peavynation

I posted a thread here looking for a TSB that is referenced a lot, saying it will fix this problem. I can't find that TSB anywhere, only references saying to find it and do it.

I searched all the threads and it looks like the most common issues that could be the cause are:

1) Fuse E6 that controls the filler tube flap is blown
2) The tubes on the fuel pump can block the flap from opening
3) The vent tube(s) are pinched
(the TSB "Fuel Tank Hose Modification 5/99 2015" is for #2 or #3, but I can't find it)

4) But I also found a Pelican DIY saying to replace the fuel line vent valve (here) that I've never seen mentioned once on Rennlist or anywhere else as being the culprit.

Has anyone seen #4 being the issue?


For reference: 2001 C4, disconnected the battery (with only 1/4 tank of fuel), replaced the starter, and buttoned everything back up. Since there was less than 3/4 or 1/2 tank of gas, the gas gauge now reads an empty tank and the red "low gas" light is on. This I knew would happen, and went to fill up the tank so I could disconnect the batt afterwards to reset the gauge. But I couldn't fill up now. I've disconnected the batt many times in the past without this ever happening, but still it seems curious that it happened right after I replaced the starter.

ditto

#4 on your list pops up once a month on this forum as the culprit

peavynation

Crap. I searched on "car won't take gas", "fuel", etc. Looks like I didn't search hard enough. Thanks for the tip, I might take the $100 risk and just do it since it looks pretty simple and I'd rather not dig into my tank if I don't have to.

5CHN3LL

Heh. Search fail, but you figured that one out for yourself. Good luck.

knfeparty

I thought the answer was just "turn the gas pump nozzle upside down"

996_North

That's the only way it works for mine,

peavynation

I wish it were only that simple...

While filling a Pcar isn't without it's foibles, this is a new one for my car: I had a 1/4 tank, yet the pump stopped and gas started gushing out of the filler neck at when 0.2 gallons had pumped. Each click of the pump handle had more gas on the ground than in the tank.

I usually fill with the handle turned to at least a side angle, and pull back on the springed suction thingy with my fingers that surround the spigot (seems to let more air out of the tank quicker and keeps the pump from automatically shutting off over and over). But gas never dumps all over the ground after 0.2 gallons.

Booooo.

fpb111

Do you have an account on Renntech.org?
5/99 2015 PDF Fuel Tank Hose Modification is listed in the 996 TSBs.
Search "Fuel" It is the 6th one down.

1. Renntech.org
2. DIY tools
3. pick "Porsche TSBs"
4. Pick "Carrera (996) TSBs
total = 238"
5. search "Fuel" = subject (search is at the bottom of the page)
6. 5/99 2015 etc... is the 6th one down.
7. click on it
8. click on "agree and download".
9. a two page PDF document should open.

fpb111

You have a C4 does your fuel gauge indicate empty? Or partially full?
Did you have the battery disconnected recently? If so was the tank more than 1/2 full? If not your saddle tank might be playing tricks on you and you may need to recalibrate the gauge.

peavynation

Thanks Frank!! And thanks for the instructions, I wouldn't have gotten there from here on my own. Although I thought I was a Renntech member, I guess I'm not! Sh*t howdy, I already pay for a rennlist membership, how many placed do I have to 'give' in order to get some info? I can't see that PDF. If anyone can send it to me, I'd be much obliged. My email is my rennlist name at google dot com.


Thanks again Frank. I was afraid of that. I did have only about 1/4 (or less) of fuel in the tank. I do have a C4 with the saddle tank that straddles the front dif, with those weirdo siphoning valves and crap in the tank to pick up fuel from one side and put it in the other. Never had an issue in the past though. But if I need to take my car to a dealer to re-calibrate the level sensor cause the battery was disconnected when I didn't have a full tank, the Porsche engineers can freaking suck it. I'm an electrical engineer, and I can say if I designed something where the user went thru this much toil over normal things (not a full tank and disconnecting a battery at the same time) I'd be fired. But, Porsche is Porsche, and they seem to be able to get away with anything.

fpb111

I tried to copy/paste it for you but it won't copy for me.

I think there is a procedure to recalibrate the tank/gauge yourself. Empty the tank, add ?12 liters? of fuel disconnect the battery...etc. But I'm pretty sure I saw it is on Renntech.org also.

FWIW I don't think your problem is the tank/gauge. If your E6 fuse is good, then it sounds more like the TSB 5/99-2015 problem.