Problems filling tank with gas

[arp35]

I just had this problem when trying to fill up my tank. I even went to another station thinking the pump pressure was to blame. After doing a search on here and then being referred to renntechs forum I discovered the problem may be fuse E6. I just checked it and it was blown. It makes sense because I was trying to install an XM radio and was probing for a 12v power wire. I found this nice looking connector under the center console and tested it for power. The strange thing was when I stuck a test probe into one of the connector's my son who was watching yelled Dad telephone! I said to him, I don't hear the phone, he said No...the radio says phone! Anyway, whenever I gounded the connection "Phone" would flash on the radio. I'm guessing in all the probing I shorted it out which blew fuse E7. Funny thing is the cell phone connector shares the same fuse with a vent solenoid in the gas tank system. So when it was blown air could not escape the tank as fuel was entering. I just replaced the fuse so will head out to test this theory. Any comments before I hit the road???

[denverpete]

There's a TSB out there and I don't think it's for the "flapper". Basically, the tube to the tank gets kinked so fuel doesn't flow as quickly to the tank as it should. If you fill too quickly the kink causes the gas to back up and shuts off the pump.

Unfortunately, this problem isn't recall related so it won't be fixed free of charge out of warranty.

Since I also have this problem, I've found that not inserting the nozzle as far in and holding it "up" seems to help. You still can't pump at full speed nor leave it pumping without your hand on the handle. Naturally, the "half in nozzle" approach won't work for some of you in California or others with vapor capturing nozzles....

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by denverpete

There's a TSB out there and I don't think it's for the "flapper". Basically, the tube to the tank gets kinked so fuel doesn't flow as quickly to the tank as it should. If you fill too quickly the kink causes the gas to back up and shuts off the pump.

Unfortunately, this problem isn't recall related so it won't be fixed free of charge out of warranty.

Since I also have this problem, I've found that not inserting the nozzle as far in and holding it "up" seems to help. You still can't pump at full speed nor leave it pumping without your hand on the handle. Naturally, the "half in nozzle" approach won't work for some of you in California or others with vapor capturing nozzles....

Hi,

Yep, you nailed it. It's TSB 3/99 2015. Here's what it says:

• Difficulty filling the fuel tank can occur if the flexible fuel hoses in the fuel tank obstruct the inner flap of the fuel filler neck.

And the fix:

• Ensure the inner filler neck flap moves freely. Affix the two flexible
  hoses in the fuel tank exactly as shown in Figure 1, using two tiestraps.

The referred to flexible hoses display lateral movement which can obstruct the inner filler neck flap. By fixing them to the fuel sending unit stalk with Nylon Cable Ties, in a position where they don't obstruct the inner filler neck flap, you eliminate the issue.

Very easy DIY fix for well under $0.50 if you don't mind opening and working around the fuel tank. If so, disconnect the battery first and preferably with the tank as full as possible (realizing that this may be a challenge) to reduce the amount of fuel vapors present. Lots of ventillation and a helper with a Fire Extinguisher at hand is a good idea as well. I would estimate 30 min. repair, difficulty level 2. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

PS Ironic that a $50k Sports Car is grounded for want of a couple $0.02 Cable Ties...

[TimAustinW]

Yes!!! This is the answer I was looking for. I was driving around town today, gas gauge dropping below 1/4 tank. I finally stopped to fill up and wish I had done it earlier before I discovered that it would not accept fuel. Same problem, I installed the Blau Ipod adapter (the one that plugs into the CD Changer slot on the back of the Becker) and used the power source from the same phone power cable under the center console. After reading this post I found that I too had blown a fuse (on my 2002 it was the E6 fuse not the E7 fuse) Replaced the fuse and all is good. I have a full tank again. But what to do now. I stocked up on the 7.5 fuse for the next time it blows but I'd rather fix the problem and not patch it.

Anyone know how to fix this? Should I find another power power supply for the ipod adapter? Is it not grounded properly? I grounded the black wire from the adapter to a bolt behind the stereo? Does the grounding wire from the phone power source (green and red wire) need to be connected to anything? Will I continue to blow this fuse if I leave it all hooked up as is?

Originally Posted by arp35

I just had this problem when trying to fill up my tank. I even went to another station thinking the pump pressure was to blame. After doing a search on here and then being referred to renntechs forum I discovered the problem may be fuse E6. I just checked it and it was blown. It makes sense because I was trying to install an XM radio and was probing for a 12v power wire. I found this nice looking connector under the center console and tested it for power. The strange thing was when I stuck a test probe into one of the connector's my son who was watching yelled Dad telephone! I said to him, I don't hear the phone, he said No...the radio says phone! Anyway, whenever I gounded the connection "Phone" would flash on the radio. I'm guessing in all the probing I shorted it out which blew fuse E7. Funny thing is the cell phone connector shares the same fuse with a vent solenoid in the gas tank system. So when it was blown air could not escape the tank as fuel was entering. I just replaced the fuse so will head out to test this theory. Any comments before I hit the road???