2002 Camry LE Gas Tank Won't Fill

[doc9872]

I have a 2002 Camry with 46K miles on it (almost all highway). About two months ago, I could not fill the gas tank. It would automatically shut off after less than a gallon. I could slowly add fuel, but I would be virtually dripping it in and during the winter, it's painful. The dealer couldn't find anything at the time of my 45K service and wants to take down the tank, etc. I've been told it could be the canister or vent lines. Is this a hard thing to check without putting the car on a lift? Is it easily fixed by yourself?

[Joe W]

Every once in awhile the same thing happens to mine,but if I start off slow I can gradually increase the rate of flow.Do you fill-up at the same pump all the time?

[doc9872]

I've tried different pumps at different stations and it's always the same. I've also tried slow and ramp up as you suggested, but it doesn't work, it always shuts off after a short time on a higher fill rate.

[Joe W]

Do you have little kids that might put something down there?
You could get a legnth of garden hose (about 5 foot) and see if it goes all the way down the tube.

[doc9872]

No kids...

[Toyota-Fan]

I hope this thread isn't dead.
Doc, I'm having the same problem with my 2001 Camry (still underwarranty). I did a little checking under the body found the main gas line and the vent line which runs from the tank back up to the top of the fill line were NOT plugged. But there is a second vent line which runs from some device mounted to the top of the tank to the top of the fill line. This device also has an electrical connection. I suspect that this device which looks like some sort of switch is plugged. I see it has been a couple of weeks since your last post. Have you learned any updates on your problem?

[ToyotaTech]

Ok here is what has happen to u guys cars. In the vent for the tank a bug or bee has built a nest in the vent of the filler tube If u not have a vent then U can't fill the tank! I know that this sounds funny but I have cleaned out a bunch of this vents Trust me! look inside the cansister vent it is a large rubber tube that goes into the body of the car take it off the cansister and look inside the tube if nest inside then clean it out if not in the tube look insdie the cansister part where the tube pushes on to. U may have to get under the car because the cansister is under the muffler and spare tire area. Have fun!! Damn little bugs!!

[doc9872]

Thanks for the update. How did you find those lines (I'm an auto repair rookie)? Did you just climb under the car or did you put it on a lift? I'll try climbing under and see if what you describe is happening to my Camry as well.

[Toyota-Fan]

Tech, thanks for the reply but I have checked the tank pretty thoroughly and there are 3 lines for filling the tank. First the main fill line is a 1 1/4" fill pipe connected to the tank with a flex hose. I pulled the hose off and snaked the line both directions and it is clear. The vent line runs from the tank to the top of the gas filling line where the vapors from filling the tank is recaptured and sent back down the gas pump hose and returns to the filling station's gas tank for emissions control. This vent return line is also clear since I took it off and blew through it. The final line connecting to the top of the gas fill pipe is a larger line that connects to a pressure type of switch which I suspect is the one which results in the "check engine light" if the gas cap is loose. So in short I have checked all the fill lines into the tank and they seem all clear. Unless there is another line which I can't see on the top of the tank. But I'm pretty sure there is not another line since this would be an uncontrolled emission which would be illegal.
This weekend when the weather is nicer in new england, I will climb under the car again and be more thorough. Maybe I missed a line.

[doc9872]

I climbed under the car and couldn't really see much - the gas lines and tank are pretty concealed on the 2002. I finally broke down and took it to a dealer. It was the charcoal cylinder which needed to be replaced. Thankfully they did it for nothing (not sure why). They said it's now under extended warranty for older Camry's.