Car Won't Start: Common Causes Of Fuel Issues

A car not taking fuel can be attributed to several factors. The most common reason is a faulty EVAP purge valve, which can be caused by a malfunctioning fuel pump, bad gasoline, a clogged fuel filter, or a failing alternator. Other reasons include accidental diesel in the tank, gasoline phase separation, or rust or dirt in the fuel filter.

Faulty EVAP purge valve

A faulty EVAP purge valve is a probable reason why your car won’t start after getting gas. Other possible culprits include a faulty battery, a malfunctioning fuel pump, bad gasoline, a clogged fuel filter, and a failing alternator.

The EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system prevents gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere from the fuel system. The purge valve operates using a solenoid, which can sometimes malfunction, causing the valve to stay closed.

The evaporative (EVAP) purge control valve typically sits between the fuel tank and the intake manifold. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the opening and closing of the valve, depending on the temperature and RPM.

Canister purge valves take many forms. As the valve opens, gasoline vapors flow from the charcoal canister to the intake manifold, reducing harmful hydrocarbon emissions from the evaporating fuel (think gasoline smell).

If your car won’t start after filling up with gas, the most likely issue is a stuck EVAP purge valve. It could also be an issue with the fuel filter or fuel pump. If your "Check Engine" light comes on, use an OBD-II scanner to read the code and diagnose the issue. If you're not comfortable making the repairs yourself, have your car towed to an auto shop so a mechanic can fix the problem.

Clogged fuel filter

A clogged fuel filter is a common reason for a car not taking fuel. It is a faulty component that can cause a loss of power but not a no-start condition unless it suddenly gets hit with so much rust or dirt that it is totally plugged. Usually, you'll notice other symptoms long before the fuel filter clogs enough to prevent the engine from starting.

A clogged fuel filter can be caused by rust or dirt that has built up over time. This can be due to a faulty component or a lack of maintenance. It is important to regularly check and replace the fuel filter to ensure that your car is running efficiently.

If you suspect that your fuel filter is clogged, it is important to have it checked by a professional mechanic. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action. In the meantime, you can try to clean the filter or replace it to see if it resolves the issue.

In addition to a clogged fuel filter, there are other reasons why a car may not take fuel. These include a faulty EVAP purge valve, a malfunctioning fuel pump, bad gasoline, and a failing alternator. It is important to diagnose the issue to determine the cause and take the necessary steps to resolve it.

Phase separation of gasoline

The evaporative (EVAP) purge control valve is typically found between the fuel tank and the intake manifold. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the opening and closing of the valve, depending on the temperature and RPM.

The EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system prevents gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere from the fuel system. The purge valve operates using a solenoid, which can sometimes malfunction, causing the valve to stay closed.

If your car won’t start after filling up with gas, the most likely issue is a stuck EVAP purge valve. It could also be an issue with the fuel filter or fuel pump. If your "Check Engine" light comes on, use an OBD-II scanner to read the code and diagnose the issue. If you're not comfortable making the repairs yourself, have your car towed to an auto shop so a mechanic can fix the problem.

Bad gasoline

If your car won't start after filling up with gas, the most likely issue is a stuck EVAP purge valve. It could also be an issue with the fuel filter or fuel pump. If your "Check Engine" light comes on, use an OBD-II scanner to read the code and diagnose the issue. If you're not comfortable making the repairs yourself, have your car towed to an auto shop so a mechanic can fix the problem.

The EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system prevents gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere from the fuel system. The purge valve operates using a solenoid, which can sometimes malfunction, causing the valve to stay closed.

If your car has been filled with "bad" gas, it might idle roughly, have stalling issues, make pinging sounds, or force the Check Engine light to come on. This can happen if you accidentally put diesel in your tank, or if the gasoline has gone through phase separation, which can happen if the gasoline sits for a long time or if it absorbs too much water from the atmosphere.

A clogged fuel filter will cause a loss of power but not a no-start condition unless it suddenly gets hit with so much rust or dirt that it is totally plugged. Usually you’ll notice other symptoms long before the fuel filter clogs enough to prevent the engine from starting. A car that won’t start after getting gas can be attributed to several factors, and paying a trip to a professional mechanic is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis.

Malfunctioning fuel pump

A faulty fuel pump is a common reason why a car won't take fuel. A malfunctioning fuel pump can cause a loss of power but not a no-start condition unless it suddenly gets hit with so much rust or dirt that it is totally plugged. Usually, you'll notice other symptoms long before the fuel filter clogs enough to prevent the engine from starting.

A faulty EVAP purge valve is a probable reason why your car won’t start after getting gas. Other possible culprits include a faulty battery, bad gasoline, a clogged fuel filter, and a failing alternator.

If your car won’t start after filling up with gas, the most likely issue is a stuck EVAP purge valve. It could also be an issue with the fuel filter or fuel pump. If your "Check Engine" light comes on, use an OBD-II scanner to read the code and diagnose the issue. If you're not comfortable making the repairs yourself, have your car towed to an auto shop so a mechanic can fix the problem.

The EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system prevents gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere from the fuel system. The purge valve operates using a solenoid, which can sometimes malfunction, causing the valve to stay closed.

A car that won't start after getting gas can be attributed to several factors, and paying a trip to a professional mechanic is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions