Strong gas smell in '04 Pilot after MAJOR tune-up - Honda Pilot

TXLadybug · 02-24-2013, 02:25 PM

Hello. I just joined Piloteers today...at my wits end! Took my 2004 Pilot to dealership for recall of headlight switch. Guy said timing belt should have been replaced at 7yrs--my car is 8yrs, 86,000 miles. I drive TX-FLA so didn't want trouble...took vehicle to reputable repair shop...timing belt and everything above/around replaced--$900--1/17/2013. Started drive home, VTM-4 light stayed on, car idling/shaking like crazy!! Drove back to shop, was told that piece of carbon dislodged and 'gummed up' works...9 days/$600 more dollars--1/31/2013--repairs completed. Car drove great for first 8 days but on 9th day, struggled to crank...and there is very strong gasoline odor all the time...even car wash gusy said smell was overpowering! Thought maybe it was spillage on parts but odor still as strong after 3 wks??? I don't see fluid leak beneath car. I am headed back to Anglen this week...sure hope the guys can fix the problem AT NO CHARGE!! Hey, anyone got any advice? This TX lady sure would appreciate it!

EmptyTank · 02-24-2013, 08:58 PM

If there is a gasoline smell, then there is certainly a gas leak and the situation is potentially dangerous.

It seems a bit dubious that you have started having all these setbacks once the dealership garage set to work on it. Given the age of your Pilot, you might be better off to find a good, competent non-dealer garage to do your work from now on. But before you get there, you need to press the Service Manager to resolve your fuel smell, and swiftly.

rocky · 02-24-2013, 11:15 PM

Clearly the shop you used is incompetent and doesn't know how to do a timing belt. You need to find someone else to sort out your car.

TXLadybug · 02-25-2013, 10:37 PM

I took my car to a highly recommended repair shop...they said this has never happened before. I respect that...but at this point, I am hurting financially and my car is still in trouble. I still owe $332 for 2nd repair job...I think Pro bono should be offered. Can't wait for Wed morning to take Pilot back to repair shop!! Thanks for your input, guys

TXLadybug · 03-05-2013, 08:51 AM

Replaced 'O' ring that was damaged during major repairs...seems to be working and no more gasoline smell...please, no more car issues, this has been a nightmare!

02-24-2013, 02:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
TXLadybug Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Strong gas smell in '04 Pilot after MAJOR tune-up Hello. I just joined Piloteers today...at my wits end! Took my 2004 Pilot to dealership for recall of headlight switch. Guy said timing belt should have been replaced at 7yrs--my car is 8yrs, 86,000 miles. I drive TX-FLA so didn't want trouble...took vehicle to reputable repair shop...timing belt and everything above/around replaced--$900--1/17/2013. Started drive home, VTM-4 light stayed on, car idling/shaking like crazy!! Drove back to shop, was told that piece of carbon dislodged and 'gummed up' works...9 days/$600 more dollars--1/31/2013--repairs completed. Car drove great for first 8 days but on 9th day, struggled to crank...and there is very strong gasoline odor all the time...even car wash gusy said smell was overpowering! Thought maybe it was spillage on parts but odor still as strong after 3 wks??? I don't see fluid leak beneath car. I am headed back to Anglen this week...sure hope the guys can fix the problem AT NO CHARGE!! Hey, anyone got any advice? This TX lady sure would appreciate it! Last edited by TXLadybug; 02-24-2013 at 02:41 PM.

02-24-2013, 08:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
EmptyTank Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 137 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If there is a gasoline smell, then there is certainly a gas leak and the situation is potentially dangerous. It seems a bit dubious that you have started having all these setbacks once the dealership garage set to work on it. Given the age of your Pilot, you might be better off to find a good, competent non-dealer garage to do your work from now on. But before you get there, you need to press the Service Manager to resolve your fuel smell, and swiftly. __________________ -- 2013 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring Obsidian Blue Pearl / Gray Leather

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02-24-2013, 11:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 8,776 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Clearly the shop you used is incompetent and doesn't know how to do a timing belt. You need to find someone else to sort out your car.

02-25-2013, 10:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
TXLadybug Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I took my car to a highly recommended repair shop...they said this has never happened before. I respect that...but at this point, I am hurting financially and my car is still in trouble. I still owe $332 for 2nd repair job...I think Pro bono should be offered. Can't wait for Wed morning to take Pilot back to repair shop!! Thanks for your input, guys

03-05-2013, 08:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
TXLadybug Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Replaced 'O' ring that was damaged during major repairs...seems to be working and no more gasoline smell...please, no more car issues, this has been a nightmare!

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