Gas Station Pumping problem
 

Hi guys,

I have been experiencing a weird gas station pumping issue since I got my car a year ago. Whenever I get gas at the Shell station right by my house, the pump would stop when the gas tank is actually full, fuel gauge showing 4/4, which is normal for everybody. However, when I get gas at a different station (Chevron, 76, etc.), the pump would stop automatically when the car is only 3/4 full, always. I haven't had a chance to test other Shell stations or all the other stations, but for now, only the Shell station(s) would fully fill my car. Has anyone experience anything similar?

Info: 2001 Boxster base, 130k miles, new gas cap, Southern California.

It's the fuel vapor recovery system built into the pump. The short fill tube traps too much vapor.

So it's the gas station's pump, not my car?

yes, it's the pump.
a common problem with all cars (all I've owned at least)

- you have to hold the pump at all sorts of weird angles until it flows.

I always check how many litres of fuel I am putting in too, because sometimes the pump cuts out and you're not sure whether to click the pump again, incase it really is full and petrol sprays out all over you

i have noticed this too. thought it was my car. wasn't really paying attention to where i was when it happened. but has happened a few times now.

If you put the nozzle in the filler upside down, it usually works pretty well.

I about cried. Bought my car in Orange County LA and drove back. Pumps in LA were fine. M

Got to the middle of the desert driving back and stopped at a small station for gas. COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO TAKE GAS!!!!!!!!!!! I tried everything. Got 1/2 tank in it and that took about 30 min. These people were peeking over at the guy in the nice Porsche that had been filling up for half an hour when they went in to eat. What an ordeal. I searched gas Boxster fill and found one discussion on it. Ahhh, the days of smart phones.

Tim,
Your problem -it won't take gas except at a very slow rate is a different problem. There are two likely culprits
1.Fuse E 6
2.vent tube(s) have slipped in the filler neck and are blocking the flapper valve from opening.
Both are common problems
1. is an easy fix -I use a very slightly higher amperage ,slo-blo fuse.
2.is very tedious -see Search for details.