What would cause a 2000 Malibu with a 3100 V-6 to start using more fuel than it used to and have a strong gas odor that can be smelled even when driving but no gas leak can be found?

Answer

I think you have hit on a definite candidate for further investigation. If you smell raw gasoline you definitely have a leak and not only does it adversely affect your fuel economy, it's quite dangerous. Finding it may be difficult. Note that most injected vehicles turn off the fuel pump within seconds of initially attempting to start the engine if the engine isn't running. You may need an assistant to help you find the leak. Search the likely locations such as fuel filter connections, injector connections and anyplace that the fuel line is joined. If anything has been done to or around the fuel line recently that would be a good place to start. If you can't find it definitely take it to a Chev dealership to have it checked out because you don't want this to go on without some kind of satisfactory resolution.

Answer

Being a 2000, you very well may not have a fuel leak. I would suspect that there is a sensor that is out of kilter, that is telling the ecm to add more fuel. All of the fuel doesn't get burned, giving a fuel smell and contributing to the poor fuel miliage. Don't bet on the dealer to solve your troubles either. The techs get paid poorly for troubleshooting. Go to an independent repair shop that is competent in this field.

First answer by Redbeard. Last edit by Bclear. Contributor trust: 1447 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 8 [recommend question]