T/C dies during refueling:any real answers?

ksteensma · #1 01-30-2008, 08:48 PM

My 2003 dies during refueling. A previous thread suggested a fuel tank replacement due to a venting defect. Has anybody heard of this, or are living proof this solves the problem? I suspected fuel pump, because I can't imagine a venting problem causing a loss of fuel pressure. The gas cap is off during refueling, so no vacuum can be created, causing the pump to fight a vacuum. Your help is greatly appreciated. thanks

Cntrysthbst · #2 01-31-2008, 02:37 AM

Can you check for codes? Cycle the key in the ignition back and forth 3 times. Don't start it though, just to the point where all the dash lights/accs come on and then to the off position. Do that 3 times quickly and watch down by where your miles are. Right down any codes, for example P-1006, P-1732. When it is done it will say "Done". If you missed some just repeat the process. Hopefully it will show a code and can better help you. Please post back and let us know your results even if you don't have any.

I have not heard of that with the gas tank. However, you said in your post it dies during refueling, I had some bad vacuum lines, 3 of them in different areas, and I noticed mine sounding rough while fueling up. It stopped after I started driving again. I replaced those cracked lines and now have no problems when fueling. Maybe or maybe not with yours.

Stretch58 · #3 01-31-2008, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksteensma

My 2003 dies during refueling. A previous thread suggested a fuel tank replacement due to a venting defect. Has anybody heard of this, or are living proof this solves the problem? I suspected fuel pump, because I can't imagine a venting problem causing a loss of fuel pressure. The gas cap is off during refueling, so no vacuum can be created, causing the pump to fight a vacuum. Your help is greatly appreciated. thanks

Will yours run if you shut off the engine, fill it up, put on the cap till it clicks and then try to start it? Also, does it make a difference how much gas is in the tank at the start of refueling?

RIP · #4 01-31-2008, 05:58 PM

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ight=refueling

ksteensma · #5 01-31-2008, 07:11 PM

Thanks for all the help so far.
Let me explain more.
Down to eight tank, let the van idle or shut it off, either way refuel. Just as it hits full on the guage, the engine stops. No miss fire, no black smoke, nothing to warn you, it just stops. Restarts just fine and idles normal. 10 seconds later dies again same way. Do this 3-4 times then starts and stays running perfect all tank long. If I shut it off, then refuel, it restarts just fine and idles, then dies like above for 3-4 times. I have not tried at half tank or quarter tank yet. I also want to stop fueling just before full and see what happens. Previous threads suggested venting problems with the tank. I can't see this because that would seem to mean the tank is in a vacuum so the pump cant draw fuel, but my cap is off so no vacuum problem there. And yess I crank the cap after fueling 2-3 clicks. Also this started after about 60,000 miles. Started in summer only, then went away, about half year, then returned in the winter now all the time.
Dealer suggested saturated charcoal canister, but its dry. Dealer is sutmped as I am. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Stretch58 · #6 01-31-2008, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksteensma

Thanks for all the help so far.
Let me explain more.
Down to eight tank, let the van idle or shut it off, either way refuel. Just as it hits full on the guage, the engine stops. No miss fire, no black smoke, nothing to warn you, it just stops. Restarts just fine and idles normal. 10 seconds later dies again same way. Do this 3-4 times then starts and stays running perfect all tank long. If I shut it off, then refuel, it restarts just fine and idles, then dies like above for 3-4 times. I have not tried at half tank or quarter tank yet. I also want to stop fueling just before full and see what happens. Previous threads suggested venting problems with the tank. I can't see this because that would seem to mean the tank is in a vacuum so the pump cant draw fuel, but my cap is off so no vacuum problem there. And yess I crank the cap after fueling 2-3 clicks. Also this started after about 60,000 miles. Started in summer only, then went away, about half year, then returned in the winter now all the time.
Dealer suggested saturated charcoal canister, but its dry. Dealer is sutmped as I am. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

As an educated guess, I would suspect something has partially plugged the pickup for the pump or there is contamination/water in the bottom of the tank. Try not letting it get below 1/2 tank, fill it a slow rate to minimize stirring stuff up in the tank and see if the situation is improved. Might endup pulling the pump assy and looking at the condition of the tank interior. Think water.

webbch · #7 02-01-2008, 06:49 AM

Just out of curiosity, who leaves their engine running while refueling? I've not noticed that at the pump before.

Stretch58 · #8 02-01-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webbch

Just out of curiosity, who leaves their engine running while refueling? I've not noticed that at the pump before.

Agree, not a good idea. No matter how cold it is, I don't leave it running or get back in while it is filling up, too much static this time of the year. Gal in Minnesota learned about static this winter, burned up the car and pump.

ksteensma · #9 02-01-2008, 04:36 PM

I hope you are all kidding, how else do you get to the bottom of a problem. You open the hood, use a stethescope on an idling engine, or reach your hands in while its running. All calculated risks to find a solution.

tempfixit · #10 02-01-2008, 06:45 PM

A running engine at a gas pump with all the gas fumes surrounding that area is equally as dangerous as somebody smoking a cigarette or a cell phone being answered while fueling.

Stretch58 · #11 02-01-2008, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksteensma

I hope you are all kidding, how else do you get to the bottom of a problem. You open the hood, use a stethescope on an idling engine, or reach your hands in while its running. All calculated risks to find a solution.

The impression I got was, you usually keep the engine running while fueling. Did not understand you only meant while troubleshooting.
Regards

Cntrysthbst · #12 02-01-2008, 10:44 PM

Just wondering --- have you tried checking for codes yet? I didn't see that posted.

And thanks RIP for clearing that gas tank issue up, I didn't see that when I checked.

ksteensma · #13 02-02-2008, 09:23 PM

It never sets a code.

lapd · #14 02-03-2008, 09:01 AM

I have a 2005 T&C. I have the same issues with my van stalling after I refuel. I took it to a dealer in Orlando while on vacation and no error codes came up. They cleaned the fuel system, replaced plugs & wires, did a battery service, charged $700 and the problem still isn't fixed. I took it to another dealer who said they had no idea what to look for because there isn't a fault. It's very irritating and dangerous at times, when you stall out getting onto the highway. If anyone figures it out, please post. My problem starting after 60,000 miles.

RIP · #15 02-03-2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lapd

I took it to another dealer who said they had no idea what to look for because there isn't a fault.

Absolutely amazing!!!!! So sadly typical of Chrysler stealerships. Reminds me of computer customer support conversations with "George" in India. If it varies the slightest bit from the checklist in front of them, they too don't have a clue.

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