Car Won’t Start After Getting Gas? Here’s Why & How to Fix it

Have you ever been in a situation where your car won’t start after getting gas?

This is a situation that can leave you feeling helpless and stranded, especially when you’re in a hurry. From faulty fuel systems to battery issues, there are several potential reasons why your car won’t start after getting gas.

In this article, We’ll share our experience with this problem and help you troubleshoot the issue, so you can get back on the road confidently.

Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start After Getting Gas

1. Bad Fuel Pump

A bad fuel pump is one of the most common reasons a car won’t start after getting gas. The fuel pump delivers fuel from the gas tank to the engine. If it’s not working properly, the engine won’t get the fuel it needs to start. Signs of a bad fuel pump include a whining sound from the gas tank and the engine sputtering or stalling.

2. Clogged Fuel Filter

Another reason why a car won’t start after getting gas is a clogged fuel filter. The fuel filter removes impurities from the fuel before it reaches the engine. Over time, the filter can become clogged, preventing fuel from getting to the engine. Signs of a clogged fuel filter include poor engine performance and decreased gas mileage.

3. Faulty Ignition System

The ignition system is responsible for starting the engine. If there’s a problem with the ignition system, the engine won’t start. Common issues with the ignition system include a bad ignition coil, faulty spark plugs, or a malfunctioning ignition switch.

4. Low Fuel Pressure

Fuel pressure is important for ensuring that fuel is delivered to the engine in the correct amount and at the correct pressure. If there’s low fuel pressure, the engine won’t get the fuel it needs to start. This could be caused by a faulty fuel pressure regulator or a clogged fuel line.

5. Vapor Lock

Vapor lock occurs when the fuel in the gas tank turns into a vapor instead of a liquid. This can happen when the engine gets too hot, causing the fuel to evaporate before it reaches the engine. Signs of vapor lock include the engine sputtering or stalling after getting gas.

6. Bad Fuel Injector

The fuel injector is responsible for spraying fuel into the engine. If it’s not working properly, the engine won’t get the fuel it needs to start. Signs of a bad fuel injector include poor engine performance, a decrease in gas mileage, and a rough idle.

7. Empty the Gas Tank

Sometimes, the reason why a car won’t start after getting gas is simple: the gas tank is empty. This could be because the gas gauge is faulty or the driver forgot to fill the tank.

8. Bad Battery

The battery provides power to the starter, which starts the engine. If the battery is dead or weak, the engine won’t start. Signs of a bad battery include dim headlights, a clicking sound when trying to start the engine, and a slow crank.

9. Faulty Starter

The starter is responsible for starting the engine. If it’s not working properly, the engine won’t start. Signs of a faulty starter include a clicking sound when trying to start the engine and a slow crank.

10. Dirty Air Filter

The air filter is responsible for ensuring that clean air enters the engine. If it’s dirty, the engine won’t get the air it needs to start. Signs of a dirty air filter include poor engine performance and decreased gas mileage.

11. Malfunctioning Computer

Modern cars rely on computers to control many functions, including starting the engine. If the computer has a problem, the engine won’t start. Signs of a malfunctioning computer include warning lights on the dashboard and the engine not starting or running properly.

12. Bad Fuel Quality

Finally, bad fuel quality could also be why a car won’t start after getting gas. If the gas you pump in your vehicle is contaminated with water, dirt, or other impurities, it could cause problems with your engine. Signs of bad fuel quality include poor engine performance, a decrease in gas mileage, and strange noises coming from the engine.

13. Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor

A faulty mass air flow sensor can also cause starting issues after getting gas. The mass air flow sensor measures the air entering the engine, determining the fuel that needs to be injected into the engine. If the sensor is dirty, damaged, or malfunctioning, it could send incorrect signals to the car’s computer system and cause the engine to not start or run properly.

14. Malfunctioning Camshaft or Crankshaft Position Sensor

The camshaft and crankshaft position sensors monitor the speed and position of the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft. These sensors play a crucial role in ensuring that the engine starts and runs smoothly. If either of these sensors is damaged or malfunctioning, it could cause issues with the engine’s timing and prevent the car from starting after getting gas.

How to Fix a Car That Won’t Start After Getting Gas

Step 1: Check the Battery

The first step to diagnosing why your car won’t start after getting gas is to check the battery. A dead battery or corroded battery terminals can prevent the vehicle from starting. To check the battery, ensure it is properly connected and not corroded. You can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. If the voltage is low, you may need to recharge or replace the battery.

Step 2: Check the Fuel System

If the battery is fine, the next step is to check the fuel system. Start by checking the fuel gauge to ensure you have enough gas. If you have enough gas, check the fuel pump and filter. A clogged fuel filter or a malfunctioning fuel pump can prevent the engine from getting enough fuel to start. To check the fuel pump, you can listen for a buzzing sound when you turn the key in the ignition. The fuel pump may be faulty if you don’t hear a buzzing sound.

