Q: My car will not fill up with gas at the pump
When filling up gas at the pump, the gas nozzle will stop after every few cents. The fuel gauge inside the car correctly reads the fuel level. However, at the pump, I need to keep squeezing the handle for the tank to fill up. It takes about 10-15 minutes of this to fill up my tank. What could be causing this?
If it happens at every gas station and not just one, there is most likely a problem with your vehicle’s vent / purge system for the fuel tank. When you fill up, the vapors inside the gas tank need to move and expand. They do so through a charcoal canister and purge valve. The vapors are stored there until the car is running. Then they are injected into the engine to be burned away. If the purge valve or charcoal canister are damaged this can cause problems when filling up.
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
What others are asking
How do you operate the overhead compartment storage console?
Your car’s overhead compartment includes a storage console where you can stash small items, including sunglasses. It’s built into the console and folds upward when not in use. Here’s what you need to do: Press the back edge of the...
Automatic locks on my car are locking/unlocking on their own
The body control module controls the locking function. If there is a conflict in one of the door locks that tells the module it is not closed or not locked, the module will cycle the locks. First, try replacing the...
The car suddenly couldn't start, it cranks well
When a fuel pump fails, it is known to happen randomly and can give the same symptoms you are describing. My first recommendation would be to have your fuel pressure checked by a certified professional to determine whether or not...
Tire is stuck on the truck, I can't change my tire because the tire won't come off
Hi, thanks for writing in. The rim has a centering part that will cause it to stick to the hub sometimes after being on the truck for a long time. You will need to remove lug nuts and after making...
Transmission issues, slips from second to fourth gear
I would start by being concerned about these wires that are spliced in. If there is another circuit that is spliced in there then it can be causing this. If there was no issue previously then it may not be...
Can my car drive 350 miles with this issue?
There are several possibilities for the issues you've described, but I would look more towards a belt being the issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement). It could be the belt, belt tensioner, air conditioning compressor, the alternator, or one of the other belt driven...
how do i know if i have an bad PCM
PCM's are usually replaced at the end of a "process of elimination". That is, with most engine management control failures, there are a whole host of common causes that are evaluated first. Once that long list of most common causes...
2010 BMW 528i - Having lean codes and P00bc for air flow too low. Smoke coming from the exhaust. Is it a CCV problem?
Hi There, This code is a generic code relating to the mass air flow sensor indicating that there is a lean air/fuel mixture. This can happen when the mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) is dirty or faulty. I would suggest...
How much for change the radiator support for Nissan Titan 2006
Hi there. Actually, this is not a precise service listed in our replacement options as of yet. However, it's still likely and possible for us to complete this task for you. To begin this process, please click this link for...
Related articles
Bent Valves and Other Common Issues After a Timing Belt Snaps
Ignoring your timing belt can come with a high cost. Timing belts don’t often snap, but when they do, it can cause...
When Does the Gas Light Turn On in My Car?
Going Going to the gas station is a chore and many of us wait until the gas light is on and the tank is nearly empty. But waiting until your fuel tank dries up is a bad habit, and the...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Fuel Pump Shut Off Switch
The switch may have tripped and must be reset if your engine suddenly stops while driving, has issues starting up, or turns over without starting.
Browse other content
Maintenance
Services