GoodRevs

CEL + TRAC came on earlier today. Pulled the code and it is P0440, something to do with the evap system. Funny, because for the past week or so I have noticed a faint gasoline smell after I pull in and shut off the car, which I dismissed as probably having driven over some gas or something else harmless. I know this code (P0440) has been discussed before, but no one ever seems to have mentioned smelling gas as well. I am wondering if that additional symptom will help me more accurately diagnosis the problematic part. Any idea's?

LeX2K

If you smell gas then you definitely have a leak somewhere, you need to carefully inspect all the fuel lines and hoses. Or it could be something as simple as a bad gas cap gasket, can you narrow down where the smell is coming from?

GoodRevs

I want to say near the front passenger side wheel. That is where I first smelled it and a few times since, and only there. In the garage is more difficult to identify the source; a strong smell like gasoline can spread pretty quick in a small place like that.

LeX2K

You have two ES300's which one is giving you the problem?

BTW that code is a bummer because just about anything can set it off. I had the same code on my ES, turns out a hose was pulled out of the air cleaner box, I think I did it when I was detailing the engine bay. Too bad I found it after I went up and down the car looking for split hoses, and I did a bunch of other tests outlined in the service manual.

In your case you definitely have a line or hose that is leaking or has fallen off, you won't smell gasoline if say a solenoid fails.

GoodRevs

It's my 2001 ES.

Yeah, research seems to indicate it can be a number of things. Any idea which hoses to check, or how to find the leak? I need to have my 90k service done soon, maybe I'll just have this taken care of at the same time and try to work some savings out of the whole work order.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Hmmm, passenger side you say... I know that the fuel filter is on the driver side, below the master cylinder in that open space (once you take the Airbox out), check there for leaks?

GoodRevs

Ok, ready for this? It took some effort on the part of the technicians at Lexus but the problem was that a rodent chewed through a hose located between the filler and fuel tank (I have the exact wording on the service sheet). It was a tough spot to get to so it was a pricey fix and I'm certain I way overpaid, but I needed the car right away and didn't have time to play around trying to figure it out.

FYI, regarding the code P0440, in the past some people have mentioned that after clearing the code it can takes hundreds of miles for it to come back. The reason is not because of time or miles driven, but rather the system in which the failed part is located does not kick in until the gas tank is around 1/4 full or below.

BradBo

GoodRevs,

Is there any chance you could provide more detail as to what the techs said regarding the problem/solution?

I occasionally have noticed the smell of gasoline (sometimes strong) when stepping out of my 2000 ES 300. Two days ago the CEL and Trac Off lights kicked on. I took it to AutoZone and the P0440 code appeared. It has 180k miles and I bought it used so the fuel filter may still be the original.

This sounds like it could be the exact same problem so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Brad

jimmyjay

I had the same gas smell issue with my 2000 ES although I never threw a code. Replaced the fuel injector seals. Cost about $300 at the dealer in 2008.

swc1293

I have the P0440 code on my 99 GS300. I believe I've narrowed the problem down to the charcoal canister. I think the cost of the canister is around 500.00 which is crazy. I was thinking of drilling a hole in the canister and removing the old charcoal and replacing it with new. I think it might be worth a try...

rkcnb

Can you tell me what part was needed to fix your problem? I am having the exact same issue...

LeX2K

Leaky fuel pressure regulator? What year?

VanZ

I have had a couple of gas smells coming from my car over the last couple of years as well, My first case ended up being a bad ECM (Known to go bad on my car) causing my car to run rich, basically flooding itself. This recent occurrence is seemingly the fuel filler cap. My smog guy noticed my OEM one had a crack in the seal and replaced it for me to pass. I think this new one has since worn out or doesn't seal properly.