Cannot get a full tank of gas

[Highlanderfr]

I have a 2000 passat GLX and for the past several weeks I have been unable to get a full tank of gas from any gas station. The pumps all seem to shut off after about half a tank has been received.

Has anyone else seen this problem ??

[boschmann]

Fuel guage senders are a common problem, are you sure the guage reading is correct? I believe there is even a recall on this for the 4-motion version if applicable. Regardless, non-motion senders seem to have problems too.

[Highlanderfr]

No, the fuel guage doe read correctly. It is just that all fuel pumps shut off after about 6-7 gallons when I need about 12-14. Is there something in the passat that controls pressure in the tank?

[boschmann]

When your gauge reads empty, stick a hose into the tank & see how much gas you can siphon out into a 5 gallon can (or two). I'd be interested to see if it's really empty. You might really be filling it to the top with the 6-7 gallons but not emptying the tank when driving, the gauge may just think it's empty. When the tank is full it may think it's only 1/2 full). Passats have had some filler neck problems, but not that would cause this symptom. Don't try to force fuel in to fill it to the very top of the tank to see if it's really full. This can damage emmision parts. Do you have 4-motion?

[Highlanderfr]

The tank really is empty because I track it by miles. I normally fill the tank after about 350 miles travelled.

Maybe it is the service stations. Some pumps work fine on others I have this trouble.

[boschmann]

Well, if you haven't had the filler neck recall performed, I'd have it looked at then. The recall is for installing a protective shield to prevent a flat tire from damaging the filler neck.

[Goginan]

Got the same prob with my B4. Have had it checked at local VAG dealer, they cab't find any fault. It wroks fine at some gas stations and not others.