Help! My car says the tank is empty but won’t take more g...
Responses
Amedee
405 days ago
Hello and welcome! My name isCustomerand I can assist you with your question. I am a former master tech and I have worked in this field for 20 years. I specialize this type of problem you are experiencing so I am confident I can assist with this issue. I am sorry you are having this issue and I understand this can be frustrating so I will try my best to help.
While we are working on this issue together, please allow up to 30 minutes (or more) between replies as I might be online helping other customers or offline spending time with family. Please understand I can only see what is on this page and what you have already shared with me. I don’t know the all of the vehicle history and I don’t know your mechanical ability, but I will try my best to help.
I am going to start by asking some basic questions to get up to caught up to where you are at with this situation so I can assist you in a timely manner. I appreciate your time and patience while we are working together on this issue.
My goal is to provide you with a pleasant experience and ensure all of your questions are answered. Please reply back at anytime so I can fully answer or address any questions or concerns you may have.
_Please download or save any documents or images I may send you as they will automatically expire after 7 days._
Can I start by getting your first name? Thank you
Customer
405 days ago
Naomi
Amedee
405 days ago
Thank you Naomi. Is the check [engine](/topics-engine-toyota/) light on? Are there any codes in the computer?
Customer
405 days ago
The check engine light is not on and the only thing the computer says is "add fuel"
Amedee
405 days ago
ok thank you. Based on my experience, this condition is caused by a restricted fuel filler neck or a faulty splash back valve at the fuel tank. Another possible cause would be the charcoal canister or the refueling valve in the top of the tank. You can remove the vapor hoses going to the charcoal canister and try refueling once again and see if that does the trick. If so, that would indicate a restricted/clogged charcoal canister.
It has been a pleasure working with you so far. Keep in mind this is a “starting point”. We can always continue as needed at a later date or at any time. Feel free to run some tests and reply back for further assistance as needed. Glad I can help. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks and have a great day!
Customer
405 days ago
Where is the charcoal canister? Where are the vapor hoses? Where can I get a new charcoal canister?
Amedee
405 days ago
The charcoal canister is located back by the gas tank underneath the vehicle.
The vapor hoses connect to the canister.
You can get a new one at your local Toyota Dealership.
Still not sure what you need?
Have a certified mobile mechanic diagnose what's wrong with your car, at your home or office.
Top Questions
Trending Topics
What others are asking
How do you use the auxiliary input jack on the radio?
Your car’s audio system allows you to listen to AM and FM radio, play CDs, and even satellite radio. However, you can also connect an external device with the auxiliary cable. This is the ideal way to connect an external...
Car shakes and won't accelerate.
This may be due to an issue with your ignition system. A severe misfire can cause an engine to accelerate very poorly and can also cause the vehicle to shake badly. If you have a check engine light I would...
Major coolant leak
It sounds like your truck overheated and caused it to turn off. One thing that could cause it to overheat would be a bad thermostat. I would recommend having the thermostat replaced (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) and make sure there is coolant in...
Could it be a battery problem - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
Hello. Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-speed-sensor-replacement) at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car's ECU. When...
If my car needs a new crankshaft position sensor, will it still run?
Hello. The crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) will not usually cause a misfire, but in rare cases it can. Since there is a misfire on the number one cylinder, the source of that issue needs to be confirmed before you do...
Motor Mount
Motor mounts will allow the motor to move too much when accelerating. If you feel motor move when you give it gas and may hear clunk. The motor mounts should be checked. If engine runs rough it may be something...
Doors wont lock or unlock with fob or switch?
Hello. Further testing should be done to help solve your problem. Being that the door unlock reprogramming procedure has already been done and the fuses have been checked there's not much left it could be. When you hit the unlock...
2009 chrysler 300c timing chain recall, does this reset the computer? (I need smog test soon after)
Yes this would reset the computer monitors for your smog test to pass. You should drive the vehicle for at least a week or more driving in all types of situations. Have a mechanic scan the computer to see if...
What is a chevy hhr Lt 2006 2.2 or 2.4
The transmission used in the 2.2 L version of your car is not interchangeable with a transmission from the 2.4 L version. To determine whether you have a 2.2 L engine or a 2.4 L engine, please look at the...
Browse other content
Maintenance
Services
Help! My car says the tank is empty but won’t take more gas. Mechanic's Assistant: Have you noticed an increase in fuel consumption? And how does the vehicle start—same as usual? Yes, I filled my tank up two hours a...
Help! My car says the tank is empty but won’t take more gas. Mechanic's Assistant: Have you noticed an increase in fuel consumption? And how does the vehicle start—same as usual? Yes, I filled my tank up two hours ago. However, when I filled it up, it won’t only take $6 worth of gas, which is very little. The vehicle starts like normal. Mechanic's Assistant: What is the make/model/year of your car? Toyota [Prius](/topics-prius/) 2007 Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Prius yourself? What have you tried so far? Yes I am fixing it myself. I have not tried anything yet Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? We are on a road trip and had to pull over at a gas station. Because it is Sunday, no auto repair shops are open around here