Tank not filling after accident...

T

thumper300zx

Member
Location
Utah
Car
2003 FX35
Ongoing saga -- darn it all. I can't see anything readily obvious, but I went to fill up the tank last night and the pump kept stopping when the tank is about 8 gallons short of full. Fuel is backing up enough to trip the sensor. The first time I tried to fill after the accident it was about 4 gallons short. The last time I filled it was only maybe 2 gallons short. This time I the gauge is just above half and I only got about 16 gallons in there (and it was very close to completely empty).

Any ideas? Just weird. Tank doesn't look messed up. Fill tubes, from what I can see, look fine.
 
Young Fella im sure its filling just not reading correctly ........................ theres a DIY on here to show you how to fix that. Many of us have had that problem numerous times. its an easy fix at that
 
Yeah if you put in 16 gallons at nearly empty and it only shows half full then the issue is with the level sensor. I think the most I've ever put in is 19 gallons.
 
No, I don't think he's talking about the fuel gauge issue. There is another issue that involves an issue with pumping gas in there. Say your tank is empty, you put in 8 gallons and the pump will stop. Clearly you're not full. If you hold down the pump, it will keep clicking off like the tank is full. It happens to G35 guys a lot and it's happened to me a few times. Apparently there is small part by the filler that can be replaced, but you can also just flip the pump upside down. I've tried that and it works fine the few times I've had issues. It's a TSB

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/baddad1/2011-06-22_145954_itb05-031.pdf
 
shadow191 said:
No, I don't think he's talking about the fuel gauge issue. There is another issue that involves an issue with pumping gas in there. Say your tank is empty, you put in 8 gallons and the pump will stop. Clearly you're not full. If you hold down the pump, it will keep clicking off like the tank is full. It happens to G35 guys a lot and it's happened to me a few times. Apparently there is small part by the filler that can be replaced, but you can also just flip the pump upside down. I've tried that and it works fine the few times I've had issues. It's a TSB

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/baddad1/2011-06-22_145954_itb05-031.pdf
Click to expand...

this is what I do, on some pumps the thing just keeps clicking so I have to fill up like that. But it doesn't happen all the time either
 
Yeah -- the gauge is fine. It's just not filling. It did help to flip it upside down (which I did last night when it happened for the 2nd time). I have not seen an inaccuracy in my gauge readings at all. I've filled more than 20 gallons before -- I've had 420 miles on a tank. Once empty, the gauge has read consistently based on how many gallons are put in. Having put in 16 gallons last night after getting empty indicator for probably 60-80 miles, I am positive it's the problem you describe.

Perhaps it's just coincidence it only happened after the accident -- or maybe it's a cold weather issue (it only ever happened after it started snowing, then the accident happened, so I've only "filled" three times since). Thanks for the info on the TSB. Much appreciated.

---------- Post added at 10:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:15 AM ----------

K -- thanks for your input. Last night, it 'clicked' at 8 gallons. I tried over and over and it clicked. So I turned it and it filled to about 15 gallons...then click click click. I might have to replace the small part.
 
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After only getting 16 gallons last fill up, I got the low fuel warning+light at 248 miles (about right -- 80-100 miles left once indicator comes on, which is stupid IMO -- empty should be empty!!!). That would put me at about 16-12 = 4 gallons left from those 16 I put in + whatever was still in there. I got 19.7 gallons and the fuel level needle pegged right near the top. It's hit and miss -- it was a bit warmer today, so maybe that flap problem down near the tank if affected by colder weather. Anyway -- full or near full tank this time...see ya in 400+ :)
 
Could be the fuel level sensor was damaged due to the impact of the accident? How serious was the accident? I dont believe snow has anything to do with it.
 
His problem isn't the sensor, it's the fill nozzle in the tank. Look a few posts up, relatively common and happens more often in cold weather. Happens to me too on occasion.
 
The rear has had enough straightening to get a new bumper cover on and the new hatch. The damage wasn't very serious. Probably 80% of the expense was going to be for new interior panels and hatch parts. The car was re-inspected and passed safety and is re-titled and legal to drive. Once the hatch comes in, the body shop is going to remove the bumper cover, do some additional body work, then prime and paint all parts involved and get it all back together.
 
Yeah I can confirm that sometimes in the cold when I try to fill my tank from dead empty it clicks excessively.

Again as stated its really hit and miss. I did not know about the trick to turn the nozzle upside down though, thats great...:good:
 
Was time to fill again this morning -- cold morning -- on empty well beyond warning light. Got about 5 gallons the normal way "CLICK" -- turned upside down and finished filling at just over 22 gallons. Based on the mileage I got, that means even the last time I probably still didn't quite get a full fill.
 
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Thanks -- Had to run someone to the airport very early in the morning and filled up when I got back (when Costco station is finally open) -- don't normally do this.
 
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