Gas pump keeps stopping? (when fuel tank not full)

[ONE L COOL J]

Hello everyone,

I have a 2009 Dodge Challenger SE (3.5L V6). The last 2 times I pumped gas, the pump would shut off every 4 gallons. This is while having it on the fastest pump speed on auto. However, if I hold the nozzle and manually pump at a medium speed, I can sometimes get it to fill up without stopping. Has anyone ever experienced this before? (Last 2 times I pumped at Fred Meyer/Kroger station)

Also, I noticed this weird dent inside my trunk (driver side) when I got it back from the dealership a couple weeks ago. I tried to find a diagram that displayed where the fuel tank was located, but to no avail. Does anyone know if this dent could have damaged the fuel tank? I'm assuming it's just the rear wheel well behind there..

Thanks for your help (as always)!

 

[B5blueRT]

Speaking from experience with a different make/model car, I had the same issue. From my research I found that it's usually due to a problem with the fuel evaporation system, mainly the vapor recovery hose(s). There should be a hose and valve near the fuel filler line somewhere between the fuel door and the fuel tank. There should also be a solenoid to control to control it. Check to see if it's crimped or maybe the electrical connector to the solenoid is disconnected. I believe it's used to help vent the air out of the fuel tank during fill ups.
On my daughter's Grand Prix, the vent tube was accessible behind the left (driver's side) quarter panel just behind the wheel well. Funny, that's the area your photo shows with the dented trunk liner.
There also is a Technical Service Bulletin SB 14-001-09A.

 

[KEVIN DONOVAN]

Check for damage to the filler neck. If not, check to see if you gave any open service bulletins on your car. If none of that pans out, try another gas station. If it happens at all stations, my guess is you have a problem with the tank vent system.

 

[ONE L COOL J]

Speaking from experience with a different make/model car, I had the same issue. From my research I found that it's usually due to a problem with the fuel evaporation system, mainly the vapor recovery hose(s). There should be a hose and valve near the fuel filler line somewhere between the fuel door and the fuel tank. There should also be a solenoid to control to control it. Check to see if it's crimped or maybe the electrical connector to the solenoid is disconnected. I believe it's used to help vent the air out of the fuel tank during fill ups.
On my daughter's Grand Prix, the vent tube was accessible behind the left (driver's side) quarter panel just behind the wheel well. Funny, that's the area your photo shows with the dented trunk liner.
There also is a Technical Service Bulletin SB 14-001-09A.

Thanks for the tip Blue. I popped the trunk liner dent out with my hands but didn't bother looking behind it. I honestly only felt metal behind it. No tubes or wiring. May need to remove liner to see if anything was damaged back there.

Thanks for the service bulletin as well!

 

[ONE L COOL J]

Check for damage to the filler neck. If not, check to see if you gave any open service bulletins on your car. If none of that pans out, try another gas station. If it happens at all stations, my guess is you have a problem with the tank vent system.

I noticed my filler tube is a little loose. Like it isn't bolted/screwed in all the way. If I remove my gas cap and grab the filler tube with my fingers, there is a little play.

 

[ONE L COOL J]

UPDATE:

Pumped 89 octane at Chevron today. Pump nozzle 3/4 of the way in & MED pump speed, wouldn't let me pump with nozzle 1/2 way in. Pump shut off around 10 gal (6 gal from full). Heard a little gas or vapor coming back out from fuel nozzle vapor seal. Pump wouldn't go anymore, so I pulled it out. Re-inserted 3/4 of the way in and pumped MED speed for remaining 6 gal.

Seems like some vapor building up in tank that has no where else to escape but back outside of filler tube?

Pump shuts off twice as fast if I pump at full speed (around 4-5 gal at a time)

Next time I'm going to try pumping with the nozzle upside down (hose up)

 

[B5blueRT]

Sure sounds like air can't escape from the tank when you're filling up. I'd check for a crimped vent line or a bad solenoid. Not sure where it's located but you should be able to find it if you start looking around the fuel tank for a small line connected toward the top of the tank.

 

[ONE L COOL J]

Sure sounds like air can't escape from the tank when you're filling up. I'd check for a crimped vent line or a bad solenoid. Not sure where it's located but you should be able to find it if you start looking around the fuel tank for a small line connected toward the top of the tank.

Probably going to take it into shop for this. Don't feel comfortable messing with fuel tank.

How much do you think they would charge to repair vent line and/or solenoid?

 

[B5blueRT]

Sorry, I have no idea on cost. They'd have to run diagnostics to get an idea of an estimate for you.

 

[TRCM]

Probably going to take it into shop for this. Don't feel comfortable messing with fuel tank.

How much do you think they would charge to repair vent line and/or solenoid?

Make sure you have an empty tank when you do, or they will charge you $$$ to get rid of the fuel......