and febreezed the crap out of all the fabric, but the smell is unbearable.

I don't know what to do at this point. I am not bringing it back to the dealership since I don't trust them with the vehicle and they are almost 70 miles from my house. There are other Infiniti dealers closer, but I'm not sure I can exercise my extended warranty yet (may be some sort of grace period?).

Anyone have any ideas? I started the engine tonight with everything ripped out and I don't see any apparent leaks.

[DjsY34]

I just replied to the other post too but incase you dont see it, I ran a car fax on it the other day and it said something about the fuel pump being replaced, that could be the fuel smell if they took it all apart inside your car..

Adam

[M45Caliber]

they also replaced the sending unit (twice) and you did not get the car back until AFTER the second sending unit, and THEN the gauge cluster, right? I'm assuming there was no smell after the first sending unit was swapped (I think these are on the gas tank?)

It's OBVIOUS the dealer effed up and the tech probably spilled fluid in the car while changing the second sending unit - but you wouldn't know that because you didn't get the car back; they then swapped out the cluster and THEN you got it back.

This isn't a warranty issue - this is a dealer servicing issue. Unfortunately you will need to go BACK to Peoria and demand they replace all the trip and/or carpets in the trunk area, or have a PROFESSIONAL detail shop remove the smell completely -- make that COMPLETELY.

They effed it up; they need to fix their mistake. Sad but true. Good luck.

If the dealer gives you crap, get the Infiniti regional rep involved. Your complaint is legitimate. Perhaps one of the Infiniti techs can help out on the replacement of the sending units... (location, etc.) but that's my bet.

[M45Caliber]

re: warranty. If it's your original Van Tuyl warranty, your best bet is to use their dealerships with no grace period. Infiniti Elite does have a 30 day grace period, but your problem is a direct result of a service already performed that was effed up by the dealer. So that's why I mentioned you will need to go back there and that this is not a warranty item; at this point there is no part to fix or replace... just the odor to deal with. Keep us posted --

[CakeDaddy]

Damn!! With everything you’ve been through……….. I wouldn’t blame you if you take it back and cancel the deal. Lemon Law??? Im up the street in Albuquerque. I'll sell you mine.

[M45Caliber]

PHUNK -- what's the staus on your stinky car? WTF are they going to do about it? Do I need to dust off the Black Mauser 12Ga pump with the short 18" barrel and place a visit on your behalf? JK!

Let us know whats shakin' and bakin' OK?

[phunk311]

The smell is officially GONE. When I cleaned out the trunk a few weeks ago, I came across a shop rag in the spare tire area. I guess that rag was used when they replaced some of the parts because it was soaked in gas. It had been there for over a week so it permeated through the entire cabin. After I removed it, the smell slowly went away.