Gas smell in cab using auto start

[jsmith032]

Every time I auto start my truck and let it run for a couple minutes, jump in the cab, it smells like a gas station. It’s only running for a couple minutes, nothing crazy.

Could it be an exhaust leak or something? I just had it in for Service so I’m assuming they would’ve called that out if they noticed it.

 

[KrustyKush]

Do you auto start in an enclosed space? Garage or covered port? Otherwise I got nothin’.

 

[mikeru82]

By auto start I’m assuming you mean remote start. Exhaust shouldn't smell like gas. Are you sure it's gas you're smelling? You should never smell gasoline, especially inside the cab. It's indicative of a fuel leak. If that's actually the case you should stop driving it until you find and fix the leak.

Does it smell like gas if you start it with the push button and let it idle for a couple minutes? As a test, instead of remote starting it (when it's parked in the same spot you normally remote start), try starting it with the push button and get out of the truck for a couple minutes. Then get in and see if you have the same smell.

 

[jsmith032]

I guess I should’ve clarified. It’s exhaust for sure. And yes, remote start and the truck is outside.

I did start it normally, leave, come back in a couple minutes and it’s smells like exhaust. Technically it’s not remote start that’s causing it. More of the idle for more than a couple minutes.

 

[Hemogoblin]

I guess I should’ve clarified. It’s exhaust for sure. And yes, remote start and the truck is outside.

I did start it normally, leave, come back in a couple minutes and it’s smells like exhaust. Technically it’s not remote start that’s causing it. More of the idle for more than a couple minutes.

Id say manifold leak or passenger side exhaust flange that connect to the manifold.

One easy way to check if you live in a colder climate is starting the truck and looking for exhaust moisture evaporating. Mine was clear as day coming from the manifold.

 

[RamCares]

We're sorry to hear of this. Should you choose to visit the dealership regarding this concern, feel free to send our team a private message for an extra layer of support.

Diamond
Ram Cares

 

[jsmith032]

We're sorry to hear of this. Should you choose to visit the dealership regarding this concern, feel free to send our team a private message for an extra layer of support.

Diamond
Ram Cares

Dealership wants to charge me $275 for a diagnostic. I have extended support but if they “don’t find anything” they’ll charge me $275 still.

 

[RamCares]

Dealership wants to charge me $275 for a diagnostic. I have extended support but if they “don’t find anything” they’ll charge me $275 still.

Diagnostic fees are common at dealerships. They cover the time and expertise needed to identify vehicle issues and are not waivable. Most dealers will apply the fee toward the cost of the repair, though it’s not required.

Diamond
Ram Cares

 

[jsmith032]

Diagnostic fees are common at dealerships. They cover the time and expertise needed to identify vehicle issues and are not waivable. Most dealers will apply the fee toward the cost of the repair, though it’s not required.

Diamond
Ram Cares

Last time I went to the dealership they wanted to charge me $275 to diagnose the smell. And if they didn’t find anything I would be out $275. But I’d they did my extended warranty would cover it.

To say the least, I don’t have confidence in the dealership to narrow down the smell.

 

[mikeru82]

That’s how a lot of extended service contracts work. You pay something for their labor to diagnose the issue and are SOL if they find nothing.

Is it a Mopar extended warranty or 3rd party? If you don’t trust the dealership you might check the contract for your extended warranty to see if it has to be fixed by a dealership, or if you can take it to an independent shop for the work. You might still be charged a diagnostic fee, but there are a lot of Indy shops that do very good work.

 

[RamCares]

Last time I went to the dealership they wanted to charge me $275 to diagnose the smell. And if they didn’t find anything I would be out $275. But I’d they did my extended warranty would cover it.

To say the least, I don’t have confidence in the dealership to narrow down the smell.

We certainly understand! Should you change your mind, our private messages are open for support.

Diamond
Ram Cares

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Check the bolts/flange where exhaust connects to y pipe before muffler. They're known to rust/break/leak. Look for condensation after remote starting before getting in or vapors coming out at connections.