I've recently been smelling a faint smell of gasoline in the cabin. When I opened my trunk from a short trip I smelled (strong) gasoline odor coming from the trunk. I've heard of the JDM seals/fuel filter recalls for these cars. PLEASE HELP, I want to remedy this problem before I ignite a fire in this nice car!!! Thanks a million.

 

My wife just brought it to my attention that we have the same problem. Also new owners of a 99 XJ8. Have you figured out the problem/ solution? Thanks.

 

Could be a Purge Control Valve! What year is the car and engine type?

 

In addition to the purge valve, could it also be the gas cap?
I had a recall on the gas cap on my 98. One day a new cap showed up in the mail, along with a letter telling me to discard the old one.

 

What is and where is the purge control valve located?

More details on the gas tank cap recall?

 

I believe the gas cap works as part of and the evap system along with the purge valve. It is designed to control gasoline vapours, which should end up being fed into the intake system from the evap cannister. The gas cap is supposed to prevent vapour from leaking to the atmosphere (to an extent). I am not saying it is the cap, but it would be a simple fix if it was. If you open the cap, is there a release of vapour, indicating a pressure build up? If so, you may want to have the car looked at by a dealer. Sorry, I don't recall exactly what the recall was for, but it was to do with the functioning of the evap system.
Sorry, I am no authority, I just was saying the cap is part of the system.
You are right to be concerned.... I would take it in to get checked out.

 

I've been reading through some other forums and sites on the web, and it seems Jaguar has this problem on a few models. My guess is because the tank is basically in the trunk. What I've found is that it also has to do with the air flow of the vehicle. For instance if I drive with the roof closed and the a/c recirculating, I have no gas smell. If I shut the a/c and open the roof, I do have a gas smell. My thought is that the smell is coming in through the roof and exiting the vehicle through the trunk. Just a guess. But if this is correct, than I wonder where is the smell coming from at the front of the vehicle? There is no visible leak, that is there are no puddles anywhere I park. Someone posted something somewhere about oil leaks hitting the catalytic converter and burning off, but this is not the smell that I am smelling. Anybody have any ideas?

 

By the way here is what I found about recalls for the 99 XJ8:

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

 

I had the same problem, especially when I fill-up the tank. Took the car to three different jaguar repair guys until finally the dealer pinpointed it to a leaking tank seal ring. A $45 part, but with labor was $250.

 

alckc, if I were looking at the car, where would I see the seal that you had replaced?

 

sorry, not sure where the seal is located. i took it into the dealer to find and replace. maybe the manual may describe.

 

the part is called the Trunk Flange Ring Seal, part number NNA6020AA. it might be by the fuel pump or on the tank since they had to drain the tank to repair.