problem when I put gas into my tank

[passatt99]

I have a 99 Passatt that has nothing but problems. My current problem is every time I put gas into my tank then turn the key the car will not start unless I press the gas peddel. This happens after every time I put gas into the tank. Also, last week my car would not start at all. The mechanic said the spark plugs were flooded with gas and put in new spark plugs. Then today, the check engine light came on again. Could this be a problem with my fuel injectors?

[boschmann]

Have the codes read first.

[ocooper]

I have the same exact problem! '99 Passat V6...my car chokes and dies the first time starting it after filling up with gas (this has happened at least the last 6 fill-ups). The check engine light is also on. I've taken it to my mechanic who has read the code as a "large evaporation leak", and he's reset the check engine light 3 times now. We thought it might be the gas cap...replaced that, didn't help. Light is still on and it continues to choke/stall after filling up. Is anyone listening? Help!

[passatt99]

I had a friend hook up a VAG tool and got this:

1 Faults Found:
16839 - EVAP System: Large Leak Detected
P0455 - 35-00 - -

I just had the ignition control module replaced. After that I was told there was a crack in the check valve. That was replaced last week. At the same time the car wouldnt start and I was told that the spark plugs were soaked with fuel and needed to be replaced (second time in a month). The car still doesn't like to have gas put in it. The code above is the problem it has now, I am not sure if this is the same code the shop got when they replaced the check valve or not. I was told by the shop the code has to do with the gas cap.

[israel21]

Hi Every '99 Passat Owner,

Although my '99 Passat has been high maintenance, I'm still in love with the car today even with all it's defects. I had the gas-pumping problem about a year after I had the car (purchased with already 20K miles) and the car had about 40K miles. The problem is with the "Chaulkacal Canister" (spelling uncertain). I took it to several places before a German repair shop came up with that diagnosis. However, they had to order the part and never did. I eventually took it to the dealer and mentioned what the other mechanic had told me. The dealership knew the problem right away. It seems that the design calls for the "Chaulkacal" canister to be a pressure relief operator when putting in fuel. It should allow only vapor to be released to relieve vapor pressure, but if the canister is defective, it starts to allow liquid fuel to flow into the system, which chokes the car. This is why you have to press the gas and rev the vehicle. I remember the night I first had the problem. It was on the way home from a vacation trip and I "topped it off" to try to squeeze more gas in the tank. Bad idea!

I think the repair at the dealership was somewhere around $450, but it has been a while. The part was about $150 and $300 for the labor. I would find a knowledgeable mechanic and see if he has experiences fixing this. Most dealers charge $90 an hour so try to find a good shop that charges $50-60 an hour.

I hope this helps. God bless.

- Israel Silva

[israel21]

Quick Note: My car now has 105K miles and I have never had that problem again. However, I make sure to never top it off.

- Israel