adg44

It has done this the last four times that I've filled up, and I have specifically used four different pumps, just to make sure it wasn't a pump issue.

For some reason, when I am refilling an empty tank, it always stops around 3/4 full. Then I have to keep topping off for another 3-4 gallons until it's full.

Any ideas what is causing this?

- Anthony

Pac996

Yah yah I'm not leaving till he gets a good answer.

Mine is pulling the same trick where it wont read full when I know its topped off since it keeps kicking the fuel nozzle off. Even by FAA regs many things like a fuel gauge is only required to register there is fuel. Meaning accuracy is not important. I was told for the 996 the gauge should recalibrate after filling the tank. Some place I read that when disconnecting the battery and reconnecting the gauge might read wrong if the tank wasn't near full. I have been tempted but still haven't disconnected the battery and reconnected after filling up the tank in the hope that the gauge will consider the fuel level present as what should be read as full. Some time later when I drag some tools along with me I'll try that trick.

Charlie C

I had this happen at a Shell gas station about 3 weeks ago. I didn't realize it wasn't full until I drove away. The next time I got gas it was at a Chevron station and it filled right up. Last week I went to a different Shell station and it happened again. I'm wondering if certain pumps used by different stations or companies are just too sensitive. You mentioned that you tried different pumps but were they at different stations or different company's stations? Just wondering.

Pac996

I'm not sure about the 996 but some cars and even military vehicles have a tube from the tank to the top of the filler neck that when the tank is nearly full it spits fuel into the filler neck where the nozzle is. With the unleaded style of hinged cap its hard to tell whats in there. I've given up nursing the last bit into the car figuring I'm just filling up the filler neck to do so. Which I don't feel is a good idea if I am doing it.

robert r

Angle of the pipe? My Wife's audi is very temperamental if the pump is pointing a certain way. So much that you need to only half "squeeze" the trigger? I just figured the bowser was pumping faster?

JReid

This happens with my car quite a bit as well. I know Andy (AudiOn19s) had a similar issue, but he could only pump cents at a time and I believe he said it had something to do with an evap line working loose after a spin at the track. Not sure if the two are related (I haven't tracked my car).

ATL Fahrer

I've been told if you angle the pump handle upside down, it will take care of the issue. Its the way that I fill up my tank and I've never had the issue.

Another thing I've been told is that due to the tank design, you shouldn't let the it go down below 1/4 full.

Dennis C

This one has been pretty heavily discussed. It could be a number of things. First, check fuse E6. If this fuse is blown, then the return flap in the tank isn't opening. At least that's the way I understand it. I've also heard that this is an issue if you let your tank get very low before you refill because of the way the 996 tank is designed. Finally, it seems to be gas station specific for me. BP stations always give me this problem. Marathon stations seem to never cause it. I think the type of pump matters.

sjfehr

What's the issue with letting your tank get low? How low is too low?

I usually try to start an autocross with 1/4 tank; I'm often below 1/8 tank before we leave. I've never had an issue with fuel starvation in the corners or anything. This is the first I've heard of any issues with it.

Van

When you end up walking, you've run the tank too low.

ivangene

it has been discussed and there is some piece in the tank (sorry I didnt follow the threads) that gets dirty/clogged/worn and can be replaced.

BUT replacement of an item inside of the gas tank is seriously dangerous and although a couple people have done it, its best left to the pros

Question... are the keys in the ignition? try removing them next time.....I dont think this had any effect, but was a "maybe" in a couple cases

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adg44

Interesting. I tend to let the car get really low on gas before I fill up. On this last tank it was so low the miles till empty counter stopped showing any miles, and that was about 15 miles before I filled up! However, it never did this until the past two months, so I figured it had something to do with the cold weather and fuel expansion/pressure inside the tank.

TRT41

Check the E6 fuse, controls an emmission valve.

Chaos

BMW,Lexus,Porsche and Mercedes dealers at different times have said do not use BP.

ivangene

BP = British Petrolium... of course German cars dont like it