In approximately January 2005 I detected a gas smell when using the heater in my 1999 Chevy Prizm (70K miles). The smell was overwhelming and I had to roll down the window when driving or I would get headaches. I determined that the smell only occurred when using outside air for the heater A/C unit as I could not smell gas when the inside air switch was activated. Using only the inside air switch, I foolishly waited nearly 12 months before taking it to a mechanic. In January 2006 the mechanic determined that the fuel rail was leaking at a significant rate and he indicated there was high risk of fire from the leak. He also indicated that when he purchased a new fuel rail from a denver, co distributor he was told that many new fuel rails were being purchased because of the same failure. With the new fuel rail installed there is no more leaking gas and no gas smells when I am using either outside or inside air. Please investigate other Chevy Prizm/Toyota corollas to see if there is a pattern in fuel rail failure.

- Billings, MT, USA