Ok.. No this is not a problem with me pumping fuel.. I know how to work the pump.. So this isn't a user error problem lol...

Ok... recently when I have been pumping my fuel.. The pump is shutting off.. You know when the pumps shut off (the nozzle) when the fuel tank is suppose to be full so that you don't over fill... Well mine has been shutting off but each time the tank hasn't been full.. Just like tonight (or this morning acutally just got in from work.. 4am)... The pump shuts off and when I go to leave (after paying) my car was only at 3/4 full.. So it was like 1/4 of a tank to short...

The other day.. Because this was happening for a bit.. I just kept pumping the tank.. Well I know that's not a good idea cause of over filling but I wanted a full tank.. I stopped when I saw fuel dripping out of the drain hole at the top of the filler next behind the fender etc... Not good.. But **** happens..

Has anyone else had this type of problem?? I don't think it's the sending unit cause it reads how much fuel is in the tank, but then again it also shuts of too early.. But I mean when I filled it right up (overflowing fuel).. The gauge was right up there in the full mark.. So I mean its reading right.. I just can't figure out what is wrong.. I don't think its the gas station cause it has done it in other stations before...

Also.. Does anyone know how many Litres the tanks take.. *or gallons for the americans.. I can convert it later*

Thanks

 

Capacity of the fuel tank on an '05 Cobalt (Per SI): 51.1 L : 13.5 gallons.

This bulletin -might- help you out.

Document ID# 1727673
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt


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Fuel Tank is Slow to Fill and/or DTC P0446 - Inspect EVAP Vent Pipe - keywords CEL debris engine hard hose MIL pipe restricted SES tube #PIP3627 - (Nov 14, 2005)
Fuel Tank is Slow to Fill and/or DTC P0446 - Inspect EVAP Vent Pipe
2005-2006 Chevrolet Cobalt

2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)

2003-2006 Saturn Ion

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
On rare occasions, the gas station fuel nozzle may shut off intermittently or prematurely while filling the fuel tank and/or the SES lamp may be illuminated due to a P0446 DTC. This condition may be caused by a partial restriction of the EVAP canister vent pipe, typically caused by insect nests in the pipe. Since a very sensitive measurement (Inches of H20) is used to monitor the EVAP system pressure/vacuum level, this pipe does not have to be 100% restricted for this concern to occur.

Recommendation/Instructions:
If the SI diagnostics do not isolate a cause for this concern, inspect the EVAP canister vent pipe for a partial restriction that may be caused by insect nests, etc. The EVAP pipe in question has one end attached to the EVAP canister (Item # 1 below) and the other end attached near the top of the filler neck. To determine if this is an issue, remove the pipe, hold a shop rag at one end of the pipe, apply shop air to the other end of the pipe, and determine if any debris is collected on the shop rag. If debris is present, this is most likely the root cause of the concern. Depending on how much debris is present, it may be necessary to use pressurized water to remove all of the debris.





Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.



GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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Document ID# 1727673
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

 

Looks like you already got your fix, but I just wanted to let you know that this has happened to me a few times too. I just always assumed it was something wrong with the pump, it never occurred to me that something was up with my car.

 

same here. ^^^ guess i should look into this

 

might have to check that, last time i filled it shut off almost immediately after i started when i was on empty.it did this 3times back to back. it just started and its a lil cold for bee's and insects. i dunno...

 

Thanks for the info Malaclypse ... I will be taking it to the dealer as soon as possible then...

It's really annoying and everything... So as soon as I get some time I will get it checked out...

It helped alot of people out .

 

At certain stations the pump will shut off over and over (like every 5 cents lol) unless i hold it in HARD with the handle towards the back of the car...my trailblazer was the same way so I think it has to do with the type (shape) of nozzle the gas station has.

 

That's weird, usually if I hold it hard it stops even faster. I usually have better results by barely holding it at all. Of course then it takes forever to pump gas - but at least I get it in there that way.

 

i have had this problem but only at exxon stations everywhere else is fine for me.

 

Thanks for the info same problem I would have at a particular pump