Fuel Filler Challenge

[sgordon]

I have a 2004 LS430 and have the luxury of living in California. This benefit comes at a price as California requires all gas stations to have fuel vapor recovery systems on every pump and these have presented a challenge for my LS. In essence, there are two components on our fuel pumps with one being the standard nozzle that inserts into the gas tank and the other that tries to seal around the outer lip of the filler neck (where the gas cap would seal). It's this sealing thing that causes substantial frustration as it's near impossible to get the filling station pump to seal without really leaning on it to press it against the filler neck.

I've tried various gas stations and most fail in this manner but, on occasion, one will work and allow me to let the tank fill on it's own. Of course, I've taken it to the dealer and they cannot reproduce the problem so I'm hoping to see if others are seeing this before I make some videos and move them out to youtube for sharing with Lexus.

Is anyone in California having a similar problem with their 2004 LS430?

Thanks,

Steve

[Smokey 2]

I have a 2004 LS430 and have the luxury of living in California. This benefit comes at a price as California requires all gas stations to have fuel vapor recovery systems on every pump and these have presented a challenge for my LS. In essence, there are two components on our fuel pumps with one being the standard nozzle that inserts into the gas tank and the other that tries to seal around the outer lip of the filler neck (where the gas cap would seal). It's this sealing thing that causes substantial frustration as it's near impossible to get the filling station pump to seal without really leaning on it to press it against the filler neck.

I've tried various gas stations and most fail in this manner but, on occasion, one will work and allow me to let the tank fill on it's own. Of course, I've taken it to the dealer and they cannot reproduce the problem so I'm hoping to see if others are seeing this before I make some videos and move them out to youtube for sharing with Lexus.

Is anyone in California having a similar problem with their 2004 LS430?

Thanks,

Steve

I dont know if it will help you or not but its worth a try. I have, along with a LS430, a Chevy Avalanche that has the same problem. The other day at the gas station, while going thru this "experience" a fellow patron suggested turning the fill hose upside down and it would work OK. Believe it or not, it works for me. Dont know why but it works. I live in San Diego