Gas Tank Won't Fill, Problems W/gas Tank

[Caramellady]

Hi,

This is all new to me. Here is what happened. Last week someone tampered with my gas tank (I never used my garage until now), nonetheless nothing seemed to be wrong so I made an appt to have the cord replaced (apparently forcing it open caused some sort of cord to pop that keeps it closed). Anyway I was scheduled to bring it in this week for repair. well I was down to a half tank of gas when I got on the road Saturday to take a ride down to Palm Beach to handle some business, about 75 miles from my home in Miami, I get there, getting ready to come back so I stop to fill up and it won't take a drop of gas!!! I first believed there was a problem with the pump so I pull up to another one, same thing, so of course I still think it may be the "row" of pumps so I pull around to one a guy had just gotten finished using and put it in and still no gas allowed. It would read "fueling" but it took exactly .16 of gas. Needless to say I was towed, they kept for the weekend given the holiday but did look down it to see if something immediately appeared lodged in the tank and could see nothing (which I would have believed would have been sucked in if that was the case considering I drove over 75 miles prior to stopping for gas. Nonetheless everyone seemed to be perplexed having never heard of such a problem. Is anyone aware that there is a sensor or something that could be the problem where somehow it is signalling full? Obviously this is barring there is actually a blockage somewhere that wasn't easily seen. I just want to prepare myself if this is going to be something major though no lights, signals, or poor performance gave any indicators of an issue.

Just some background: '95 ES300, current on maintenance, no prior issues.

Any feedback would ba appreciated.

[Lexusfreak]

Hi,

This is all new to me.  Here is what happened.  Last week someone tampered with my gas tank (I never used my garage until now), nonetheless nothing seemed to be wrong so I made an appt to have the cord replaced (apparently forcing it open caused some sort of cord to pop that keeps it closed).  Anyway I was scheduled to bring it in this week for repair. well I was down to a half tank of gas when I got on the road Saturday to take a ride down to Palm Beach to handle some business, about 75 miles from my home in Miami, I get there, getting ready to come back so I stop to fill up and it won't take a drop of gas!!!  I first believed there was a problem with the pump so I pull up to another one, same thing, so of course I still think it may be the "row" of pumps so I pull around to one a guy had just gotten finished using and put it in and still no gas allowed.  It would read "fueling" but it took exactly .16 of gas.  Needless to say I was towed, they kept for the weekend given the holiday but did look down it to see if something immediately appeared lodged in the tank and could see nothing (which I would have believed would have been sucked in if that was the case considering I drove over 75 miles prior to stopping for gas.  Nonetheless everyone seemed to be perplexed having never heard of such a problem.  Is anyone aware that there is a sensor or something that could be the problem where somehow it is signalling full? Obviously this is barring there is actually a blockage somewhere that wasn't easily seen.  I just want to prepare myself if this is going to be something major though no lights, signals, or poor performance gave any indicators of an issue.

Just some background: '95 ES300, current on maintenance, no prior issues.

Any feedback would ba appreciated.

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Welcome to the club. B) Are you saying you can't even get the fuel nozzel into the fuel tank 'filler neck' to pump gas because it's blocked by something so when you squeeze the nozzel handle it keeps stopping because of the blockage? You can see nothing that is blocked when you look down into the filler neck?

[Caramellady]

Hi,

This is all new to me.  Here is what happened.  Last week someone tampered with my gas tank (I never used my garage until now), nonetheless nothing seemed to be wrong so I made an appt to have the cord replaced (apparently forcing it open caused some sort of cord to pop that keeps it closed).  Anyway I was scheduled to bring it in this week for repair. well I was down to a half tank of gas when I got on the road Saturday to take a ride down to Palm Beach to handle some business, about 75 miles from my home in Miami, I get there, getting ready to come back so I stop to fill up and it won't take a drop of gas!!!  I first believed there was a problem with the pump so I pull up to another one, same thing, so of course I still think it may be the "row" of pumps so I pull around to one a guy had just gotten finished using and put it in and still no gas allowed.  It would read "fueling" but it took exactly .16 of gas.  Needless to say I was towed, they kept for the weekend given the holiday but did look down it to see if something immediately appeared lodged in the tank and could see nothing (which I would have believed would have been sucked in if that was the case considering I drove over 75 miles prior to stopping for gas.  Nonetheless everyone seemed to be perplexed having never heard of such a problem.  Is anyone aware that there is a sensor or something that could be the problem where somehow it is signalling full? Obviously this is barring there is actually a blockage somewhere that wasn't easily seen.  I just want to prepare myself if this is going to be something major though no lights, signals, or poor performance gave any indicators of an issue.

