Gas pump nozzle shuts off off repeatedly when refilling fuel tank

You don't say if the dash lights go out when it quits or just the engine? Something like the fuel pump is losing its supply so start at the fuze box for corroded terminals and/or fuze blades.

SOUNDS TO ME LIKE FUEL PUMP AT GAS STATION IS FLOWING FAST AND FUEL ISANT GETTING INTO THE TANK FAST ENOUGH SO THE PUMP SHUTS OFF TO PREVENT SPILLAGE

HI Bridgette,

Due to the different shapes of fuel tank filler necks in cars & trucks, it may be necessary to vary one or more things to allow fuel to flow uninterrupted until the tank is really full.

The main problem can come from the new "vapor recovery" gasoline pumps. These pumps and hoses actually recover gasoline fumes from your tank as the liquid gasoline displaces the air / fumes in the tank is it is being filled. If gasoline flow is started at full blast, it can splash back slightly, causing liquid to be pulled back by the pump - so it shuts off. So, start with a slow rate of filling and gradually increase flow rate to maximum over 5 to 10 seconds. If it still shuts off, try some of the suggestions below.

First, don't fill at maximum flow rate from the pump - that is, don't set the nozzle for wide open. Select one of the other "latches" on the handle instead of the fastest flow and let the tank fill entirely at this rate.

Second, you should experiment a bit with the length of nozzle that you push into the tank's filler neck. If you push it in too far or too little, the pump nozzle can do what you're describing.

Third, try twisting the nozzle slightly so that it doesn't hang straight downward - a little to the left or right may provide a solution.

Lastly, try a different gas station. Their pumps may not be so picky with your tank's filler neck.

Good luck!

You may have a problem with the fuel tank vent valve. This lets air into the tank as you use fuel and allows air out of the tank as you refill with fuel. If the valve is plugged or stuck shut the fuel nozzle will kick off as you try to refill the tank because the fuel can't get through the fill neck and into the tank as fast as it's being pumped in and will back up high enough to kick the nozzle off. Hope this helps and good luck!

There should be an air vent coming from the top of the gas tank back to the top of the fuel tank. Possibly kinked or pinched, try pulling the fuel nozzle about half way out and filling the tank on the lowest setting the fuel pump will let you.


Please take a moment and rate my answer...........Thanks

I know you probably won't like my answer, but seeing as I am a service tech for gas stations, the nozzle has a safety feature which shuts/kicks off when gas splashes back into the nozzle, thus keeping the gas from running over when the car is unattended and nozzle is locked. You can try pulling the nozzle back til it is barely in the tank or try a different gas station as some nozzles are different. As it is the shape of the fill tube on your vehicle. Hope this helped Tim

upon filling the tank, push the nozzle in fully were the nozzles seal meets the filler neck rim. Then pull the nozzle out about one or two inches and try that. It seems to work on cars that have a very thin walled gas neck to the tank

pull the nozzel out a little and don't squeeze the handle for full force.The more you squeeze the faster gas will flow the less you squeeze the slower the flow(to much flow)

Your filler neck vent may be clogged up.

You may have a partial blockage of the air vent. You might try something as simple as using a non-metal long strip that can reach the tank through the vent hole in the fill tube. Be very careful not to use anything that may cause a spark as you may cause a dangerous explosion. If that doesnt solve the problem. you should either remove the tank and clean it or have that done. My guess is that if the tank is that dirty you need to replace the screen and pump in the tank while you are there.