Car Struggles to Start After Putting Gas In: 7 Causes and Fix

Car Struggles to Start After Putting Gas In: Causes and Solutions

Here are the culprits causing this problem and how to deal with them:

1. Stuck Evaporation (EVAP) Purge Valve

The EVAP purge valve is a gatekeeper of your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system. So, when it is stuck, you will have issues with your vapor not flowing efficiently, and your car won’t start. Causes of this menace are debris build-up, damage from backfires, and wear and tear.

Signs:

• Illuminated check engine light
• Extended cranking before the engine starts.
• If the vehicle manages to start, you will have a rough idling with vibrations.

Solution:

• Check your vehicle manual for the location of this valve.
• Once you have located it, inspect for signs of damage, debris build-up, and corrosion.
• Clean it with a damp cloth or a toothbrush.
• If it is stuck and beyond repair, replace it with a new unit matched to your vehicle’s make and model.
• Cost: $100 to $200 for valve replacement. $50 to $100 for labor if you do not DIY.

2. Fuel Quality Issues

The fuel you are pumping in could contaminate water, sediment, and foreign particles. It might be altered with illegal substances by unscrupulous gas station owners, leading to poor combustion.

You will have the same issues if you use the wrong octane rating to that recommended by the manufacturer. Also, putting in petrol instead of diesel and vice versa is a costly mistake.

Signs:

• Knocking and pinging sounds when you press the gas pedal.
• Engine stalling
• Poor fuel efficiency.
• For misfuelling, the car engine will immediately knock.

Solution:

• Drain and clean your fuel tank.
• Replace the fuel filter and inspect the entire fuel system for clogs and damage.
• For misfuelling, if you realize the mistake before starting the car, draining the fuel tank will save you. However, if you had started the car, have it towed to a professional.
• Cost: Depends on the engine damage extended due to running on the wrong fuel. Expect to shell out a few hundred dollars.

3. Clogged Fuel Filter or Fuel Pump

Over time, the fuel filter and pump accumulate more and more debris. Slowly, they get clogged up, and fuel can no longer go through to the engine. This creates a resistance that leads to insufficient fuel pressure, delivery issues, and hard starting problems.

Signs:

• The engine starts initially but stalls.
• Reduced acceleration power
• Check engine light.
• For a malfunctioning fuel pump, you will have whining pump noise from the fuel tank area.

Solution:

• Locate the fuel filter and remove it.
• Install a new one or clean the debris to have proper fuel flow.
• Check the condition of your pump and inspect for debris.
• Clean and remove them.
• If this does not fix the failure, replace the unit with a new pump that meets OEM specifications.
• Cost: A fuel filter costs $10 to $50. Fuel pump costs $100 to $300. Labor is $50 to $150 if you don’t DIY.

4. Air Pockets in Fuel System

Bubbles in the fuel delivery system cause intermittent starting issues. Jostling of the vehicle after refueling and improper bleeding during maintenance leads to this menace.

Signs:

• Problems resolve temporarily after a few attempts, and the engine starts and then stalls.

Solution:

• Open your fuel filter bleed valve.
• Use the manual pump till fuel starts oozing out of the valve.
• Do the same for your injection pump bleed valve.

Here is a video illustrating this procedure:

• Cost: Free if you DIY. $100+ in an auto shop, depending on the bleeding complexity.

5. Battery and Alternator Issues

If you have loose battery connections, there won’t be enough power to start your car. Also, the battery could be dead due to short circuits and other issues. A bad alternator could also cause it to have low voltage.

Signs:

• Dim lights
• Slow cranking
• Corrosion builds up on the battery
• Warning lights related to the alternator and low battery.

Solution:

• Clean the battery terminals and cable clamps with a wire brush.
• Load test the battery, recharge, or replace if low/dead.
• Test the alternator if it’s faulty.
• Replace if faulty.

Here is a visual guide to follow on how to troubleshoot the alternator:

6. Starter Motor Malfunction

This is the motor that cranks the engine to start it. If it develops an issue between the start of your journey to the gas station and after refilling, the car won’t start.

Signs:

• The engine turns over slowly or weakly.
• No start or intermittent starting.

Solution:

• Check the connections of the starter motor from your battery.
• Replace faulty wires.
• If there are no faulty wires and your battery is fully charged, the motor needs to be replaced.
• Cost: A new starter motor costs about $225 and above. Labor for replacement is, at most, $100.

7. Blocked Charcoal Canister

A blocked charcoal canister results from a build-up of contaminants like dust, debris, and fuel. This causes fuel vapors to have nowhere to go, leading to incorrect air-to-fuel ratio.

Signs:

• Extended cranking
• Rough idling

Solution:

• Locate the charcoal canister from your car manual,
• Inspect it for external damage, contamination, and blockage.
• Clean it and consider replacing it if cleaning doesn’t unblock it.
• Cost: $400 to $500 for a replacement.

When Your Car Won’t Start After Getting Gas: How to Fix the Issue

Experiencing the frustration of a “Car Won’t Start After Getting Gas” scenario can be unnerving, but swift action can alleviate the situation.

Initially, shift the transmission to neutral and seek assistance from a kind passerby to aid in pushing the car to a nearby parking spot, ensuring smooth traffic flow at the gas station. Position the drive tires facing the parking lot or street for potential towing convenience.

Once safely parked, conduct a systematic diagnosis: inspect for fuel odors around the gas cap and engine bay, scrutinize the battery and alternator for issues, and assess the starter motor’s temperature.

Wait for fuel to dissipate, then attempt a restart. If unsuccessful, promptly contact local mechanics for availability. Upon securing an appointment, call the nearest tow truck company, providing pick-up and drop-off locations along with a requested price quote. Proactive measures can transform a stressful breakdown into a manageable resolution.