Just some background: '95 ES300, current on maintenance, no prior issues.

Any feedback would ba appreciated.

←

Welcome to the club. B) Are you saying you can't even get the fuel nozzel into the fuel tank 'filler neck' to pump gas because it's blocked by something so when you squeeze the nozzel handle it keeps stopping because of the blockage? You can see nothing that is blocked when you look down into the filler neck?

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Thanks for the welcome. I can get the nozzle in, all the way down the neck (hence no immediate blockage seen or felt) you click the nozzle to begin filling and it takes nothing, not a drop. Initially I thought maybe the gas gauge was off but it can't be because even if not completely empty I drove 80 miles so its clearly not totally full. Therefore in response, it lets me put in the nozzle fully, it just won't take any gas as if its indicating its already full to capacity. No one has seemed to have heard of anything like this before so I'm having a sneaking suspicion that there may be something lodged in it but then I start thinking that after that much driving if something was in there as sensitive as my car has been in the past some sort of indication would have likely come on to indicate something potentially wrong.

[bartkat]

There is probably a vent line that goes from the filler neck to the charcoal canister under the hood. If this line is disconnected or plugged the car may not take gas.

[Lexusfreak]

There is probably a vent line that goes from the filler neck to the charcoal canister under the hood.  If this line is disconnected or plugged the car may not take gas.

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It's possible bart.....& I haven't heard of this problem either Caramellady. Where did you have the car towed? Lexus dealer or your mechanic? AI hope it's not an astronomical amount to correct the problem.

[Caramellady]

There is probably a vent line that goes from the filler neck to the charcoal canister under the hood.  If this line is disconnected or plugged the car may not take gas.

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It's possible bart.....& I haven't heard of this problem either Caramellady. Where did you have the car towed? Lexus dealer or your mechanic? AI hope it's not an astronomical amount to correct the problem.

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Given I was out of town 80 miles from my house with not enough gas to make it home I was forced to tow it to a dealer, wouldn't you know it ...so I'm trying to take pleasure in the '05 they gave me as a loaner before I bend over and take it a whole other way :o ! Though my car is older I love my baby and the new ones (no offense to the new car owners) aren't nearly as roomy to me but I'm trying to enjoy it and glean something good out of this situation...

[Lexusfreak]

Given I was out of town 80 miles from my house with not enough gas to make it home I was forced to tow it to a dealer, wouldn't you know it  ...so I'm trying to take pleasure in the '05 they gave me as a loaner before I bend over and take it a whole other way  :o  !  Though my car is older I love my baby and the new ones (no offense to the new car owners) aren't nearly as roomy to me but I'm trying to enjoy it and glean something good out of this situation...

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Keep us posted as to what the problem turns out to be.....perhaps more member will weigh in as other possibilities however in the meantime. ;)

Hate to tell ya btw, but the new generation ES is larger & has quite a bit more interior & trunk space compared to the 92 - 01 ES...... B)

[Caramellady]

Given I was out of town 80 miles from my house with not enough gas to make it home I was forced to tow it to a dealer, wouldn't you know it  ...so I'm trying to take pleasure in the '05 they gave me as a loaner before I bend over and take it a whole other way  :o  !  Though my car is older I love my baby and the new ones (no offense to the new car owners) aren't nearly as roomy to me but I'm trying to enjoy it and glean something good out of this situation...

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Keep us posted as to what the problem turns out to be.....perhaps more member will weigh in as other possibilities however in the meantime. ;)

Hate to tell ya btw, but the new generation ES is larger & has quite a bit more interior & trunk space compared to the 92 - 01 ES...... B)

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I will admit I was surprised at the trunk space but the front seat doesn't seem to go back as far as mine (my main issue is leg space since I"m a female who is almost 6' w/o heels!) but the trunk, now that I will admit blew me away! I'll keep you posted because I've spoken to alot of "car buffs" and no one has ever heard of such (of course I get the "rare" problem which in automotive terms = "opportunity fto raid my acct by strangers" LOL)

[Caramellady]

Hi,

One of the gentlemen that I work with asked me whether it could be the "fuel sensor". He notes given the problem noted it sounds like the vehicle is notifying the gas pump that its full and therefore not allowing anymore fuel to be added. Has anyone heard of such?

Thanks

[Lexusfreak]

Hi,

One of the gentlemen that I work with asked me whether it could be the "fuel sensor".  He notes given the problem noted it sounds like the vehicle is notifying the gas pump that its full and therefore not allowing anymore fuel to be added.  Has anyone heard of such?

