Gas Filling Issue at Low Fuel Levels???

"66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash" (66671)
10/05/2018 at 16:50 • Filed to: None

I need help!

I work for a dealership and at times have to fill up new cars/trucks that are really low on fuel. In this case, it was a Chevy Express van, most likely straight from the manufacturer (range on the dash just said “low”).

It has happened before where I try to fuel the truck and the filler “clicks” like it is full only after a few dollars. I would finished the transaction, start the truck again and the try refilling afterwards and it works like normal.

Is there something with the emtpy tank that makes the pump malfunction like this? Is it potentially a problem with these express vans? Any help is appreciated, thanks.

DISCUSSION (16)

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/05/2018 at 17:02

It might be due to the design of the vent tube; if some vent tube designs are mounted right at the bottom of the tank, the splash of gas near the tube might be forceful enough to spit gas up the tube and trip the pump off. With more gas in the tank, that sort of hydraulic ram effect wouldn’t be present.

That’s just a guess, but might be it.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/05/2018 at 17:03

Sometimes I’ve had times where I fill up my Legacy at older fuel pumps and the thing constantly clunks every gallon or so. I just think it’s air in the system trying to get out the filler tube, and the pressure builds up enough to make the pump’s automatic stopper kick.

lone_liberal > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/05/2018 at 17:03

I think it’s how the tank vents the air being displaced by the gas and how sensitive the nozzle is . My DD has this issue along with a lot of similar Ford products . Once it gives a false click try filling it with the nozzle in upside down .

HammerheadFistpunch > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/05/2018 at 17:08

These guys have you covered I think.

Brickman > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/05/2018 at 17:21

PCM learning when to open the fuel vapor vent solenoid?

Chariotoflove > lone_liberal
10/05/2018 at 17:36

I’ve seen this with sensitive nozzles a lot , but never tried upside down. I’ve never owned a Ford, though.

lone_liberal > Chariotoflove
10/05/2018 at 17:40

I think that t here’s a TSB about it for mid-00s Escapes and Mariners but I've never cared enough to dig in to it. The nozzle flip works well enough for me.

Censored > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/05/2018 at 18:15

My Chevy truck does this too. If it gets to where it reads low on the range, the first 2 gallons take forever to get in, then it goes fine. I just fill up at 1/4 (which is better for everything anyways) to avoid the hassle.

diplodicus forgot his password > lone_liberal
10/05/2018 at 18:29

Im gonna try that next time, I usually just pull it out a little tiny bit till it stops tripping

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > Censored
10/05/2018 at 18:31

Yeah, I don’t like to let fuel levels get too low, but it’s not an option in this case.

lone_liberal > diplodicus forgot his password
10/05/2018 at 18:38

That works for me sometimes, but usually it just starts doing it again after a short respite. I mostly blame Ford for that, though.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/05/2018 at 19:13

Could be a bad tank vent.

adamftw > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/05/2018 at 22:03

Typical GM evap issue. The vent should be relocated, there’s a TSB on it.

wafflesnfalafel > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/05/2018 at 22:11

M y wife’s old Altima did that more than any other car I’ve had - basically had to pump at half flow to keep it from kicking off. No idea why...

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > adamftw
10/06/2018 at 12:06

You’re the second person to mention a TSB and I can’t figure out what that is lol.

adamftw > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
10/08/2018 at 07:17

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/supermechanic/2012-08-14_193617_technical.pdf

The van isn’t covered under the TSB, but all the parts are the same. Same issue.