My check engine light is on (not blinking). Does my fuel system have a leak?
What is your question?
Recently, I could smell gas outside the car and in the passenger seat. I stopped filling my tank all the way and the smell disappeared. I have never seen fuel leaking from the car. When my mechanic put it on a lift, he didn’t notice any damage on the fuel tank but said it could be near the top, to determine that they’d have to remove the tank and run tests. Also: 1. My check engine light has been whimsical for a year now. It would come on and go off randomly, and would be a different code every time, so I was told to not worry about it. Recent codes indicated that the EVAP system isn’t holding pressure correctly. 2. For a few months recently, my car would have trouble starting up whenever I added gas. It would work after I pressed the gas pedal down during ignition, and afterwards would sometimes have trouble idling 30 seconds after starting up. Is my car safe to continue driving for 6 months without getting the fuel system tested? Will it break down? I am in a scary place financially.
What makes this problem better or worse?
Worse when tank is filled beyond 10 gallons.
How long has your 2005 Subaru Legacy had this problem?
Check engine light whimsical for a year. Gas smell 3 months ago.
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Your check engine light represents a code -- and as you stated, evaporative emissions system concerns appear to be present. If your system is not holding pressure -- vapors could indeed be getting into the passenger compartment.
It is definitely difficult to say whether or not you can wait to make repairs or have testing completed. An evaporative emissions leak is damaging to the atmosphere, and the fumes you are experiencing are not healthy. Further, you have other issues going on if you have to hold the accelerator pedal down sometimes to start the vehicle.
I can empathize with the financial issues. Often times, you have to take things a moment at a time and make it through. Ultimately you need testing and repairs. But in the meantime, be vigilant about the way the vehicle runs as you try to limp along.
