2002 Subaru Tribeca gas smell when heater is on

2002 SUBARU TRIBECA
82,000 MILES • 4 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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JLJJLJ
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  • 1 POST
In the winter time when it is below freezing and we warm the car up and turn the heater on, the vents blow a terrible gas smell. It takes 30-45 minutes before the gas smell goes away. It is better if you turn the button on that circulates that air within the car (as opposed to the outside air), but it still has a very strong gas smell. Strong enough to have to open the windows. This only happens when it is below freezing. Any suggestions as to the cause of the problem? Thanks.
Jan 12, 2009 at 11:36 AM
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COOLESTDOG
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My 2002 Outback has the same problem. I was told that there is a gas preheater that is used when the outside temperature is cold. When it malfunctions the gas line backs up causing a leak until the engine warms up.
I have not been able to get mine fixed because it isn't malfunctioning when I get to the repair shop.
Feb 6, 2009 at 10:32 AM
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