Step 3: Check the Ignition System

If the fuel system is fine, the next step is to check the ignition system. Check the spark plugs to ensure they are not worn out or dirty. You can also check the ignition coil and the distributor cap.

If any of these components are faulty, they can prevent the engine from starting. To check the spark plugs, you can remove them from the engine and inspect them for damage or wear. You can also use a spark plug tester to check if they produce sparks.

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Step 4: Check the Starter Motor

If the battery, fuel system, and ignition system are fine, the problem may be with the starter motor. Check the starter motor and solenoid to ensure they work properly.

You can also check the starter relay. If any of these components are faulty, they can prevent the engine from cranking. To check the starter motor, you can use a test light to check if it is getting power when you turn the key in the ignition.

Step 5: Check the Timing Belt

If the starter motor is fine, the problem may be with the timing belt. Check the timing belt to ensure it is not loose, damaged, or broken. If the timing belt is damaged or broken, it can prevent the engine from starting.

To check the timing belt, you may need to remove the timing belt cover to inspect it.

Step 6: Check the Purge Control Valve

If the timing belt is fine, the problem may be with the purge control valve. The purge control valve regulates the flow of fuel vapors from the fuel tank to the engine.

A stuck or malfunctioning purge control valve can prevent the engine from starting. To check the purge control valve, you can use a vacuum gauge to test the valve’s operation.

Step 7: Check the Key Fob

If the purge control valve is fine, the problem may be with the key fob. Check the key fob to ensure it is working properly. Replace the battery if necessary. If the key fob is not working properly, it can prevent the engine from starting.

Step 8: Check the Security System

If the key fob is fine, the problem may be with the security system. Check the security system to ensure it is not activated. If the security system is activated, it can prevent the engine from starting. To check the security system, consult the car’s owner’s manual for deactivating it.

Step 9: Check the Wheel Lock

The problem may be with the wheel lock if the security system is fine. Check the wheel lock to make sure it is not engaged. If the wheel lock is engaged, it will prevent the car from starting as it stops the wheels from moving.

To check if the wheel lock is engaged, look for a small metal pin or button near the steering column or on the dashboard. If you find it, press it down or turn the key in the ignition while turning the steering wheel to release the lock.

Step 10: Seek Professional Help

If you have checked all the above components and cannot start your car after getting gas, it may be time to seek professional help. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and provide a solution.

They have the necessary tools and experience to identify the root cause of the problem and perform repairs or replacements as needed. Trying to fix the issue yourself if you don’t have the necessary knowledge or tools may worsen the problem, resulting in a more expensive repair bill.

Prevention Techniques

1. Regular Maintenance of the Car’s Fuel System

Regular maintenance of your car’s fuel system is critical to ensuring your vehicle operates smoothly. It involves changing the fuel filter, cleaning the fuel injectors, and checking the fuel pump.

If any fuel system component is faulty, it can cause problems starting the car after getting gas. Regular maintenance will help to keep the fuel system in good condition, and you can avoid costly repairs in the long run.

2. Using High-Quality Gasoline

It is essential to use high-quality gasoline for your vehicle. The quality of gasoline varies from one gas station to another. Some gas stations offer cheap gasoline that contains impurities, which can cause problems with your car’s engine.

Using high-quality gasoline will ensure that your car’s engine runs smoothly, and you can avoid issues with starting the car after filling up at the gas station.

3. Filling up the Gas Tank Before It Reaches Empty

It is advisable to fill up the gas tank before it reaches empty to prevent issues with the fuel system. When the gas tank is almost empty, the fuel pump is forced to work harder to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.

This can cause the fuel pump to overheat, leading to problems starting the car after filling up at the gas station.

4. Checking for Leaks in the Fuel System

Checking for leaks in the fuel system is crucial to prevent starting issues after getting gas. A leak in the fuel system can cause a loss of fuel pressure, preventing the engine from starting. If you notice any signs of a fuel leak, such as a strong gasoline smell, you must take your car to a mechanic immediately.

5. Avoid Topping Off the Tank

Topping off the tank can cause fuel to spill over the top, damaging the evaporative emission control system. This system helps to control emissions from the fuel system and can cause starting issues if damaged.

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Conclusion

A car not starting after getting gas can be frustrating. Still, it’s essential to troubleshoot and fix the problem before it gets worse. However, some common reasons a car won’t start after getting gas include a faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, vapor lock, faulty fuel pressure regulator, bad battery, etc. Following the tips in this article, you can troubleshoot and fix the problem yourself or seek professional help.