[JJimmy]

I have an 06 SLE V6 Solara, and I've been having a very odd problem the last week and a half. Every time I go to fill up the gas tank, it'll start to fill, then the pump shuts off almost immediately. I've tried manually pumping it slower, moving the nozzle around, pushing it in, pulling it out, different pumps, different gas stations, and no luck. I was able to get in 5 gallons today through all my attempts, but obviously that'll only last so long Has anyone else experienced this? I live in Chicago, and it's been very cold lately, so I'm thinking perhaps it has something to do with the weather. However, even in my ancient Pontiac I was able to at least fill the gas tank without a problem in cold weather, so I'm pretty stumped. Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[PoshPepper]

I have not experienced that with my Solara, but with my last car it would happen sometimes. I just figured that there was pressure in the tank that would activate the sensor on the gas station pump telling it the car was full (just my guess as I never had a resolution). It was very annoying, took forever to fill up a tank.

 

[dexter55]

I believe there is breather line from your gas tank, it maybe kinked or pluged.

 

[RningOnFumes]

I believe there is breather line from your gas tank, it maybe kinked or pluged.

I'd check that.

 

[Muldrick]

Newbie to this forum, but not to cars.

If this problem occurs at the same gas station, I'd try a different station first.

 

[dexter55]

that is true, Some pumps do get a little fussy with age.

 

[deekay140]

check the vent hose coming off the charcoal canister

 

[BadChicken]

check the vent hose coming off the charcoal canister

could be the vent on the top of the tank as well.
First I would try removing the vent hose from the the charcoal canister and this should allow it to fill properly

 

[DKST]

Any updates?

I just bought a 2006 Solara that has the same problem. It will take about 5 gallons and then it is very difficult, constantly tripping the gas pump off. Is there a breather hose to the filler or does it use the carbon canister?

 

[matt2grfe]

When you have removed the cap and put the nozzle in, there cannot be pressure in the tank - it would come out when the seal - cap is removed. When you put a hole in a balloon, the pressure does not stay in, the pressurised air rushes out of the opening

 

[hardtopte72]

It uses a canister and vent. These issues are normally caused by a stuck refueling valve or clogged tank vent which doesn't allow adequate pressure relief.

 

[DKST]

Yes, but...

When you have removed the cap and put the nozzle in, there cannot be pressure in the tank - it would come out when the seal - cap is removed. When you put a hole in a balloon, the pressure does not stay in, the pressurised air rushes out of the opening

...as the gas pours into the tank the air has to leave. Air leaving through the fill tube trips the nozzle off.
The question was - is there a bypass tube that allows the air to pass the incoming fuel or does the air go to the carbon canister?

 

[Blackness]

...as the gas pours into the tank the air has to leave. Air leaving through the fill tube trips the nozzle off.
The question was - is there a bypass tube that allows the air to pass the incoming fuel or does the air go to the carbon canister?

gas up --> air displaced goes to charcoal canister

a blockage in this line or system will create buildup and shut off the gas-pump

 

[DKST]

It uses a canister and vent. These issues are normally caused by a stuck refueling valve or clogged tank vent which doesn't allow adequate pressure relief.

According to my Chiltons manual the charcoal canister is under the car next to the fuel tank. Taking the hose off the tank at the gas station is not an option! Any other suggestions would be appreciated!

If I get the car jacked up and find the charcoal tank can I test it by blowing air into it??

 

[Blackness]

According to my Chiltons manual the charcoal canister is under the car next to the fuel tank. Taking the hose off the tank at the gas station is not an option! Any other suggestions would be appreciated!

If I get the car jacked up and find the charcoal tank can I test it by blowing air into it??

- you need to check the entire EVAP system

- start with the obvious stuff... loose/missing/plugged vent lines

- check for CODES

- check all vent VSVs in the system for operation etc