Q: USB adapter caused shock & gas smell in back seat

asked by on August 19, 2016

I was listening to music in my parked car and when I plugged in the USB adapter, it gave me a shock. Now I’m very nervous about being in my car. After that happened, the cigarette igniters to plug in the adapters will not work. Before all of this happened, three months ago, there was a strong gas smell that came from the back seat where my family sits. This is Very worrisome. Along with that, the coolant reservoir started spilling brownish fluid as if a gasket were blown and the oil got into the coolant. I have no transportation now, which as you know can be very difficult. What is your diagnosis of this problem and the solutions. Thank you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I view Gauge mode?
In the Uplevel Message Center, there is a feature called Gauge mode. Gauge mode helpfully shows some of your vehicle's stats as a graphic. To view the options in Gauge mode. Use the Up or Down arrow keys on your...
OBD code P1399
On Honda vehicles the OBD code p1399 indicates that there is a random misfire occurring in the engine. In most cases a valve adjustment will correct this issue, however a blocked passage in the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system can...
Involved in a minor accident and wondering if worth it to pursue
Any car that has a salvaged title you do not have any idea what caused it to be salvaged. The insurance company deemed the cost to repair the car to be excessive of over 2/3 of the value of the...
Why does my injector keep leaking?
Hello. If the rubber O-ring keeps burning off then it may be possible that the engine is running too hot. I would check to see if any heat shields (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heat-shield-replacement) or similar components are out of place, or if the...
Going at 20 km/h or more the front right wheel locks up what can be the cause
Hi there. If this occurred right after an accident, then it may have damaged the wheel speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-speed-sensor-replacement). If you have the spare tire on the vehicle then this can occur also. Usually when this problem starts happening it...
Instrument lights come on. Speedometer and tachometer stop working, then come back on periodically
Hi there. There is a loose ground that is causing the lights to appear at any time. Check the battery cables (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/service-battery-cables) to ensure that they are tight. Check the ground wires under the dash and make sure that they...
It's going 20 miles per hour in 3rd gear. The car was in reverse and wouldn't move but it will accelerate.
Hi there. The transmission is in limp mode to only go in 3rd gear. The reverse not working and then all of a sudden it works, but will not accelerate past 20 mph, then either the transmission is slipping or...
Charging system light.
The charging system light will illuminate when the vehicle control system detects a problem with either the battery or the alternator. Typically, the alternator is the cause for the light. If the alternator is not able to maintain the battery...
Car won't accelerate & rattles
Hi There, What you are describing sounds like you may have a clogged catalytic converter. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When the catalytic converter is...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 BMW 3-Series
The The 2012 BMW 3-Series has been wildly popular in the US since it was first introduced in 1975. This series of luxury sedans sets itself apart from other luxury models with its superior performance and driving dynamics. No matter...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 BMW 6-Series
With With an eye-catching restyled exterior that still boasts the basic signature grille shape, the 2012 6-Series is packed with modern features while maintaining its classic image and top-of-the-line performance. Key Features 4-way adjustable suspension BMW apps – interface with...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Thermo Coolant Fan Switch
Common signs include engine overheating, the Check Engine Light coming on, and a broken or shorter signal wire.