A sudden drop in your fuel gauge is never a good sign and always prompts a rushed trip to the nearest gas station. Ideally, once you’ve filled up your tank, the needle on the fuel gauge should jump back up to where it was before. However, there are times when your fuel tank won’t fill up all the way because the pump shuts off prematurely. There are several reasons this might happen, but the most common one is a faulty EVAP. In this article, we’ll explore all the reasons your tank might not be filling up and how to fix them.
The air in the tank supplants to make space for the incoming fuel when the tank is filled. Most cars nowadays have an EVAP system, which stands for Evaporative Emissions Control System. It’s designed to keep the fuel vapors from escaping and polluting the air.
The EVAP system works by trapping fuel vapors and then sending them back to the engine to be burned off. This process is called purging. The purge valve stays closed when the engine is turned off. But when you start the engine again, the valve opens and allows the vapors that are stored in the EVAP system to travel to the engine so they can be burned off.
Other Helpful Ideas to Try
Check the Fuel Tank Ventilation System
The fuel tank ventilation system in cars is designed to stop gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere or into the car cabin. This is important because gasoline vapors are toxic and can lead to smog. The fuel tank ventilation system helps to keep people safe by ensuring that the vapors are directed away from the car.
When you fill-up at a gas station, there is a vent valve on the tank that allows air and gasoline vapors to be released into a charcoal canister. These vapors are combusted when it’s time to start your engine.
Check the Fuel Cap
The first step to take while troubleshooting a fuel system issue is to check the fuel cap. Make sure it is tight enough to create a seal and prevent any leaks. Also, inspect the condition of the fuel cap. If it is damaged or cracked, it will need to be replaced.
Clean the EVAP System
If the fuel cap is in optimal condition, cleaning the EVAP system sometimes solves the problem. Doing this will remove debris or dirt that stops EVAP from working properly.
First, use a vacuum cleaner to get any stubborn dirt out of the cap and around the top of your gas tank. If you have access to an air compressor, use it to blow out any remaining debris. Then replace your cap and make sure it is secure.
Replace the Faulty Components
If your car is having trouble filling up with gas, there are a few things you can try to get it working again.
Check for faulty components in an EVAP system, such as the charcoal canister, purge valve, and vent valve. A faulty EVAP can be the
the reason why your fuel tank is not filling up.
If you’re unsure of the damage to your car, we recommend taking it to a professional mechanic for a thorough inspection. They might be able to diagnose the damage and replace the affected component with a new one to fix the issue.
Wrapping Up
Checking your fuel cap regularly for any damage or looseness is always a good idea. You can easily do this when you go to fill up your tank so that you can be sure the cap is tightened enough and there won’t be any leaks.
If you’re wondering why your fuel tank isn’t filling up all the way, it’s likely due to damage in the EVAP system. However, by following the steps we discussed above, you should be able to detect and fix the problem. You can also get yourself a car technician or garage nearby to get it done .
