Every car owner knows how frustrating it is to have your car fail to start at the most inopportune times, such as after getting gas. So, your car almost didn’t start after getting gas? Do not worry. We’ll explain why your car won’t start after getting gas.
When your car fails to start, the first thought in your mind is usually a dead battery. However, this is not usually the case for this problem.
Neither is a poor battery connection, a faulty alternator, issues with the ignition key, a faulty starter motor, or a locked steering wheel.
If your car struggles to start after putting gas in, then the problem most likely lies within the fuel system. In this article, we will dive into the causes of this problem and how to fix it yourself with ease.
What causes your car to not start after getting gas?
The most common reason why a car won’t start after getting gas is that your EVAP purge control valve is stuck open.
This will cause the fuel vapor to get pushed into the intake manifold. Other common causes are a bad battery, a clogged fuel filter, or a bad fuel pump.
Here is a more detailed list of the reasons why a car won’t start after getting gas:
#1. Bad EVAP purge control valve.
The most common reason your car won’t start after filling gas at the gas station is that the EVAP purge control valve is stuck open.
When you fill the tank with fuel, the air in the tank becomes pressurized and needs somewhere to go, and it can be tight with the fuel nozzle. Therefore if the valve is stuck open, it will get pushed directly into the intake manifold.
This will cause too much fuel to enter the combustion chambers while cranking the engine after a refill, and this will cause your car to be difficult to start.
You also want to ensure there are no leaks in the EVAP system and that the system is not clogged, which can result in the same issue as with a bad purge control valve.
#2. Dead Battery.
If the battery has died or if the connections are loose, your car won’t get the starting power it requires. The majority of car batteries last between three and five years, plus there are warning signs that it is starting to fail.
If the lights seem dimmer or you are having trouble with the accessories, you may want to replace the car battery before it dies. You should also check for corrosion often and clean it off with a baking soda solution to ensure the connection is strong.
If you need to jump-start the battery to get it moving, push the car away from the fuel pumps. You don’t want to do anything near the pumps that could create a spark.
#3. Clogged Fuel Filter.
The fuel filter keeps contaminants from reaching the engine. It cleans out the debris and dirt from the fuel. Over time, these contaminants build up in the filter, causing a blockage.
Before this problem keeps you from starting the engine, you should notice other symptoms. Performance slowly degrades and fuel efficiency decreases.
Once the filter becomes totally blocked, the engine won’t be able to get the fuel needed, causing a no-start situation.
Most manufacturers suggest changing the fuel filter as part of regular maintenance. You might need to change it every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, based on the recommendations in your owner’s manual. It’s also important to use top-tier fuel to keep the system clean.
#4. Defective Fuel Pump.
The fuel pump is submerged in the gas tank, ensuring it runs at cooler temperatures. If you allow the fuel level to drop too low, the pump can overheat and become damaged.
To move the gas into the engine, the fuel pump must be functional. However, the failing fuel pump is also going to provide you with other symptoms before it gives out completely.
If the engine sputters while driving at high speeds, and you hear a whining noise coming from the tank or the vehicle continues to stall, the fuel pump might be to blame.
To diagnose a bad fuel pump, you will need to check the pressure with a gauge. This can be a complicated task, just as replacing it often proves to be.
#5. Bad Starter.
If the starter fails, you won’t be able to crank the engine. When you put the key in the ignition and turn it, the starter motor is what activates the engine. If this is the problem, you might also hear a clicking sound if you attempt to turn the key.
Thankfully, there are tips to get the engine moving with a bad starter. You could try banging on it to help it get past a dead spot. If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, you could also try bump-starting the engine.
#6. Failing Alternator.
There are times when you may replace the car battery only to have the same problem. Even though it appears that the battery has died again, it could be a faulty alternator instead.
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. If it isn’t working, the battery will die prematurely.
You can use a multimeter to check the health of the alternator. With the engine off, test the battery voltage.
The reading should be between 12.5 and 12.8 volts. While the engine is running, you want to take another reading. However, this time it should show a significant increase. If not, it’s time to replace the alternator.
#7. Issues with Spark.
Spark plugs are needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture inside the engine. When a plug fouls or becomes contaminated, the engine might misfire at first. However, this condition can also cause trouble starting the motor.
Spark plugs are only one part of the ignition system that could be to blame. There are also spark plug wires to think about, as well as the ignition module, circuit and switch.
To prevent problems, you should change the spark plugs based on the service recommendation outlined in the owner’s manual.
Other Reasons Why Car Won’t Start After Getting Fuel
Besides the aforementioned common reasons, there are some other causes for the issue. Although less likely than the ones mentioned above, it is important to know all the possible reasons. Other possible reasons for a car not starting after refueling are listed as follows:
- Broken alternator
- Faulty security system
- Unaddressed trouble codes
- Faulty starter motor or circuit
- Damaged timing belt
- Non-working key fob
These are all the reasons why a car won’t start after getting fuel. Automobiles have evolved greatly over the years but they are prone to damages and issues.
