I overfilled my gas tank and now under warranty I have a new PCM and a new vaccum pump.

[05Frosty]

I started getting a check engine light last month (05 Base with 25,000 miles). Well I took it in and they pulled the codes and it related to evaporative emissions. Well they looked under the hood and freaked out because I bypassed the coolant around the throttle body (I live in Florida), and I also had a valve to turn off coolant to the heater core (again I live in Florida, and does my car ever run cold A/C). Also I have the return A/C line insulated (again Florida....). So they threaten that GM will void my warranty and so on and then they put how I made "unauthorized modificationsto my car" in their computer under my VIN#. So I return the cooling system back to stock ( I left the insulation on the A/C hose), and bring it back in. They determine that the cars computer is bad and give me a loaner car. Next day thay say that the vaccum pump is bad and tell me to keep the rental car another day. I pick up the car and all is well. Under the car, behind the fuel tank on the left side, about 12 inches from the rear bumper is a brand new box with all kinds of hoses and wires coming out. So any way I remember about 2 months ago, I found gas real cheap, and I filled the (removed) out of the tank. I just keep filling it until it just would not take anymore. Well when I started driving, the car ran like crap. I thought I had gotten bad gas and after a few miles I got off the interstate to turn around, but then it started running better, so I pressed on. Well I think I broke it when I put all that gas in. Comments....

[ColonelPanic]

I have heard of overfilling the tank doing some serious damage to imports so it doesn't sound too far fetched... Apparently these types of cars can get angry if you feed them too much fuel or something.

[Digger]

It might be a tracking device to see what else you do to your car. I can't see how overfilling would do it. I filled mine till it over flowed and all was ok. ( sitting in car and pump did not shut off).

[ajf3ajf3]

I know my other car (2004 Nissan Quest) had warnings about not 'topping off' the tank. Can't recall offhand, but something bad could/would happen when overfilled that would require $$$ to repair.Don't recall hearing that about the vibe though...

[05Frosty]

A tracking device...that's funny. I filled my tank more than just sitting in the car and the pump did not shutoff, I filled it by squeezing the lever over and over as it does click off, till gas finally overflowed. Much more gas than a one time fast overflow.

[RC Turner]

I believe all newer cars tell you to only fill the tank until the pump shuts off. If you fill it more, you risk getting raw gas into the charcoal canister. This will cause the problem noted. (Ref page 5-8 of the 05 manual)

[jasonvibe]

the ONLY REASON they tell you not to top off a fuel tank...is to avoid a dangerous gas spill. Your problem, Sounds like bad gas. How else could they sell it so cheap as stated. I think you all might want to take a step back and think of these warnings the manufacturers put on, from their point of view...LIABILITY...nothing more. I have filled mine to the very top(kept getting more in till I could see it was full) at least 10 times. I have gotten 13 gallons into my 11.9 tank. Done this on many other cars too, No issues... There is no such thing as an overfilled tank, unless it is spilling on the ground. Otherwise the gas just flowing in while pumping would cause an issue with the char. can. Which would be a retarded design. Which I have never seen. PS. a bad computer has nothing to do with your mods. The dealer is a jerk. You got bad gas! Likely with water in it.

[Pick]

I fill my tank as far as possible (way past the first pump click off) every time i fill up, i now have 24,000 miles on it and it's less than a year old, i have never had a problem.

[tnpartsguy]

Quote, originally posted by jasonvibe »the ONLY REASON they tell you not to top off a fuel tank...is to avoid a dangerous gas spill. Not true, they tell you that because as the Federal Government has mandated CLOSED loop vapor systems, overfilling your fuel tank DOES send raw, liquid gasoline to the charcoal canister; if you overfill it too much, or too often, it won't have time to evaporate, and you will fill it up, basically stopping up the vapor recovery system, and thus you get a check engine light because the system no longer works.

[jasonvibe]

I stress that the evap is designed to handle most conditions. EX. what happens when I park on a steep hill just after filling the tank "normally"? aka San Francisco. Does fuel go where it is not "wanted"? Does the charcoal can have an issue? I always park on a hill. Never an issue. I think someone is overthinking this emissions stuff. I find most of these warnings in owners manuals as an easy "out" for service people and manufacturers. Whether it be liability or something else. What if I have a pump that pumps slowly, thus allowing me to really fill it up? DAMN IT ! it's a fuel tank...fill it. If I have to worry about such simple things. These cars are junk. Plus do you really know what the evap. emissions do??? Most don't.

