When a car does not start after acquiring petrol, it is perplexing. I once topped out my car’s petrol tank while I was at work, and even though the gasoline gauge was set properly, it simply would not start. I had to diagnose and repair the automobile to deliver a package to a devoted client.
The four reasons your automobile may not start after buying petrol are listed below, along with the appropriate solutions.
1. Fuel Fill-Up Issues
When a vehicle would not start after buying petrol, most people believe the battery is dead. Others hurry to determine if the problem is with the ignition key, an inoperable alternator or starting motor, or even a locked steering wheel.
None of them, however, are the offender. Instead, there is a good likelihood that the issue is with your fuel system. Therefore you should start there when making a diagnosis. The problem might be caused by the way you fill your tank. Do not conclude that the issue is internal when it could be external.
Before opening your car, carry out the following steps if you are certain the issue is inside:
- Remove the gas cap carefully and gently, then watch its impact on the vehicle.
- Keep the gas nozzle out of the fuel tank.
- Try filling your tank to various levels. Try 24 liters and see if it helps, for example, if your car has a 25-liter capacity.
- At varied temperatures, turn on the ignition.
- Drive your car for a distance and see if you detect any changes.
You are fortunate if your automobile starts after attempting the steps above. It is important to note that this is seldom the problem, especially if you have to test your automobile many times after buying petrol. Usually, it is something else.
2. Damaged Fuel Pump
The fuel pump’s job is to transfer fuel from the tank to the combustion chamber of your engine.
For flawless operation, the fuel pump must maintain proper cooling. How? Utilizing the gasoline that is now in your automobile. When this fuel runs out, the pump might get overheated, and adding additional fuel to your fuel tank could make it break down.
A faulty gasoline pump will not provide fuel to the engine, which means your automobile will not be able to operate on it. Consequently, even after filling up with petrol, your automobile will not start.
Other indications of a gasoline pump malfunction, besides your vehicle not starting, include:
- Low fuel efficiency
- When moving quickly, the engine sputters.
- At high speed, the car stalls.
- There is a noise coming from the gasoline tank.
- When under pressure, the automobile loses power.
Checking the fuel pressure first might assist in determining whether or not a broken or weak fuel pump is present.
If voltage is present, your pump has to be replaced since it is damaged. Just make sure the model you choose fits your vehicle. You may replace the pump yourself by following the replacement instructions in your car’s handbook.
3. Clogged or Restricted Fuel Filters or Injectors
Have you ever started your automobile, and it briefly ran before dying later on? When this occurs, gasoline is probably not getting to the cylinders. This is why:
- Engine sludge is created when debris accumulates in your fuel tank. The muck impedes the appropriate development of fuel pressure.
- Running your car to empty often causes a blocked fuel filter.
A blocked air filter decreases the airflow into your car’s intake, inhibiting spark and combustion.
A blocked gasoline filter may prevent your automobile from starting, while a filthy one can result in ignition issues. This is because no fuel can get to the car’s engine’s fuel injectors.
Furthermore, using inferior gasoline or getting low gas economy might result in a blocked fuel filter.
Another sign of a blocked fuel filter is:
- Your car often idles and sputters.
- Acceleration problems.
- The engine of your car misfires.
- Fumes from your car’s exhaust are offensive.
The likelihood that the gasoline filter is the cause of your automobile not starting after filling up with petrol is high if you see one or more of these symptoms.
If your car uses fuel injection, you may easily check by turning a screwdriver on the ignition and priming the fuel line. These methods will assist in determining if the fuel pump, filters, injectors, and fuel pressure regulator are to blame for the no-start problem. This should be the situation if you push on the valve and no gasoline squirts out.
A nod light may also be used to check if the computer’s pulse signal is getting to the injectors and to compare the fuel pressure to manufacturer requirements. By doing so, you will get closer to the criminal.
Simply clean or replace the gasoline filter if it is blocked. You must do the latter if the filter is composed of nylon or paper. If it is constructed of metal, you may clean it using a solvent.
To avoid such problems, it is advised to clean or change your gasoline filter often (at least every 10,000 miles). Additionally, provide frequent, thorough cleaning and maintenance (yearly, for example).
4. Faulty Purge Control Valve
A component of your car’s evaporative emissions control system (EVAP), the purge control valve, sometimes referred to as exhaust gas recirculation, helps reduce hazardous emissions & engine temperature.
When a purge control valve becomes stuck open, it malfunctions. If this occurs, the engine fills with fuel vapor when the ignition is turned on. The main reason for no start is this.
Therefore, how can you unstick a blocked purge control valve? You must swap it out. You may access the EVAP system if you have the required equipment and a guidebook to instruct you.
Conclusion
The diagnostics and repairs mentioned above should resolve the no-start problem and restore the functioning of your car. The good news is that you do not need to take your car to the technician to repair an issue where it would not start after buying petrol. Note that by keeping your car clean and well-maintained, particularly the fuel system, you may avoid this problem.
