my renault scenic 1998 is using excessive petrol and has a strong smell of this. it also has a 'lifeline' light on the dash board and is chugging as though about to stall

suzanne mcgill, March 2008

A strong smell of neat petrol inside the car or under the bonnet indicates a fuel leak, naturally - and this needs to be checked out immediately. - however if the engine is chuffing out black smoke and generally feels in the huff then its the coolant temperature sensor at fault, which needs replacing, together with the air cleaner element.

John, March 2008