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Gas Tank Problems

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Old 10-15-2010, 09:50 AM
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Default Gas Tank Problems

OK Here it is ... about a year ago we had to have the fuel pump replaced on our 03 caravan. We got it back and all was well until about 4 days went by and the check engine light came on - we took it back to the service garage and they kid said "oh yeah I thought that would happen" and got under it and reset the engine light and nothing for several months ... engine light back on ... this kept happening off and on for a couple of months ... we finally took it back in and he said that we need a new fuel tank because there is an emission recovery tube that collects the gas fumes and sends them to the engine to be burned off ... we had the tank replaced and after a couple of days went to put gas in it and it would only accept a few gallons before kickin the pump off - we took it back in the shop and he said that we needed to have the fill p[ipe replaced because there is an integrated vent line in the fill pipe that has been damaged - we had that replaced and after about a week we went to put gas in and boom it is happening again ... only a few gallons before it starts to kick the pump off again .... what the heck is happening and what should I be looking for? Help please we are almost $1000 into this and it is not getting better.
 
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Old 10-15-2010, 02:07 PM
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I realize that this won't solve your problem but find a new mechanic, pronto. A simple smoke test would have confirmed the problem with the fill tube. Assuming that's really where the problem is, you certainly didn't need a new tank. The fill pipe does have a liquid recovery tank and a number of other lines attached to it for the emissions recovery system but it's only connected to the fuel tank by a rubber hose.
 
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Old 10-15-2010, 11:00 PM
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Here is a TSB that may help.
SUBJECT:
Hard To Fill With Fuel Or Fuel Nozzle Shuts Off Repeatedly
MODELS:
2004 -2008 (CS) Pacifica
2009 (DS) Ram Truck (1500)
2007 - 2009 (DH) Ram Truck (1500/2500 Pick Up)
2004 - 2009 (DR) Ram Truck (1500 / 2500 Pick Up)
2005 - 2009 (HB) Durango
2007 - 2009 (HG) Aspen
2005 - 2009 (ND) Dakota
2009 (JC) Journey
2007 - 2009 (JK) Wrangler
2007 - 2009 (J1) Sebring (China CKD)
2007 - 2009 (JS) Sebring/Sebring Convertible/Avenger
2006 - 2009 (K1) Cherokee (CKD)
2007 - 2009 (KA) Nitro
2008 - 2009 (KK) Liberty
2008 - 2009 (KK) Cherokee (International Markets)
2005 - 2007 (KJ) Liberty
2005 - 2007 (KJ) Cherokee (International Markets)
2005 - 2009 (LE) 300C/300C Touring (International Markets)
2005 - 2009 (LX) 300/Magnum/Charger
2007 (L2) 300 (China)
2008 - 2009 (LC) Challenger
2004 - 2009 (PT) Chrysler PT Cruiser
NUMBER: 14-001-09 REV. A
GROUP: Fuel
DATE: September 1, 2009
2007 (R2) Caravan/Voyager (CKD)
2005 - 2007 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)
2003 - 2007 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
2008 - 2009 (RT) Town & Country/Grand Caravan
2008 - 2009 (RT) Town & Country/Grand Voyager (International
Markets)
2005 - 2006 (TJ) Wrangler
2005 - 2009 (WH) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
2005 - 2009 (WK) Grand Cherokee
2006 - 2009 (XH) Commander (International Markets)
2006 - 2009 (XK) Commander
NOTE: This bulletin applies to all vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine.
DISCUSSION:
Customer may report that the vehicle is hard to fill with fuel or that the fuel pump nozzle
shuts off repeatedly while trying to fill vehicle.
This customer complaint can occur due to a number of different causes. The fuel tank is
the least likely cause of this condition. The following Diagnostic procedure can be used to
diagnose the issues.
DIAGNOSIS:
1. Is the vehicle a LX/LE/LC/L2?
a. Yes >> proceed to Step #2
b. No >> proceed to Step #4
2. Idle the vehicle 60 to 90 seconds upon stopping.
3. Does tank refill properly?
a. No >> proceed to Step #4
b. Yes >> Inform the customer to idle the vehicle for 60 to 90 seconds upon stopping if
vehicle was driven aggressively. This is due to the fact that on the LX/LE/LC/L2 the
fuel tank is a unique saddle tank design and needs 30 to 60 seconds while the
engine is running to level the fuel in both half's of the fuel tank. Allowing the vehicle
to idle for this amount of time will let the fuel pump transfer fuel to the left side tank,
opening the control valve and allowing normal fuel filling.
4. Disconnect the vapor recirculation tube at the fuel tank.
5. Attempt to refill fuel tank.
6. Does tank refill properly?
a. Yes >> Proceed to Step #7
b. No>> Proceed to Step #11.
7. Reconnect the vapor recirculation tube at the fuel tank.
8. Disconnect the other end of the vapor recirculation tube at the fuel filler tube.
9. Attempt to refill fuel tank.
10. Does tank refill properly?
a. Yes >> Replace fuel filler tube.
b. No >> Replace the vapor recirculation tube.
11. Disconnect the control valve to EVAP canister tube at the fuel tank.
14-001-09 REV. A -2-
12. Reconnect the vapor recirculation tube at the fuel tank.
13. Does tank refill properly?
a. No >> Replace Fuel Tank.
b. Yes >> Proceed to Step #14.
14. Reconnect the control valve to EVAP canister tube at the fuel tank.
15. Disconnect the control valve to EVAP canister tube at the EVAP canister.
16. Attempt to refill fuel tank.
17. Does tank refill properly?
a. Yes >> Blockage is in the EVAP Canister, or ESIM, or Clean air hose (ESIM vent
hose), or filter. Diagnose appropriately.
b. No >> Replace the control valve to EVAP canister tube.
 



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