Possible explanation of the 7/8 fuel-up issue

[fpage77]

Originally Posted by jediknight36

Even did it when I filled it so much it spilled out.

That's a no no because of the charcoal canister. (guess the car likes to BBQ)

[jediknight36]

Originally Posted by fpage77

That's a no no because of the charcoal canister. (guess the car likes to BBQ)

No, I didn't do it on purpose. The station's auto stop doesn't work. Which is why I don't go there anymore.

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by unicycle

I filled up at a new station a few days ago. When I was about to start the car, I noticed the 7/8 tank thing for the first time (in nearly 170 fill-ups). But I'd also noticed that the pump had shut off earlier than expected (I put in under 7 gal but expected over 7.5 according to my ScanGauge). So I shoved in another half gallon, and the tank gauge showed full.

Then I returned to this station yesterday. Once again, the pump shut off earlier than expected. This time I didn't add any extra gas. So I think that this issue has more to do with certain stations and their extra sensitive pumps than it has to do with our cars' small gas tanks. After all, even a difference of .8 or .9 gal could lead to a fill-up that shows up as a 7/8 tank.

Next time I'm going to a different station. We'll see what happens.

I agree with you. Until we went on our trip to KC in August, I had NEVER had the 7/8ths tank issue until my trip. I had ALWAYS filled up at the same BP station, generally using the same pump (not excessive-compulsive, just where the pump is when I pull in ) since I got the smart at the end of January.

BUT while on our trip, I had this issue TWICE, once in Illinois and again in KC. Now that I'm using the same station, same pumps, it hasn't happened since.

Also, I ALWAYS fill it up on the lowest notch. I think that is where the discrepancy may be, as the notches may be different, depending on the brand of gas pump or even station. Some pumps don't even HAVE notches. You have to stand there and hold it until it shuts off.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[unicycle]

Originally Posted by jediknight36

No matter what station, I get the 7/8ths UNLESS I keep the key in acc. When I say every time, I mean at stations that will give 9.7 with 1 gal left on the gauge ...

My hunch: That station may not actually be giving over 9 gallons. Maybe their pump gauge reads fast (as a way of overcharging customers). A lot of stations in NJ were found to be doing this, and it wouldn't surprise me if it went on around the world. Even Texas.