Thanks

←

Not me personally......anyone else?

[Caramellady]

Hi,

One of the gentlemen that I work with asked me whether it could be the "fuel sensor".  He notes given the problem noted it sounds like the vehicle is notifying the gas pump that its full and therefore not allowing anymore fuel to be added.  Has anyone heard of such?

Thanks

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Not me personally......anyone else?

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LOL...I'm just going to have to hope for the vent line...be my luck its "difficult to reach" therefore they can justify charging $900 to install a $90 item.... :cries:

[amf1932]

Maybe the evaporate vent valve is stuck closed and the tank can't vent while filling the tank.

[steviej]

One of the gentlemen that I work with asked me whether it could be the "fuel sensor".  He notes given the problem noted it sounds like the vehicle is notifying the gas pump that its full and therefore not allowing anymore fuel to be added.  Has anyone heard of such?

←

I believe the "sensor" that tells the gas pump to shut off is in the nozzle not in the car.

Which brings me to my idea, but may be too late now that the car is at the dealer.

Did anyone try filling your tank with a 5 gallon red jug? You know, the type we have in the garage to fill the lawn mower. If the gas went in and immediately backed up, then you got blockage. These jugs have no shut off, except the person pouring. Just curious if anyone tried this.

post the isolated problem/solution when the dealer discovers what is wrong.

steviej

[Air Force Rascal]

Hi,

This is all new to me.  Here is what happened.  Last week someone tampered with my gas tank (I never used my garage until now), nonetheless nothing seemed to be wrong so I made an appt to have the cord replaced (apparently forcing it open caused some sort of cord to pop that keeps it closed).  Anyway I was scheduled to bring it in this week for repair. well I was down to a half tank of gas when I got on the road Saturday to take a ride down to Palm Beach to handle some business, about 75 miles from my home in Miami, I get there, getting ready to come back so I stop to fill up and it won't take a drop of gas!!!  I first believed there was a problem with the pump so I pull up to another one, same thing, so of course I still think it may be the "row" of pumps so I pull around to one a guy had just gotten finished using and put it in and still no gas allowed.  It would read "fueling" but it took exactly .16 of gas.  Needless to say I was towed, they kept for the weekend given the holiday but did look down it to see if something immediately appeared lodged in the tank and could see nothing (which I would have believed would have been sucked in if that was the case considering I drove over 75 miles prior to stopping for gas.  Nonetheless everyone seemed to be perplexed having never heard of such a problem.  Is anyone aware that there is a sensor or something that could be the problem where somehow it is signalling full? Obviously this is barring there is actually a blockage somewhere that wasn't easily seen.  I just want to prepare myself if this is going to be something major though no lights, signals, or poor performance gave any indicators of an issue.

Just some background: '95 ES300, current on maintenance, no prior issues.

Any feedback would ba appreciated.

←

Sounds like a vent line to me also..have you thought about where you were and what you did with the car prior to this taking place (between the time you filled it up earlier and this time..?)..maybe that will ring a bell!!!

Good Luck

[Caramellady]

Ok, guys, found out that it was indeed the vent line that needs to be replaced. I didn't get to have an indepth conversation with the gentleman as he called me while I was on my way to the airport (wouldn't you know it) does anyone know what causes this to occur as I didn't do anything special with my vehicle that I normally don't do...

Of course while checking it he advsd my cv (?) joints are shot, about a month ago I tried to make a turn and heard a click or hesitation and he indicates that was the cv joints and that its not something that I can delay in repairing (I never do because though I hate the cliche' I'm a single female in a town I am not familiar with I do everything I can to avoid a mishap/breakdown), any info you could provide to allow me to become more educated in how my vehicle works I'd appreciate it.

Some background: 1995 ES 300, current on maintenance, 146k miles, sole owner, follow maintenance manual religiously, only prior repair other than maintenance has been replacement of "motor mounts". Again, any info would be appreciated.

[SKperformance]

cv joints make the click you hear when they wear out from the rubber boots covering the joints.It lets dirt get in and wears it down badly so you need to replace them not replace the boots alone which are cheaper for parts but the same in labuor costs.

If it hesitates when turning they could be worn so badly they are binding so it might be a good idea to get them changed.

[Lexusfreak]

Ok, guys, found out that it was indeed the vent line that needs to be replaced.  I didn't get to have an indepth conversation with the gentleman as he called me while I was on my way to the airport (wouldn't you know it) does anyone know what causes this to occur as I didn't do anything special with my vehicle that I normally don't do...

