My wifes 2003 toyota highlander when she starts it there is what appears to be a gas fume like smell in the car. it seems to go away when the engine isd warm

Gas smells come from leaks or the engine running too rich ( over fueled ). You need to inspect for any wetness/dampness around the fuel lines/rail and injectors if the smell appears from under the hood. If the engine is over fueled, a scan test can be performed to find out why. Sometimes oil leaks on/around the exhaust system can also give a fuel type smell. Have the vehicle checked for this also.

you have a leak is my guess. check for any fuel leaking under your hood and replace anything damaged or worn out seals before you have a fire

stop shooting engine and leaks will , decrease some. LOL !


2004 Toy Highlander.
what you replaces is of no bearing.
what counts is realty.
find the leak.
if it really is raw gas, do not drive car or garage it.
park it far from home and people. (curb it.)
gas fumes if not real raw fuel (liquid) can come from EVAP canister
hose fell off.
first look for injector leaks (outside body)
and fuel hose leaks, (look at these first as they are 10x more dangerous that others)

does the PCM scans show DTC errors?
scan it, what do you have.?

if there is raw fuel dripping from the exhaust manifold that means
the INJECTors are stuck on or leaking, this is one of the most dangerous conditions on all EFI cars.
they to look more carefully
or better get a ASE mechanic to check the car out.
be safe.

gas is a very high evaporative liquid..fumes extremely strong..if overfull it will smell..and if emissions equipment has issues it will smell also.. when the engine gets hot, any gas present will vent off until the engine cools..thats the fuels evaporative nature..still keep an eye out for issues..

is it doing it when the engine is running does it do it all the time is it get louder when giveing more gas

if you smell gas YOU DO have a fuel leak.... make sure your gas cap is good and or tight, also might want to look at your fuel pressure regulator.. the fuel system is pretty simple... let me know!

Try to adjust the idle of the truck because there is a possibility the idle is low and if still not work put the gear in neutral and then start it and step on the gas pedals for 20 sec.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/ramy_d9e7ebea3891f482

yes it is normal many customers complain about how the newer cars are not as responsive from a stop basically you have to hit the gas then the car goes seems to rev high to people with not a lot of movement becausse of this its because the newer cars are throttle by wire when you hit the gas it sends a electrical signal to the throttle to go instead of a few yyears back they were you hit the gas and the cable attached to gas pedal pulls back throtttle much more responsive hope this helps

this sounds like a gas pressure regulatur. a few minutes after starting,you start smelling fumes,and are getting bad gas mileage right?

You should have had the transmission fluid changed at 30, 000 miles, and you should have the transmission flushed at 60,000.
Change the timing belt at 90, 000 miles (if you have a V-6).
Change the air filter every 15,000 miles.
Check the spark plug condition at 60,000, and change the coolant at 60,000.