03 Matrix Refuelling Problem

[jasperpants]

Hi,

I've got an 03 Matrix. In the last few weeks I've noticed it's getting tough to refuel the car. When I start pumping the pump clicks off as if the tank is full. This happens maybe 20 or 30 times before the tank is actually full. Also, if the problem settles down I can hear a high pitched whine coming from under the car.

I'm thinking there must be some sort of breather in the tank to let the air out when I am pumping the gas in.

Any suggestions, solutions etc out there?

Thanks in advance,

Jasper

[silverdude]

I have an 05 Matrix XR and I had the same problem about a month ago. I assumed it was just the gas pump having the problem rather than the car, although now that you bring it up I suppose it could have been the car too. Not sure what it is though.

I'll be interested to hear what others have to say about this now. Any thoughts anyone?

[echo7]

i experienced it as well.. and i just back up the nozzle a bit and no porblme after that

[lildog64]

u can also turn the nozzle upside down

[jasperpants]

Thanks guys for the tips.

Any ideas on how to actually repair the problem though?

Thanks,

Jasper

[TRXR4KDS]

Unless you have a real specific problem, it is probably considered normal. I drive different cars and fuel them up daily. This is quite normal that at some pumps, the rate is fast and you have to adjust the angle of the filler nozzle. My Matrix is no different than any other car. If you find that your car is quite problematic to all the others (are you a new driver by chance?) you've filled, then certainly have the dealer check it out.

[Dakota00]

I've had the same problem with my truck, until I stop putting the nozzel all the way in the fill neck. I back the nozzel out about 1/3 the way and I never had the clicking problem during filling again.

[jasperpants]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I've tried about a dozen different gas stations now since my initial post. I've tried backing out the filling nozzle(until almost covering myself in gas), turning it upside down, trying to fill slower, standing on my head etc but no joy.

I've spoken to the dealer who suggested to bring it in to get the system checked out. Apparently it is quite a complex issue as the tank and fuel lines are well tucked away in the body of the Matrix so it could get expensive.

If I take it into the dealer I will be sure to post back the root cause and cost!

[jasperpants]

Back again.

Service Engine light came on today. Hooked up a code reader and got P0440 and P0446. From a lot of research online it would appear that a common fault with pre 04 Matrix's is the Vacuum Switching Valve(VSV) on the charcoal canister gets stuck and results in slow filling and the warning light coming on.

I'll be jacking up the Matrix over the long weekend to have a look at the VSV and see if it looks faulty.

Cheers,

Jasper

[jasperpants]

Took the car into the dealer. Turns out the Charcoal Canister has liquid fuel in it which is preventing air escaping from the tank.

I'm hoping it's covered by the 80'000 mile EVAP warranty but we will wait and see.

If it's not it's $440 to get it fixed.

Jasper