Fueling Problems

[seamus0g]

I have a strange problem when filling my '04 DD: On what appears to be random occasion, the tank will decide to puke fuel back at me. Took it to the dealer, they duplicated, and ordered a new filler neck. But I’m having a hard time believing a new filler neck will solve the problem. Symptoms:

Start filling, pump shuts off after 2-10 seconds, rumbling from tank, and then eruption of fuel. I have actually pulled the pump nozzle from the neck when I have heard the telltale rumble, stepped back, and watched the fuel blow back out the filler a second later.

It defies physics. Don’t know how it happens. But I doubt the filler neck will solve it. Seems like a pressurization/valve thing to me. Anyone else experience a similar problem and get a satisfactory solution?

Thanks in advance!

[jjay]

If the gas going into the tank is very cold, and the tank is very warm, then the gas will expand rapidly causing back flow. I've seen this happen on bikes, but never from a vehicle tank. I doubt this is the issue, but thought I'd mention it.

[dodgeatheart]

I don't think mine did the SAME thing but something similar happened the last time I refueled. I was pumping, it was close to done and it spit gas out at the end. I didn't think much of it until I got back in the vehicle and it didn't show the tank being full of gas.

[oldshore]

I also had fuel spill out when filling, the first time I filled up. I noticed the fuel fill pipe is almost horizontal as opposed to being on a downward angle as it is on other vehicles I have had.

[yooformula]

Sounds like air blocking it from going down all the way. Maybe a vent is clogged or the filler has a bad bend in it.

[Monkey Bus]

Mine did this the first time as well....it was one of those stations that use the coiled up vapor reclamation device on the nozzle, so I had to push it and hold it while I pumped.

Well, I pumped away until it clicked off, then I waited a second and pulled it out. Heard the rumbling, and was like WTF? Then it erupted fuel all over a fresh coat of wax and all over my leg. Boy was I pissed.

But, it hasn't done it since, so....

[jpbb03]

I have a similar problem. Anytime I fill my tank, it overfills and spits out. It isn't a serious amount of fuel that spits back out, but it happens every time. Obviously, I have learned and now I need to stay with the put while fueling, but I have never had this problem in any other vechile.

The automatic shutoff has worked for every other vechile, but the D doesn't like it. It never stops in time.

Would this have anything to do with running 89? Time is the first truck I have owned that requires 89, but I seriously doubt that is the problem.

[goathead75]

I've got 5000 miles on mine and I've never had a problem with the fuel puke-fest that you're experiencing. Could it be the nozzle itself? We have the vapor recovery nozzles around here which I believe keeps a certain amount of pressure in the filler tube when pumping.

[seamus0g]

I have tried various types of pump nozzles. For example the Arco's around here have the spring loaded recovery nozzels, and the Shell's just have a filler tube and big rubber splash guard ring. The recovery nozzle is much better in that it at least keeps the fuel from spewing all over the place. But it still gets overwhellmed and fuel pours out the bottom and down the side of the D.

Matter of fact I filled it up at an Arco this morning on the way to work and tried to pump the gas as slowly as possible. It shut off and puked it back up after about 5 seconds. I kept at it and had about 5 or 6 episodes before finally topping it off. EXTREMELY ANNOYING. Strangely most of it happened during approx the first 3rd of the tank.

And just for the record I run 87.

[DDHemi]

Add one more to the list of DD's with a fuel pukage problem! :YUK:

[HEMI x 2]

Sounds like the vent tube is clogged. There is a vent tube that connects to the filler tube near the top and runs down along side the filler tube into the tank. It allows air to escape while the gas is going in. If the air is not escaping through the vent tube the only way it can escape is back up the filler tube. This would cause the belching of gas that some are experiencing. I do not have this problem but if the dealer is willing to replace filler neck (which should include the vent tube) check to see if something is blocked.

[CMB]

It happened more then once to me also. One day, it came out far enough that it was all over me and my shirt..... :VHOT:

I now stand off to the side, and watch closely for about when it is going to be full so I can slow down in time and not get it al over me.

