I have a 2003 Optima. When I am putting gas in the car, the tank is almost empty, but the gas pump shuts off after just a few cents worth of gas, just like it does when the tank is full. The tank is also spewing gas out like it's full, but I know that it's empty. I can't figure out what the problem would be. Any help?
Cars & Trucks - Kia - Optima
Answers & Comments
Sounds like an obstruction in the filler neck !
if you can open the filler flap and look into it with a flashlight to better concentrate the light into one area down further for a better view that might help..
i wonder if perhaps someone has played a trick unto you ?
if all else fails i would jack up the vehicle and with a jack-stand in place remove the tire and then remove the filler neck clamp that meets the tank and without getting any dirt into the tank by brushing or vacuuming the dirt away 1st and remove that rubber hose to look into the lower end that of which you may not be able to see from the gas door ...
well i sure hope this helps you and gives you some clue as to how to go about figuring this out
There are a few things that can cause this issue -
If you look just under your fuel cap, there is a "flapper" which prevents fuel from flowing back out of the tank at any high rate. This could be blocking fuel flow, or the pump may not be pushing past it.
If you have the option, try using a different pump handle or fuel station, to see if the problem persists at different pumps.
You might also try pulling the handle out about 1/2" from "all the way in" before beginning to fuel, I find that this works well in my vehicles when the pump shuts off.
Lastly, a slower setting on the pump handle may get you better results as well.
The majority of times that I get this complaint from friends or other people, it's usually because the pump handle is too far into the hole and it blocks part of the fuel from flowing, which signals the pump to shut down.
If there is a blockage in the input line, you can most use a piece of garden hose with no end on it (dry hose, of course) to shove into the hole and move the blockage around, or you can have the hose removed/replaced, which may require dropping the fuel tank (not sure on your vehicle specifically, but many do require at least partially lowering the tank to access the clamps.)
There is also a cheap, mostly ineffective "grabber" tool you might be able to use. It looks like this:
Most find them horribly useless, though. If there is anything in the line, that tool may be able to grab it slightly so that it can be removed in pieces.
If the vehicle has sat for any length of time, there could be any number of things blocking any number of holes, as well. It's a sad truth about cars... bugs and rodents love them.
This in the evap system. there are blockages. this should be under warranty. how many miles are on the car?
did you buy it with 103000 on it? call kia in irvine , ca and speak with a rep. he may be able to get it covered under warranty. if he cant, then look in the filler pipe and you should see another little hole. blow through that with compressed air. just little bit at a time. see if you can hear the air going through freely.