2000 S Fuel Line Interference Issue

[blue2000s]

I've got a 2000S. I'm having the fuel filling issue where the nozzle shuts off quickly after starting to fill the tank. I can start it again, but it keeps popping off like the tank is full. I've checked the flapper at the fender and I get the "click" when I open it with my finger.

My question is, could a MY2000 car have the fuel line interference with the internal flapper? I thought that was fixed with a redesign for the 2000 model year. If it could be the lines, how empty does the fuel tank need to be to remove the pump assembly without submerging my hands in gasoline?

If it's not the internal lines, then the next culprit is the charcoal canister?

[Loren]

Did you check fuse E6?

[Dale_K]

I replaced the "vent valve" on my 2000 S and did it wrong the first time resulting in a situation where I couldn't get any gas in the tank. In my case I didn't put the trigger unit in correctly. It's a piece about the size of a pencil with a small wiring harness connector.

This is my old vent valve. Actually I don't think there was anything wrong with the original but I broke it taking it off. It only cost about $35.

A picture of the trigger unit. A new one comes with the valve.

The trigger unit fits into a recess in the vent valve, right against the fill tube. I don't know for sure but I think it must be a magnetic switch.

If you push the little tab on the vent valve with a small screwdriver (visible at the edge of the filler pipe surround) the car will accept gas slowly even if the venting system is messed up. I had to do this once before I figured out that I'd didn't put the trigger unit in the right place when I installed a new vent valve.

I'd say you should jack up the right front, pull the wheel and the inner fender liner and look around. All the components are right there, including the charcoal cannister control valves. First check the fuse but it doesn't sound like thats your problem if you hear a click when you move the flapper back.

Edited May 4, 2011 by Dale_K

[blue2000s]

I get the click, it's very clear, so I don't think it's the fuse. Is it true that MY2000 no longer has the tank hose/flapper interference issue?

I'll poke around behind the fender liner.

[blue2000s]

In Washington state, most gas stations have the vapor recovery hood over the nozzle. I found a Shell that doesn't have the hood, just a "naked" nozzle (horror of horrors) and I can fill the tank fully. The last two times I tried filling the tank with hooded nozzles, it wouldn't fill all the way. Is this an indication that the "vent valve" is on it's way out? Something else?