This actually pisses me off more then the fact that there is no gas cap holder!

[HEMI x 2]

I filled my Durango up yesterday. I purposely kept it at full pressure to see what would happen. It filled up and clicked off when it was full like it is supposed to do. I again tried to to put more gas in it a full pressure. I little more went in and then it shut off. I then topped it off. At no time did the gas come back out of the filler tube. Maybe there are a bad batch of vent tubes out there.

[DDHemi]

It happened more then once to me also. One day, it came out far enough that it was all over me and my shirt..... :VHOT:

I now stand off to the side, and watch closely for about when it is going to be full so I can slow down in time and not get it al over me.

This actually pisses me off more then the fact that there is no gas cap holder!

I thought there was no holder too. If you look on the inside of the fuel door there is a little pointy piece of metal that sticks out. That is there to hook the gas cap cord over and there you have your gas cap holder! :)

[HEMI x 2]

The hook does me no good because I have a locking gas cap. What I don't understand is why back in the 90's did automakers do away with the inside release for the gas cap door.

[finucane]

Works for me................

[HEMI x 2]

Works for me................

That works for the standard gas cap but does not work with the Mopar locking gas cap.

[bbodyguy]

I have the pukeage also. And try as i might, i can not get the cap to stick on the door as pictured above. If I set there and futz with it for a while I can sometimes balance it there....

[hofer]

Would a clogged vent contribute to poor mpg? both of my 04s "puke back" hemis, durango limited, ram4x4.

[seamus0g]

Well, the dealer replaced the fuel filler neck and guess what...

It still pukes fuel.

Grrrrrrrr!

Guess its back to the dealer AGAIN. I hope it isn't a design problem that they won’t be able to fix, because aside from this problem, I really like everything else about the car. But messy 15+ minute fuel-ups are getting really old.

[seamus0g]

Oh yea, and as far as what to do with the cap, I just pull it back over the filler door. I started doing this to keep the cap out of the way of the inevitable eruption so it wouldn't get covered in gas, and thus my hands putting it back on. The plastic cable holds it nicely out of the way.

Funny how the inside of the filler door looks like they started to design a holder… and then forgot to finish the job…

[HEMI x 2]

Since I have been reading this thread I have been trying to duplicate this. Using different pumps at different stations and it never did it. When it fills the pump shuts off like it is suppose too. I then round up to the next $ which may take several clicks but no gas ever comes back out.

[jimbo1102]

Your trucks are protesting the absurdly high prices we are paying for gasoline and hence spitting it back out. When prices drop maybe your pukeage issues will subside.

[goathead75]

Yeah, but it's usually me puking at the pumps. This is by far one of the weirdest problems I've heard.

[DDHemi]

Well...for any doubters out there there IS some kind of problem with this pukage! It happened to me AGAIN, for the 3rd time, last night. It REALLY pisses me off especally since it was 15 degrees outside and 11 o'clock at night! :VHOT: I had to take the D to the auto wash place and spray off all the gas that was all over the side of my D. :mad: I had the thing filling, it clicked off, then it starts to gurgle and a few seconds later the gas comes puking out all over the place! Another strange thing about this is that the gas gauge only shows as 7/8 full so the tank isn't even anywhere near full. Does anyone really have a handle on what the problem is or might be? :help:

[HemiEd]

Wow, whay a crappy night! After all that I would just take it back to the dealer and say fix it!

[seamus0g]

Heh, yea it is probably boycotting the war in Iraq. Errr... I mean the high cost of fuel.

HEMI x 2: It's good to know that there is at least one DD that doesn't have the problem.

At the moment the DD is my primary form or transpo, so I'm waiting for the next service to play the "dealer-don't-call-and-keep-my-car-for-a-few-days-but-don't-actually-fix-anything" game.

Until then (should be shortly after Christmas) I'll just have to fill up the DD with my EPA-approved body armor… and I'll make sure there are no pregnant gals in the vicinity...

