When you pump gas into your vehicle, you expect it to flow into the gas tank, but this doesn’t always happen. If there’s a problem with your car, you might find the gas pump keeps stopping while you’re trying to fill up the tank. Find out how to diagnose and fix it with these tips.
Why Does the Gas Pump Keep Stopping?
You may think the gas pump keeps stopping because of a blockage between the fuel filler neck and the gas tank. But there could be a problem with a part in the EVAP system that’s preventing it from collecting the fuel vapor from the gas tank.
How to Inspect a Car That Keeps Stopping a Gas Pump from Filling Up
Steps to inspect a car that keeps stopping a gas pump from filling up
- Check the Fuel Filler Neck and Gas Tank for Damage or Disconnected Lines
Check the fuel filler neck and the rubber hoses for damage like rust, cuts, or dents. There is a breather hose attached at the top of the gas tank. As you fill up the gas tank, air will exit out the breather hose and into the charcoal canister, which is a part of the EVAP system. This is to prevent fuel vapor from entering the atmosphere.
With the lines disconnected, you could then try to see if gas will pump into the tank, which will let you know the problem is with the EVAP system if the gas flows. If that doesn’t fix it, there is a problem with the tank like a valve issue.
- Check the Solenoid Valve for Blockage
Spiders may have made a nest in the valve solenoid, causing the gas pump to keep stopping. Disconnect the lines from the charcoal canister with a screwdriver and pliers. With the hoses disconnected from the canister, you can blow air into the hose that leads to the valve and see if there’s blockage.
More on the EVAP system leaks
- Remove the Charcoal Canister and Check for Blockage
With the hoses disconnected from the canister, remove the bolt from the canister, and then slide it out and remove it. Check the charcoal canister for blockage. Wearing gloves, block the section that connects to the line that leads to the engine. Then blow air into the canister from the other port. If you feel pressure and restriction, there is likely a problem with the canister as the air should flow freely.
- Check the Fuel Filler Neck with a Borescope
You can also place a borescope down the fuel filler neck and check for any restrictions that might cause the gas pump to keep stopping. You can very lightly push the rollover valve inside to confirm it’s working.
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