So hard to fill the tank, gas pump always shuts off
You know that little “click” noise you hear when the gas pump stops putting gas in your tank because it’s full? Well what if that happened every 20 seconds and you then dreaded every time you had to fill the tank? That is my reality thanks to my 2008 Jeep Patriot. So disappointed. What a stupid problem. How do I even fix this?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The click noise you are hearing is the fuel backing up in the fill tube and causing the pump handle to turn off as a safety precaution to keep fuel from coming out and spilling or getting you covered in fuel. The pump handle safety was intended to prevent you from overfilling your tank. In your case you have a fuel tank that is not venting quick enough and causing your fuel back up problem. Your fuel tank has a two part tank with a crossover tube that equalizes the two parts of your tank. If the crossover tube or the fuel tank vent on top of the fuel tank is defective or damaged will cause the issue you are having. There is a recall on some newer models of the Patriot for this exact problem you are having and the dealer is replacing defective tanks. My advice is to have your tank inspected by YourMechanic for a damaged or defective fuel tank by having the crossover tube checked for proper operation and damages and the vents on top of the tanks checked for proper venting or damage during original installation.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
There is a reason gas pumps have an annoying habit of shutting off. Gas pump nozzles are designed with a device on the end that turn off the fuel flow when the gasoline runs back into it. This is a safety mechanism which prevents the gas from coming out and spilling when filling up the tank.
As gasoline enters the tank, air begins to exit it. Gas pumps stop when there is no more air flowing through the nozzle and the change in air pressure causes the nozzle valve to shut automatically.
Hi There, This is likely related to your EVAP emissions system and something called a purge solenoid. The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere.
Give the tanks about 15 pounds of air, open a line after the filter and let it push the air out, then crank the starter. The pressure in the fuel tanks will drive the air right out.
If you suspect a blockage, the quickest way to check is to free both ends of the pipe and blow through it. Use your mouth, not a high-pressure air line, which may cause damage.
Heat basically. Say you fill up early in the morning when the gas will be cool, as the temperature rises during the day you get gas vapour building up. If it`s cool again in the night the vapour will condense and the pressure go down.
A failing/failed fuel pump will cause major performance and drivability issues with your vehicle. If your fuel to air ratio is off and the cylinders aren`t getting enough fuel, then the pistons aren`t firing and your engine is struggling to move the vehicle forward.
The typical cost for a fuel pump replacement is around $900 to $1,100, depending on the vehicle, its age, and your region. Labor costs range from about $500 to $600, and parts for fuel pump replacement are about $400 to $500.
The most common cause of this type of problem is when the fuel filler neck`s inner tube comes off of the neck itself. You will need to have the filler neck removed to check to see if the inner tube was knocked off from someone trying to get fuel out of tank with a siphon hose and managed to knock the hose off.
Chrysler is recalling nearly 1,700 all-wheel-drive-equipped 2012 Jeep Patriot and 2012 Jeep Compass SUVs for a possible defect in the fuel system. In certain affected vehicles, a valve designed to prevent fuel leakage in the event of a rollover can leak.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
So hard to fill the tank, gas pump always shuts off
ANSWER : The click noise you are hearing is the fuel backing up in the fill tube and causing the pump handle to turn off as a safety precaution to keep fuel from coming out and spilling or getting you covered in fuel. The pump handle safety was intended to prevent you from overfilling your tank. In your case you have a fuel tank that is not venting quick enough and causing your fuel back up problem. Your fuel tank has a two part tank with a crossover tube that equalizes the two parts of your tank. If the crossover tube or the fuel tank vent on top of the fuel tank is defective or damaged will cause the issue you are having. There is a recall on some newer models of the Patriot for this exact problem you are having and the dealer is replacing defective tanks. My advice is to have your tank inspected by YourMechanic for a damaged or defective fuel tank by having the crossover tube checked for proper operation and damages and the vents on top of the tanks checked for proper venting or damage during original installation.
Read Full Q/A … : So hard to fill the tank, gas pump always shuts off
When refilling gas tank, gas overflows before tank is full.
ANSWER : The most common cause of this type of problem is when the fuel filler neck’s inner tube comes off of the neck itself. You will need to have the filler neck removed to check to see if the inner tube was knocked off from someone trying to get fuel out of tank with a siphon hose and managed to knock the hose off. This causes the tank to not get filled properly and the inner hose can get caught in the fuel sender causing wrong readings.