And Chrysler thought wheels falling off was a “serious” problem…

[seamus0g]

Well, I brought it back again this morning, and the dealer just called and said they are "replacing the fuel tank." Something about "hoses crimped when installed at factory." Not sure why they're replacing the entire tank for some crimped hoses, but don't really care at this point if it finally fixes the problem. Fingers crossed...

[seamus0g]

Well, almost a week later, and I'm still driving a POS GMC Canyon renta-car... err... truck (provided n/c, but no substitute for the DD). Dealer's latest estimates: Jan 21st. My latest estimates: "some time in 2005." Very unhappy Dodge customer.

[finucane]

seamus0g,
My general advice if someone is not happy.........
CALL DODGE, believe it or not, they will take care of it!

No doubt the name of your dealership must be Jerkoff's Chrysler/Dodge! I'd find another dealer........

I think you need to take the bull by the horns...........

Good Luck!

[KeVRod]

We too have been experiencing this problem on our '05 Limited. Our dealer has said that we are not the only ones they have seen with the problem, but they cannot find anything mechnaically wrong in order to 'fix' the problem, and Dodge have been little help to them.

I called Daimler Chrysler this afternoon, and the guy at the other end of the phone told me that we simply shouldn't fill it up and just put in $10 or $20 at a time and then we wouldn't have the problem!!

So, it's back in the dealers hands now to see if/how they can get it resolved, I just sent the GM of the dealer this thread to prove that we are not drinking or smoking weird substances...

Cheers,

Kev

[finucane]

Not that there is anything wrong with drinking or smoking weird substances.............

[seamus0g]

finucane, good advice. But luckily I won't have to use it this time: brought the DD home last week. Surprise, surprise, they delivered ahead of schedule. And even better, they fixed it this time. Just filled it up and not a drop of gas was sprayed back at me.

So for those suffering the same fueling problems, here's the official explanation from the service paperwork:

"Inspected fuel tank & hoses & found plastic vent hose to metal filler neck crimped due to factory overtightening hose clamp. Necessary to replace fuel tank."

And there you have it.

[finucane]

Good for you seamus0g,
No puckage! That's got to be a big relief.........
Kind of surprised at Kev's response from DC, I think I would have flipped out!
Glad it's fixed....... I mean how hard could it be?
Congrats

[seamus0g]

Definitely a relief… it's funny, I think I will be wary of filling up for quite some time. I guess I’m a bit “’Shell’ shocked” (pun intended :)) Getting painted in fuel isn't a pleasant experience. Not to mention if left for a short while it begins to burn your skin… and destroy whatever clothes you’re wearing. Thank god I’m not a smoker :)

KeV: if they can screw up one gas tank install, then they can screw up two. Have you dealer check the above (while you enjoy the substances ;))

[KeVRod]

This is great news :D , thanks. I'll send this onto the dealer today.

WRT to DC, I eventually did flip out at the DC guy when it was apparent that he was not going to do anything to assist either me or the dealer find a resolution to this problem. He was unable/unwilling to offer me any form of escalation, and since it was the dealer that advised me to call them, I dropped it back in their lap.

I have to say that the dealer has been very responsive, and it has quickly been brought to the attention of the general manager who is now dealing with it personally - no shouting and screaming necessary, so kudos to them for customer service.

Hopefully I'll be able to report that it's fixed next week!!

Cheers,

Kev

[KeVRod]

Quick update - sent seamus0g's note to the dealer, and they came right back and told us to book it into the shop, and that it would be taken care of.

Couldn't have got this far without the forum, thanks guys!!

Kev

[finucane]

Good deal!

[goathead75]

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
DODGE / DURANGO 2005

Manufacturer : DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 05V034000 Recall Date : FEB 01, 2005
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 26000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE INLET CHECK VALVE MAY NOT FULLY CLOSE AT THE END OF REFUELING. THIS COULD ALLOW SOME FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE VEHICLE FILLER NECK.
Consequence:
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INLET CHECK VALVES AND REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes:
DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. E01. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.

