problems filling tank

[quayhog]

Just bought an 03 Caravan SE. Gas gauge seems to be rather random.
For example, the need gas light comes on and I add five bucks. Gauge
then shows I have about 3/4 of a tank which cannot be the case on
just five bucks. The reason I add only five bucks is that I cannot
fill the tank. You know when your getting 10 bucks worth of gas and
you stop at about 9.90 and then squeeze the trigger very slowly so
you don't go over ten? Well, I cannot squeeze the trigger any faster
than that or the nozzle shuts off. I've tried this at 4 different
stations. So, it would take me about 45 minutes to fill the tank.
Any ideas on this?

[christian]

Sounds like a build problem... my guess is that the breather / recirculating element (this helps the tank to breathe and DC starting installing these in the 80s) is incorrectly hosed or is defective. Never heard that it casues such a slow fill but if it were incorrectly connected or clogged (from new) it could conceivably cause this symptom.

Take it back to the dealership for service under warranty.

[McClane]

I've heard that some gas at particular stations clog up the sensors in the gas tanks. I think it is Shell, and the vehicles if adversely affects is Chrysler. An additive in the gas gunks up the sensors and causes it to malfunction.

[christian]

McClane,
Interesting idea... haven't heard that but maybe because you are a bit North of me, perhaps you do see more fuel related sludge or fouling type problems (especially this time of year, I suppose).
Never heard of Shell gas causing a problem like this :stk:

[McClane]

I remember reading it in a newspaper article; Shell gas contained some additives that would wreak havoc on Chrysler vehicles, especially the fuel sensors (or something like that).

I've gone to Petro Canada for gas since I got the truck, and I haven't noticed any problems with the fuel gauge at all.