topping off gas - stops early?

[duddly]

I have only filled my tank twice but...

both times it seems to stop at 7/8 full according to the gauge.
I was trying to fill it to check the mileage - and both times I filled it till it stopped, then tried a bit more and it verified that it didn't seem to want any more.. but when I got in an drove off the gauge looked like it wasn't full.

is this happening for anyone else?

[jetfuel]

yes...is not a problem....drive a while and it will show all 8 squares....


jetfuel

[mvaldes]

It happens to a lot of folks. Don't be tempted to "top off" to cure it, it'll only cause you grief.

[paroyboy]

Third fill up tonight. Other two, I stopped pumping when it shut off. It showed 7 of the 8 bars for a day, then the 8th one would light up. For tonights fill, I put it on the slowest fill "notch", then when it shut off, rounded up to the next $.50 mark (about .30 cents worth) Got in and had all 8 bars showing. I wouldnt try to squeeze another half gallon in but maybe the extra cup of gas did it. Have to wait till next time to see if it works again.

[sheureka]

There's a reason for the warning on the gas cap. I speak from experience (though mine was actually a pump that didn't shut off). Missing, loss of power, and perhaps having to go to the dealer to have the code shut off are not worth getting all 8 bars lit up. - sheureka

[jimvw57]

I had the same issue a few tanks back.
1. Only use the slowest setting on the pump
2. after it stops, only go one more click (until it shuts off again) the extra few drops won't make that big a difference.

I had a friend that flooded his vapor canister and had to take it in. He always added more untill it was at the top of the neck. DON'T DO IT!

I figured out that the gas will foam up if you use a faster setting and it takes a while to settle down. The gas gauge is most accurate around 1/2 tank. I have gone between 70 to 120 miles before it goes off the full mark. Don't try to make sense out of the markings, they will drive you crazy.

[duddly]

Thanks for all the replies!

you really saved me from trying to "force" too much gas in.
I will try the slowest fill setting next time.

[GHammerly]

Confirmed, my wife fills it on the fast setting and mentioned to me that it shows not full while I always fill on the slow setting and it shows full every time with no second or third clicks. It's probably a small difference in the amount of fuel, something less than 1/2 a gallon, most likely less than a quart.

[theguywiththelongestname]

I use the slowest automatic nozzle setting at the Chevron. When it clicks off, the smartmobile is always full: all eight bars show. I never have had a problem, and I never ever top-off.

[smark]

I'll fill it up,till it clicks off. Shows 7/8 of a tank. Drive 40-60 mile shows full. Drive another 20 mile goes back to 7/8. I've never ever top it off. Screwy gas gauge, and sending unit. Took it to the dealer, couldn't fix. Called Smart on the phone. The wonderful Smart people say this is normal, and won't fix it!!!!!! What every!!!!