This car has been great. I bought it June 4th, 2007, and put about 2800 miles on it since. No problems at all so far (knock on wood). The only issue I have is when I put gas in the car. This occurs no matter what gas station I go to, by the way. So I will be standing there filling my car up to full, and the pump stops. So ok, I figure it's full, pull the nozzle out, get my receipt, and go on my way. Every time I get in the car and start it, however, the gas needle is never on the full mark. It always seems to be between 7/8 and full. Anyone else with this issue? I can't even begin to think what the problem is. I'm thinking maybe a sticky float or a faulty sending unit, but i'm not quite sure on how the system works in these cars. Any input would be appreciated.

 

The gas pump kicking off is pressure related. The fuel going into your tank so fast makes air rush out of the tank. This buildup of pressure is what makes the gas nozzle kick off so you don't spill gas all down the side of the car. If you think the pump kicking off is when the car is "full" you are wrong... the car will typically be able to swallow another couple of gallons before it is totally full.

Just squeeze the handle gently and go slowly when "topping off" the tank and you'll get it all the way full. You can also pull the gas nozzle out a bit so it's not sticking all the way down into the tube... that'll get you some more room... as long as the end is inside the tube you'll be good.

 

i got the same problem what i do is turn the key acc just before you would start it than pump gas and if it shuts off take a look at the fuel gauge

 

look at the gallon meter at the pump when you run it to empty you should put about 11to 12 gallons in

 

Yeah mine does it to i wait a couple of seconds and put more in it you can put roughly 2 more dollars in it after it kicks off

 

yea i took mine to the dealer its a common issue in the cobalt they said. they replaced the tank and fuel system in my car and it works perfectly now, so if your under warranty just take it back man

 

Your car is so sexy it makes the gas pump finish prematurely.

 

lol!! That's pretty good.

 

That is so true

 

hahahahahaha

 

Before the problem started did you top off your tank?

 

No it cuts off between 1/8 and full then i wait a couple of seconds and then i put more in it when it gets really full it will kick off right away

 

So this problem has always happened to you since you've had the car?

 

Since day one but i guess you can take it to the dealer and have it fixed but it really dont bother me at all if it makes you mad then take it in but for me i dont care but since i will be taking my car in for a list of stuff this is on the list now

 

I was just curious. The reason I brought up topping off a fuel tank is because this will cause fuel to fill the charcoal canister and block flow from the atmosphere vent causing a problem like this; or the problem could be a stuck float valve like you mentioned. It's not really a big deal but I would like to know the verdict once they check it out.

 

Don't forget that "topping off" your tank is a bad idea anyways. This "glitch" in your tank is probably a blessing in disguise. Between the hot and cold cycle of the day, with the temperatures expanding and deflating the gas, and evaporation, having a "topped off" tank will cost you a lot of money in the long run with wasted gas. I read somewhere online about this, but have no link. So you'll either take my word for it or you won't.

Unless you're just tired of getting only 300 miles per tank instead of like 330, then you should probably just ignore this problem and be happy it's probably saving you gas.
-Aleckor

 

You know when you dont fill up your tank or "top it off" you are running the risk of a lot more condensation getting in your gas without a full tank and besides when you fill it up the needle is suppose to be on full not an 1/8 tank before full

 

You're right it does need expansion room. Also, filling your tank up when it's hot during the day will yeild less fuel in the tank because the fuel is expanded.

I agree with this too. You should just fill it up until it stops. Of course yours has a small problem but under normal circumstances just filling until it stops works the best. You shouldn't fill past the normal stopping point though. I know you said you don't do that though so it doesn't matter.

 

I didn't mean don't fill to the top. I meant don't fill past the stopping point. I should have clarified that. Though technically you shouldn't even do that, because sometimes the pump can be broken or at a bad angle and then you'll start sloshing gas all over the side of your car, and your shoes, and you just wasted money too. But hey, I always fill to the stopping point. I was just pointing out that you're wasting gas if you fill it up too much, and as the other guy above this post said, that if you fill up on a hot day you're actually putting quite a bit less in than at a time than if you fill up when it's cold.

Furthermore, if you fill up to the top when it's cold, then drive home? During the day, the excess will expand and evaporate, and spill, etc.

Just thought I'd let anyone know who didn't know this,
-Aleckor

 

the gas tank is slightly over 12 gallons....run it until your almost on empty then fill up...keep track of it from there

 

I always go by sound...granted I listen alot closer whenever it kicks off the first time.

you should be able to pull the nozzle out just enough, hold the trigger...you'll hear it sound like its about to explode out(sorta)...

dont pull it out too much, just enough to hear it, and chances are the gas will hit the nozzle, and kick off anyway.

 

Now i got what you said understandable now

Sounds like you got that from a line when a women told you that you were her babies daddy

 

I like to fill my tanks right full, but end up wasting a bit of money anyways. I usually fill in the morning or later at night, then by the next day, i have a lot more fuel! In the Caprice, the cap lets the fuel back out if its way too much. I've walked around to the back mid afternoon and smelled fuel, looked down, and its squirting out of the cap.
And the only time you really have to worry about condensation is in considerable temperature changes. say, nice cool 15C morning to a nice hot 28 by mid day, and back down to 18 or something over night. Or going in and out of an air conditioned garage/parking structure.

 

i took mine into the dealership, they were stumped about this, and had absolutely no clue what to do.

I suggested to recheck the evap canister, they replaced it. works just fine. Something to look for, they said they are trying to get that listed under a TSB.

 

Yeah, this happens to my 07 SS/SC, I am not too worried about it, but if I have to take it to the dealer for something else I will mention this as well.