Why is there a fuel smell near my Hyundai Elantra’s engine bay after shutting off the car?

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Why is there a fuel smell near my Hyundai Elantra’s engine bay after shutting off the car?

After turning off my 2017 Elantra, I sometimes notice a strong fuel smell from the front of the car. Someone told me it might be a purge valve stuck open. How serious is this problem, and is it common in Elantra models driven in hot cities like Multan o r Hyderabad?

Gari Specialist asked on 10 Jul 2025 18:21:10 pm

1 Answer

23 views |

Gari Master - on 10 Jul 2025 18:25:29 pm

A strong fuel smell near the engine bay after turning off the car is often caused by a purge control valve stuck open, which allows fuel vapors to leak into the intake manifold even when the engine isn’t running.

This is especially common in hot regions like Multan o r Hyderabad, where fuel vapor pressure is higher, and the valve may not close fully due to heat fatigue.

Risks:

Fuel vapors can cause hard starting o r engine flooding

Could lead to EVAP system failure and emission issues

Over time, this may damage the charcoal canister o r lead to fire hazard in rare cases

Action:
Have the purge valve tested o r replaced immediately. The cost is moderate, and early action avoids more expensive repairs.