[millster]

Before this gets out of control, let's keep in mind what we're discussing here. Please.Jason, this is not the first evap. system problem that has been caused by overfilling the fuel tank to be reported on this site. The folks speaking here are speaking from others' experience in the matter. They are well-informed.

[jasonvibe]

ok...but we all see here ...his original problem had nothing to do with overfilling. Just a bad ECU...enough said. But could you refer me to the folks or posts who have had an issue with "over filling". Plus it is likely most were given a line of BS due to the "over filling". My answer to any dealer when he asks a warranty question is always..."what do you mean"? Then he shows his cards as to how he will attempt to avoid doing a warranty claim and thus having you pay. Which is easier and profitable for him. Let's just say, I can be a "(removed)" when dealing with dealers. So far I think this is a great car. Hope it stays that way for many years.

[Digger]

My dealer loves warrenty work. he gets his $$ with out a hassel.

[Psychobroker]

Quote, originally posted by jasonvibe »ok...but we all see here ...his original problem had nothing to do with overfilling. Just a bad ECU...enough said. But could you refer me to the folks or posts who have had an issue with "over filling". Plus it is likely most were given a line of BS due to the "over filling". My answer to any dealer when he asks a warranty question is always..."what do you mean"? Then he shows his cards as to how he will attempt to avoid doing a warranty claim and thus having you pay. Which is easier and profitable for him. Let's just say, I can be a "(removed)" when dealing with dealers. So far I think this is a great car. Hope it stays that way for many years. Wow dude, you need to calm down about this. There's more important issues going on. If you don't want to take the manuf. suggestions, then don't.

[zionzr2]

i can get another 2 gallons of gas in after the first click and still not spill any

[05Frosty]

I do think that I screwed it up by overfilling the gas tank. I have overfilled it many times before, but this time I really crammed it. I put over 15 gallons in once (I am sure of this). The tech said that they replaced the vacuum pump. So who knows about a vacuum pump that is located in the rear of the car?

[Mavrik]

I cram in the gas until (sometimes it does) it almost spills out the filler tube. Been doing that for a couple years now and no problems.

[05Frosty]

so is there a vacuum pump in the evaporative system?

[tnpartsguy]

The PCM was probably replaced due to a TSB ('05 has a TSB about the PCM and long crank starting/no start), the dealer figured go ahead and do it while they had the car.I don't know about the vacumn pump, I don't recall our cars having a AIR pump, but I'll look tomarrow.

[05Frosty]

I do have a long crank time problem, and the new PCM has not helped. I know there is no emissions air pump, the tech definatly said that they were replacing the emissions vacuum pump. It must be located in that box under the left rear.

[tnpartsguy]

Yes, our cars DO have an AIR pump located on the engine. The part you describe is the emissions canister. There is no pump located there, only the canister, and the solenoids/valve for the canister.

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by tnpartsguy »Not true, they tell you that because as the Federal Government has mandated CLOSED loop vapor systems, overfilling your fuel tank DOES send raw, liquid gasoline to the charcoal canister; if you overfill it too much, or too often, it won't have time to evaporate, and you will fill it up, basically stopping up the vapor recovery system, and thus you get a check engine light because the system no longer works.What TNpartsguy states is completely true...The system keeps venting back to the gas tank or canister. Years ago the fuel systems would vent to the atmosphere and the EPA said no more or that! Not saying it will happen every time to everyone who tops off but if it does and raw fuel goes into the vapor line it can cause issues. All vehicles are this way now and not just imports... Also the proper name is called a Vapor Canister found under the car and not the old Charcoal Canister with filter found under the hood. Not flaming here just informing... The EVAP system also has a purge solenoid found under the hood and with start up can be heard clicking opened and closed.

[Charlievibe]

So tell me this then...am I doing harm by clinking it one or two more times to get to a round number (ie $22.00)? If I am, I will stop.

[ToolGuy]

No you are cool, that is what I do and have no issues! Now if you overfill it and it comes gushing out, than some may get into the vent line!

[ColonelPanic]

Cool, thanks for the input on that. I didn't know this was all cars nowadays.Learn somethin' new every day.