I have a 1997 Audi A8. I live in New Hampshire . This winter, when I start up the car in the morning I am overcome by gas fumes inside the car . Once I get on the highway and have driven for five or so minutes the gas fumes go away.
Does anyone know what this problem is from and how I can resolve it ? Thanks !

 

How ironic, I was JUST about to post the SAME thing! I have a 98' though, and it also does this. Good to see I'm not the only one who's having this problem, I thought the gas line might be ruptured. Just to clarify my situation, I also turn my car on and I get a strong smell of gas coming from the vents. It seems only to happen at startup and low speeds and in cold weather (as I've never noticed it at all in the summer, spring or fall). I will keep checking and encourage you to do the same. This can't be good..
Anyone else out there with similar symptons?

 

You may want to check for leakage from the o rings around the fuel sending units in the gas tank. They are located under the back seat and under the mat in the trunk.

 

Here's the procedure to fix the bad seal.

Fuel Leak Seal repair

 

Tony,
Thanks for the assistance,...but I dont' think this is the problem. If it were, there would be the smell of Fuel eminating from the car in all or at least other situations. The other day the temp. around here was near 70 degrees. I drove the car and didn't smell a thing. Yesterday it was in the 30s and once the heater kicked on, there were the gas fumes again. Perhaps my logic is flawed, but since the fuel fix you are mentioning is in the rear, why would the smell be eminating from the front defrost and vents?

I'm taking the car to the dealer tomorrow to see what they say (I need other work done as well). I'll fill everyone in on what they find.
-Geg

 

BAD NEWS!!! I took the car to the dealer today and he diagnosed the problem in 1 minute. Turns out the fuel hose connection to the engine is corroded and he thinks the entire fuel line needs to be replaced! I asked him if he could just replace the rubber section connecting into the hose fitting on the end, but he says the whole thing is sold complete!?! The worst part is the labor involved. I haven't gotten an estimate yet, but I fret to see what it will cost. Keepin' my fingers crossed!

 

In case people are reading this, I am going to attempt Paul's fix:

http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articl...eakrepari.html

Still keepin' the fingers crossed!

 

Good luck. I refuse to take the car to the dealer.