Car Trouble

Poor Farmer 830 · Dec 11, 2013

I have a 2005 Chevy Impala Ls with the 3.8L. I am having troubles when I try to put gas in it. I have to let the gas trickle into it, to fill it completely up it takes 15 minutes. The check engine light is on, and it comes up an EVAP emission code. I replaced the evap vent solenoid. Is it possible the Charcoal canister is clogged. Has anyone else had any issues like this or know of any tips to try to pin point the problem.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 11, 2013

Yes! 2005 Ford F250... There is a canister behind the fuel tank. Bigger than I would expect, 5" dia. by 18" long, back by the diff. down in the dust dirt and mud with no provisions for filter. Removed, beat and blew it out, tremendous improvement in fueling time

jimg.allentown · Dec 11, 2013

Had a similar problem with the evap system on a Buick Rendezvous that turned out to be a broken wire in the harness where it went through the body. Also might want to take a look underneath and see if the vent hose is kinked or punctured. The vent hose is the smaller hose that runs along side the larger fill tube. Might be clogged, melted, twisted, etc. Keep in mind that the Ethanol in today's gas is tough on the rubber parts.

A quick primer on how the evap system works and how to service it:
The fuel system is a CLOSED system these days. The final seal is made by the gas cap after fueling. The tank and lines are kept at a specific pressure (could be more or less than atmospheric) while in operation. A sensor on the tank tells the computer what the pressure is, and if it gets out of expected range, a trouble code is set. The evap solenoid meters fuel vapors from the charcoal cannister into the engine's intake manifold to be burned with the fuel/air mixture. It is all controlled by the PCM. Actually quite a simple system overall that eliminates evaporative pollution from the fuel system.

tomNE · Dec 11, 2013

I just had to order one today for 2005 dodge minivan. can't blow mine out; have to buy new.
rockauto had it for $65 including shipping!

4play · Dec 12, 2013

These guys above are probably right. I'm not too familiar with the EVAP system on your car but find the vent line leaving the canister vent solenoid and check it for obstruction. I've seen spider webs, dirt dauber nests, or plain dirt/mud debris clogging those lines. I've seen plenty of charcoal canisters clogged up with dirt and gravel dust too. You might be able to shake some of the debris out of the canister to get by, but I doubt you will clean it out real well.

Other than that You might make sure the filler neck is not collapsing or that someone stuffed something down the there from sabotage or attempted fuel theft.

RLA · Dec 12, 2013

Yes the fuel tank systems isn"t venting

Canister Purge Valve or solenoid could be
plugged with Ice ( Depending where you are)
Or the charcoal canister is full of water
& won"t let the system vent for refueling.
Moisture / water comes for a leak in the hose
someplace. Or the electrical solenoid quit
working...

This is what happens to a Ford, all these cars
& truck are basically the same system...

730-LP · Dec 12, 2013

Just a little humor,no pun intended

caseyc · Dec 12, 2013

Around here 80% of the roads are gravel. The dust from driving on them plugs the canisters up tight and this happens. A large part of my customer base lives on gravel so as part of a routine oil change I will pop the vent lines off and blow them out. Eventually parts need to be replaced but usually once or so every 100,000 miles. I have also seen them plugged with water/ice or snow.

Casey in SD

Car Trouble

Poor Farmer 830

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Anonymous-0

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jimg.allentown

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tomNE

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4play

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RLA

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730-LP

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caseyc

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