So I have an appointment for April 1st for this but was wondering if I could troubleshoot this myself and if anyone had a similar issue. Some months ago we noticed at times we could smell gas from the truck but never really amounted to anything. I actually had a code on the truck once that had something to do with gas cap pressure issue or some gas sensor issue but after resetting it never came back. Going couple of weeks ago I noticed it would crank longer to start and eventually after leaving the key in ignition one night it would not start at all. As it was probably a coincidence I assumed battery and replaced it but the problem continued short after. I noticed that the car would crank just fine but would not start on first turn. So after a few seconds I would stop and try to start again. On 2nd try it always starts right up without any problem. A couple of days ago I get to the grocery store and see gas leaking from under the tank area big time and smell it. I do not drive it today but scenario seems to repeat, no start on 1st pull, perfect start on 2nd. I noticed it leaks gas when some pressure must be built up but I do not think it leaks when parked as the driveway does not have stains. I did notice pulling into a parking spot or driveway it seems to leak as well but not sure if it leaks while driving as street seems dry before the driveway. Originally thought the tank maybe leaking but now I feel a hole or some sensor when pressure builds up and gas flows ?
Any ideas?
2006 H3 5 Cylinder

 

Check here:

 

haha thanks but where do I look for this? looks like the gas cap kinda but its not. is that under the tank area after removing the gas tank cover shield?

 

On top of the tank, it won't be shiny, will look more like this:

 

When you run the engine the pump pressurizes the fuel injection system. Shut it off, the pressure pushes fuel out your leak until the pressure is gone (pushes fuel on the ground). When starting next, the pump has to pressurize the system again before it will start.

Your rich! Got so much cabbage you are pumping gas out on the ground everywhere you go.

What hummerz said.

 

is this the fuel pump? when you say on top of gas tank meaning I need to take it out or on the bottom which I Can see after removing the cover? If this requires tank removal etc I think may just be wort letting the mechanic do it.

 

yes it is the fuel pump and yes the tank has to come down.