A car taking long to start or not starting at all can be a frustrating experience but with the aforementioned ways, it is possible to overcome the situation.
Additionally, it is important to follow the car maintenance schedule to avoid untimely wear and tear of parts. Go through these other common car problems and learn some effective ways to overcome them.
Moreover, if your vehicle fails to start even after multiple inspections and repairs, it is a viable option to go for a car change. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a large variety of inspected and road-ready vehicles listed.
How To Fix When Your Car Won’t Start After Getting Gas?
Your gas tank is full and you’re ready to start driving but the engine won’t turn over. What action should you take? We will share several methods in this part that can help you to handle this issue more easily:
#1. Retry to start your car.
If the engine doesn’t start on the first attempt, release the ignition and wait for a few moments before trying again. You can repeat the process of turning the ignition while lightly pressing the gas pedal until the engine starts.
#2. Considering the EVAP system.
As we talked about above, a malfunctioning EVAP system can disrupt the fuel flow and cause starting difficulties. Check for any loose or damaged EVAP system components, such as the gas cap, purge control valve, or charcoal canister.
For example: To determine if the EVAP purge control valve is the culprit, you may notice additional symptoms such as a strong odor of fuel or an illuminated “Check Engine” light on the dashboard.
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the EVAP system may also be present when the vehicle is scanned with an OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostic) scanner.
If you suspect a faulty EVAP purge control valve, it is advisable to consult a qualified mechanic or automotive technician. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose the issue accurately.
#3. Identify the fuel level.
Ensure that you have sufficient fuel in the tank. Sometimes, the fuel gauge may be inaccurate, leading to a no-start condition due to an empty tank. Add fuel if necessary.
Additionally, in this step, you should use the fuel lines, fuel filter, and fuel injectors for any signs of damage, clogs, or leaks. A clogged fuel filter or a malfunctioning fuel injector can prevent the engine from receiving the proper amount of fuel.
#4. Check the battery.
Continued with inspecting all battery connections and the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Clean the terminals if necessary and ensure they are securely tightened.
If the battery is dead or weak, try jump-starting the car using jumper cables and a vehicle with a fully charged battery.
Besides, let’s apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or dielectric grease to the clean terminals to help prevent future corrosion. Reconnect the positive (+) terminal first, followed by the negative (-) terminal. Ensure the clamps are securely tightened.
FAQs.
Q: Why does my car sputter after getting gas?
A car sputters after refilling the fuel tank because of issues in the fuel filter, pump, or fuel injectors. If dirt and debris clog any of these parts, the rest will malfunction since they are interconnected.
However, the most common cause lies in the fuel pump. A faulty pump can cause your vehicle to sputter, typically at high speeds before going back to its usual operation.
A malfunctioning fuel pump causes the engine to sputter because the fuel pump cannot give a consistent flow of fuel to the engine at the needed pressure.
The fuel filter may be the culprit of engine sputtering if the sputtering occurs at low speeds. At high speeds, the fuel filter’s blockage may not be easily noticeable due to the high-speed delivery of fuel to the system.
At low speeds, the blockage in the fuel filter, however minor, will be noticed with the sputtering of the engine.
Q: How do you prime a fuel pump after running out of gas?
Priming a fuel pump is easy since all you have to do is turn the ignition key on after refilling the fuel tank. Proceed to turn the ignition key off. Do this procedure a couple of times and you will successfully prime your fuel pump.
Priming a fuel pump is good for getting rid of air that may be trapped in the fuel lines.
Q: Can bad gas make my car sputter?
Bad gas is usually contaminated with different residues and inclusions. As a result, the bad gas will require more filtration and cleaning via the fuel filter and the small filters in the fuel injectors. Excessive contamination will block these components causing your car to sputter.
Q: Can low gas cause the car not to start?
The more gas you have in your fuel tank, the less air that is in it. Less air in the fuel system will prevent air-related malfunctions such as ice formation that may damage the fuel lines and cause drivability and engine performance issues.
Q: Why is my car struggling to accelerate?
There are many reasons why your car may struggle to accelerate. The reasons include; a faulty catalytic converter, clogged air filters, a bad O2 sensor, or even a dirty MAF sensor.
In the case of your car experiencing difficulties in starting, the issue will point to a faulty fuel filter, fuel pump, or fuel injector. A clogged fuel filter will prevent enough fuel from getting to the engine resulting in acceleration difficulties.
Faulty fuel injectors can be caused due to blockages in the injectors that have accumulated over time.
The blockage will prevent the injectors from regulating the amount of fuel for different situations, such as acceleration. A bad fuel pump will also fail to deliver enough fuel for acceleration.
Final Words
All of the diagnoses and fixes mentioned above will help you fix the issue completely. The purge control valve malfunction may require an inexperienced car owner to take it to the mechanic.
A repair of such magnitude that entails checking the fuel pump, purge valve, and fuel filter will set you back approximately $150 to $200.
In conclusion, having a car that won’t start after running out of gas and refilling is an easy problem to fix which can be easily prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Keep the fuel system clean and save yourself from going to spend a lot of money at the mechanic shop.