[Monkey Bus]

Wow....isn't that typical.

DC customer support wanking people off when there is a recall in the works.

[seamus0g]

That recal sounds nasty, but at least in my case it wasn't just the "AT THE END OF REFUELING." It was DURING THE WHOLE FUELING. Beware, sounds like two separate problems. Mine might have been just a Factory assembly problem... but best be armed with knowledge when you visit your local Dodge dealer.

And PS - I've filled the beast up several times since the 'fix' and all is well: Put the pump in, pull full tilt, lock it, and wait for it to top off. No worries, no pukage, but I still stand back a few feet. :)

[bacchic0001]

Well, this is just great! I kept smelling gasoline in my driveway after getting home from work and could never figure out where it was coming from. I had assumed that one of my neighbors had spilled a whole bunch of gasoline.

Oh yeah, a little background- I don't drive the D on a daily basis, my wife does, so when I get home the D is sitting in the driveway.

Anyway, then I caught in passing a snipet of a news program commercial. I wasn't really paying attention until my subconcious starting yelling at me because it heard 'recall' and 'Durango' in the same sentence.

So I decide to do a little research at my favorite forum site and looky what I find, a thread devoted to this problem! Wonderful. Then I see that someone posts a recall notice about the problem (or at least one that is related to the subject).

Here's my issue, my Duro is a 2004 and the recall specifically states 2005. Does anyone know of a design change from 2004 to 2005 that would exclude 2004 from the recall? I would not think there is.

Further, from the people who have joined this thread- How many of you have 2004's vs. 2005's?

-Paul
2004 Dodge Durango SLT, 4x4, 4.7l

[coreywilner]

According to the NHTSA, the recall on the fueling problem starts today. I brought the NHTSA printout to the dealer today and scheduled the appointment. No issues.

I own a 2005 that I bought last week. What upsets me the most, and I'm going to let the GM of the dealship know, is that the recall was dated Feb 1 and they sold me a car with the problem on 3/29. You would think that if they knew about such a problem that they would fix it before the car gets sold.

At the very least, I'm going to try to get them to pay for new gymshoes since mine smell like gas!

[DurangoGuy123]

im a little confused here... I just purchased a 2005 durango last thursday... how do i know if mine is infected with this problem.. further more my friend who has a d since may has yet had such a problem.. is there anyway to check the vin to see if yours is infected or all 2005 d's infected

[abcone]

Not all 2005 Durangos are affected. Only the ones produced up to 11/16/04 or vin range 500001-530694. You can also check your individual vin @ dodge.com. Click on the Owners tab up top, then click on Recall notices. You will need the last 8 digits of your vin i.e. 5F??????. Model Year 2004 Durangos are not part of the official recall.

[DurangoGuy123]

cant believe this.. i gotta bring it in for the serive for the fuel valve sh!t...what are you gonna do.. anyone had any experience as to how long this takes to fix...

[abcone]

The recall involves replacing the whole tank assembly and takes a little over two hours. It would probably be a good idea to have as little gas in the tank as possible (probably would save some time.)

[Eggnlon]

the other week my 2002 durango began something strange. It doesn't spit gas out (thankfully), but every 20 seconds the pump clicks and stops regardless of how full/empty the tank is. no gurgling, the pump just stops filling after 10 - 20 seconds. Tried different stations and the same thing has been happening every time. I have to sit there and squeeze, release, squeeze, release, etc. Not messy and no problem but it's a real pain. I heard replacing the fuel filler tube will do the trick. Any ideas or opinions?

advTHANKSance

[KED_Rango]

Well - I've got 22K on my '04 HEMI D and I NEVER had gas spit out at me until I started going to this 1 gas station, which is BRAND new, only been there about a year. It's got black splash gards on the pump nozzle and fits perfectly around the gas tank hole - wondering if there is some sort of suction happening or something.
Never had a problem at any other gas station but this 1.