KenK in TX

Car has been doing it for a couple of months now - every time I fill up, I smell strong gas fumes when I have the sunroof or windows open. It lasts until the tank is 3/4 full or less. I'm not overfilling, spilling gas, or leaving the cap loose.

My theory is that something broke as a result of having an incredibly stiff/bouncy suspension on for a couple of months. I believe bouncing (sometimes downright violent) caused the gas tank to vent excessively - breaking a seal or doing some other evil. The suspension is off the car now, but the gas smell problem remains.

There's usually a charcoal canister or something that the fuel system vents to up front, right? I'm thinking that might have been saturated or something.

I'm 3k away from my next scheduled service...so Im looking for some ideas in the mean time.

Perpetual Novice

Your check engine light should come one, just like if you forget to put the gascap back on.

Does VAG-COM show any problems?

Can you localize it to front or back of the car?

Whatever it is, try to figure it out soon, it would really suck if your car caught fire, don't you think?

WYSIWYG

might wanna check'em out

JAFO

the filler neck area there are several parts that could have broked or just dislogged that could cause a full tank leak.