lost_in_alabama

I purchased a 2004 Avalanche recently. The only problem I have is that I can't put gas into it any faster than a trickle. If I try to pump the gas into the tank any faster than the slowest possible setting, the pump shuts off. I seen this at several different stations, so it isn't the pump. Has anyone ever encountered this type of problem, and have a suggestion? The line running from the filler spout to the tank looks fine, although it does look smaller than what I remember seeing on other trucks.

Can anyone help me?

golfer

Sounds like a venting problem.

engine2

I would take it in for service before you are unable to put any gas in. This happened to my on another car many years ago and it sucked because I was on a road trip.

avalanche

I too have been haveing the same problem with my "04" avalanche .It is in the shop right now . Other related problems are - low fuel light comes on when around 1/4 full
- started running rough
- check engine light comes on
- really hard on fuel
- fuel tank pressure increases making tank expand.

avalanche

Did you ever find out what was the soarce of your problem , because my mechanic is stumped .We removed the tank but are unable to get to the end of the vent tube in the tank ( it's a sealed poly tank ) . When you blow air into the tank you get small amounts of fuel coming out the vent tube which shouldn't happen because it vents from the top of the tank .

lost_in_alabama

On mine, the problem seem to just go away after a couple of months(Jan 2007), then it started back a few weeks ago (Feb 2008). I still don't know what is causing it.

tsmcd

We, too, have the same refueling problem with our 2004 Avalanche. Has
anyone found the solution? It takes forever to fill the tank.
Thanks for any suggestions,
tsmcd

tech2

make sure the evap canister vent valve is not blocked or stuck closed. Most systems will vent through this normally open valve during a refueling event. Any blockage in a line or canister that leads to this valve will cause the same problem.

Tyger

I had the same problem with my 04, but only at certain gas stations which led me to believe it was the volume output of the pump. I avoided those stations.

avgas

Tech 2 is right, This is a common problem with trucks that are used in muddy conditions. The fuel tank evap canister vent becomes plugged. This can cause your fuel tank to be sucked in causing damage to the tank, Fuel level sensor ect. If you hear a sucking sound when you go to refuel its a good idea to have this checked. This happens all the time on oilfield trucks. In many cases the vent has been moved to a different location to prevent this from happening.