Some background: 1995 ES 300, current on maintenance, 146k miles, sole owner, follow maintenance manual religiously, only prior repair other than maintenance has been replacement of "motor mounts".  Again, any info would be appreciated.

←

What did the repair of the vent line run you? B)

[Caramellady]

Ok, guys, found out that it was indeed the vent line that needs to be replaced.  I didn't get to have an indepth conversation with the gentleman as he called me while I was on my way to the airport (wouldn't you know it) does anyone know what causes this to occur as I didn't do anything special with my vehicle that I normally don't do...

Some background: 1995 ES 300, current on maintenance, 146k miles, sole owner, follow maintenance manual religiously, only prior repair other than maintenance has been replacement of "motor mounts".  Again, any info would be appreciated.

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What did the repair of the vent line run you? B)

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The vent line is going to run me about $265...the cv joints $1500 and I'm getting the a/c service so I guess I'll be doing good if I come out of it at $2200 or so...how come no one knows a good mechanic in Miami....LOL :cries:

[Caramellady]

Ok, guys, found out that it was indeed the vent line that needs to be replaced.  I didn't get to have an indepth conversation with the gentleman as he called me while I was on my way to the airport (wouldn't you know it) does anyone know what causes this to occur as I didn't do anything special with my vehicle that I normally don't do...

Some background: 1995 ES 300, current on maintenance, 146k miles, sole owner, follow maintenance manual religiously, only prior repair other than maintenance has been replacement of "motor mounts".  Again, any info would be appreciated.

←

What did the repair of the vent line run you? B)

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But honestly I really can't complain, I've been the sole owner of my car for 10 yrs, it has almost 150k on it, and outside of maintenance and the occasional oxygen sensor this is only the 2nd thing I've had done to it that wasn't maintenance...the only other thing I've had done was the motor mounts which from reading the boards is a common repair on my generation of vehicle....I luv my baby....

Now I will say this I am spoiled and have NEVER washed her myself so I'm going to tackle detailing her myself this weekend. Anyone know what I need to use on the headlights other than them being yellow and cloudy my baby looks great...any suggestions...

The vent line is going to run me about $265...the cv joints $1500 and I'm getting the a/c service so I guess I'll be doing good if I come out of it at $2200 or so...how come no one knows a good mechanic in Miami....LOL :cries:

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[exdotcomer]

Caramellady- where in Miami are you? Not south beach, or are you?

[khhoang]

The vent line is going to run me about $265...the cv joints $1500 and I'm getting the a/c service so I guess I'll be doing good if I come out of it at $2200 or so...how come no one knows a good mechanic in Miami....LOL  :cries:

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Firestone can replace BOTH front half-shafts which will include the CV joints for under $500parts&labor. I used their service and am going on nearly 2 years on their parts without a problem. I would call around before having Lexus dealership service your CV joints.. for $1500!!

[Caramellady]

Caramellady- where in Miami are you? Not south beach, or are you?

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No, I'm 20 mins from South Beach, I live in Doral...at least for the next 6 months and then its back to Dallas...whoo hoo...LOL

Disclaimer: Miami is nice to visit but housing prices are out of control! 400k for 1800 sq ft, you have to be kidding...

[Caramellady]

The vent line is going to run me about $265...the cv joints $1500 and I'm getting the a/c service so I guess I'll be doing good if I come out of it at $2200 or so...how come no one knows a good mechanic in Miami....LOL :cries:

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Firestone can replace BOTH front half-shafts which will include the CV joints for under $500parts&labor. I used their service and am going on nearly 2 years on their parts without a problem. I would call around before having Lexus dealership service your CV joints.. for $1500!!

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Unfortunately I've already committed to it and with my luck lately I'd take it out and try to drive back home (remember this happened while in Palm Beach about 75 miles from my home) and then something would happen. I'd hate to risk it at this juncture esp since it did lock up on me once before but I didn't know what it was and got out and saw a stick on the ground so I unfortunately assumed that somehow the stick had gotten lodged somehow and that was why it got stuck in the turn. But, thanks for your suggestion, I will keep that in mind though for future repairs. I've always taken it back to the dealer but usually use a Toyota dealer with Lexus certified mechanics the parts pricing is the same but I usually save about $25 on the labor rate of what Lexus charges

[Lexusfreak]

Ouch! :cries:

[steviej]

Disclaimer: Miami is nice to visit but housing prices are out of control! 400k for 1800 sq ft, you have to be kidding...

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That's not too bad, come to Boston, 1800 sq feet will run you upwards or $600K.

We always say, you can sell/move out of New England but you can come back.

steviej