If you’d like to get this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can help you service your fuel filler neck and ensure that your fuel gauge functions normally. Good luck.
Read Full Q/A … : So hard to fill the tank, gas pump always shuts off
Reinstalling fuel pump back into tank
ANSWER : If you are not using an OEM, dealer supplied gasket, but rather an aftermarket supplied gasket, that could cause this problem. The gasket you have may simply be too thick. Even if the gaskets are of the same thickness, there could easily be enough difference in the compression of the gasket, under load, as you try to install the lock ring, that it will be difficult. So, my first suggestion is procure an OEM gasket. In terms of seal lubricants, a slight film of engine oil will be harmless. If you use a silicon based material, just make sure there is not ANY excess that could get within the tank. Don’t use anything like grease. If you want these steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request fuel pump installation and the responding mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic.
Read Full Q/A … : So hard to fill the tank, gas pump always shuts off
Gas pump thinks empty tank is full and it shuts off
ANSWER : Yes, this is an issue I have experienced before myself. I had a 2007 FJ cruiser that did the same thing. The fuel filler neck is very narrow on the FJ cruiser and will cause the sense of a full tank at certain gas pumps, especially ones with sensitive nozzles. If this issue happens all of the time, then it is possible that the fuel filler neck itself has become damaged.
The neck runs down from the fuel filler area, behind the rear tire and underneath the back of the vehicle to the tank. There is also a venting tube that runs parallel to the filler neck. Rocks and debris can strike the filler neck and/or vent tube and dent the neck. If this happens, the resulting restriction of the neck or tube will cause fuel nozzles to shut off. New filler neck assemblies can be purchased and installed, but because of the nature of the repair and the safety factors involved, it should be completed by a qualified mechanic.
You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will have the equipment and training to inspect and/or replace the fuel filler neck assembly.
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the lights on my dash board do not work and my gas gauge always says its empty with the gas light on even though i fill up my tank
ANSWER : Hi. It sounds like your instrument panel cluster or IPC needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Over time, the bulbs eventually burn out as do the bulbs in your lights at home. The gauge’s movement is controlled by an electronic stepper motor that receives input from the sensors. More often than not, the signals are good, but the stepper motor no longer moves. This can be checked with the use of a high end scan tool that has functional testing of each gauge within the IPC. If the needle doesn’t move when commanded, then the stepper motor is bad. Consequently, if the needles don’t move when commanded, the sensor or wiring is bad.
I suggest having a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect the electrical components in your vehicle to see what is occurring.
Read Full Q/A … : So hard to fill the tank, gas pump always shuts off
Fuel pump not pumping gas. 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 1996 Chevrolet Blazer. If you hear the pump, but still get no fuel out of the pump, then you have the power and ground backwards in the wiring or they have it backwards on the pump. If you need help having this checked, a certified professional from YourMechanic can inspect the starting issue and let you know what repairs are necessary.
Read Full Q/A … : So hard to fill the tank, gas pump always shuts off
Can 1 man replace a fuel pump and sending unit, clean out sludge and particles from fuel tank in about 1 hour? Think I was scammed
ANSWER : To drop the fuel tank on your model, and immediately re-install the tank (without any cleaning or service) would require about 2 to 3 hours in total for an experienced professional if a lift is available. The fuel pump itself can be installed without removing the tank but to do that you must have access to the inside of the car because the pump is removed through an access panel under the rear seat. Also, you can’t drop the tank without access to the inside of the car because to drop the tank the wiring harness has to be disconnected and that connection is only accessible from inside the car. So, if the car was locked, obviously no work was performed on the vehicle. YourMechanic does offer these services and you can start by requesting fuel pump replacement. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : So hard to fill the tank, gas pump always shuts off
Cranks and runs rough have to keep foot in gas to keep running. Has new fuel pump and died while driving after pump was changed
ANSWER : Check fuel pressure. There are only three possible explanations: a fault in fuel supply (plugged filter, injectors, etc.); ignition system problems; and air induction including the idle air control valve, throttle position sensor, mass air flow sensor and vacuum leaks including the PCV and EGR systems. If obvious, and easy to check, possibilities do not reveal the fault, the recommended service to request is a rough running diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will travel right to your location and get this diagnosed and resolved for you. It is also possible that diagnostic trouble codes have set and the mechanic will attempt to retrieve those using an appropriate scan tool. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic.
Read Full Q/A … : So hard to fill the tank, gas pump always shuts off
