Hyundai Repair: 03 santa fe strong gas odor, 2003, Hyundai

Question
today i smelled a very strong gas odor.  i had the a/c on, and windows shut, and could still smell the fuel.  i don't see any visible fuel leaks, and no puddles.  it is a 4 wheel drive 03 hyundai santa fe v6.  Any clues what the issue(s) may be?  and repair cost estimates?  I'm not driving it until this gets fixed.

Answer
Usually if your engine is releasing a gassy odor, turning the A/C on will actually make it worse since the A/C unit runs off of the power of the engine therefore causing it to burn a slightly larger amount of fuel. The ventilation system then blows the fumes straight from your engine into your driving compartment, and with your windows shut, that could get pretty strong. If something was wrong with your fuel delivery system or with your exhaust system, then you "check engine" light would typically come on due to an alteration in the CO2 levels that the sensors would read. I would also recommend checking your intake system and making sure that the filter is clean. If your intake system is not functioning properly, then your fuel to air ratio will be off and the gas will burn much richer, releasing a strong smell of gasoline then as well. One last thing to try would be to go to your local auto shop and get some fuel system cleaner and follow the directions on it. That should clean out every part of your fuel delivery system insuring that there is no buildup within the system.

As far as a clear cut answer as to what is causing it is a mystery to me as well. Typically gassy odors like that will disappear after a short time. If you notice it getting worse, or if it doesn't get any better in the next few days, then I would consider taking it into a mechanic to have it looked at.

If there are any other questions that I can answer for you, just let me know and I will do the best that I can for you.