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Hi tigreg007,
If you need any assistance while the vehicle is at the studio, please feel free to send us a PM with your VIN and contact information.
Kori
Fiat Social Care Specialist
Gas Tank Issues 500 Pop 2012
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If you need any assistance while the vehicle is at the studio, please feel free to send us a PM with your VIN and contact information.
Kori
Fiat Social Care Specialist
I just experienced this same problem. My 2012 Fiat POP wouldn't take fuel more than 0.1-0.25 gal before pump switched off when the tank was on empty. I put up with about two months of this, trying different gas stations and brands, before I took it to the studio after being advised by another mechanic that this was an evap problem and should be under warranty. The Fiat studio said yes, this is an evap problem and I will need to replace the canister, but it would not be under warranty. I have around 65,000 miles on my vehicle. Four days later, the studio called back to let me know that $430 fix didn't solve the problem and the next step was to replace the fuel tank. I've never heard of a fuel tank replacement necessary in a car, especially at 65,000 miles. However, I'm eight months pregnant and need a reliable car right now and approved the new fix quoted at $1,615. Long story short, this was a VERY expensive problem and in hindsight I just should've put up with the inconvenience of the 20-minute fuel tank fill.
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Some strange replies on this thread - my goodness.
In order for fuel to flow in, air must vent out of the tank. Otherwise it pressurizes and burps back.
Vehicles cannot vent to atmosphere so it goes to a vapor recovery system in the way of a canister or trap. If there is a problem with the valve to the fuel evap system, then that's your issue. Fiat dealers need to find the recovery valving or piping, disconnect then test the tank fill op. I don't have an explode drawing so can't pinpoint likely issues.
But on my boat I fought with this for years. Boats can vent to atmosphere. There is a anti-ingress valve in the vent line. Nautiques installed that valve horizontally when it must be VERTICAL. When I relocated my tank I discovered the issue. With the venting blocked, I could not fill at a marina!!
Also this is part of the emissions control system, In my opinion as an engineer, it should be part of the warranty for that - 10 years I believe (on other cars at least).
In order for fuel to flow in, air must vent out of the tank. Otherwise it pressurizes and burps back.
Vehicles cannot vent to atmosphere so it goes to a vapor recovery system in the way of a canister or trap. If there is a problem with the valve to the fuel evap system, then that's your issue. Fiat dealers need to find the recovery valving or piping, disconnect then test the tank fill op. I don't have an explode drawing so can't pinpoint likely issues.
But on my boat I fought with this for years. Boats can vent to atmosphere. There is a anti-ingress valve in the vent line. Nautiques installed that valve horizontally when it must be VERTICAL. When I relocated my tank I discovered the issue. With the venting blocked, I could not fill at a marina!!
Also this is part of the emissions control system, In my opinion as an engineer, it should be part of the warranty for that - 10 years I believe (on other cars at least).
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help
i am having the same issue, what should i do first? i have a 2012 abarth with 37000 miles on it. ive tries backing the pump out and moving it around to no success. i work at a dealership that also has a fiat dealer in it. im sure if i go there they will tell me i need a tank, what should i do?!?
i am having the same issue, what should i do first? i have a 2012 abarth with 37000 miles on it. ive tries backing the pump out and moving it around to no success. i work at a dealership that also has a fiat dealer in it. im sure if i go there they will tell me i need a tank, what should i do?!?
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I have my 2015 Abarth being serviced at the dealer for the same issue. At first they tried replacing some part inside the fuel tank saying that should take care of it but that didn't work. So, I took it back and they'be diagnosing it replacing one part at a time until they get it fixed. They told me they found a Fiat Service bulletin addressing addressing this issue on the 500's and what they need to do to fix it. I am waiting for a part right now and if that doesn't work replacing my fuel tank will be next. It's all being covered under warranty. I'll keep you guys updated if they are able to figure it out.
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Hello Justin_abarth,
We're sorry to hear you're having trouble with your Abarth. I understand you work at a dealership but if you do want to get this formally documented, let us know. We're available via direct message and would be glad to escalate to a Case Specialist.
Jasmine
Fiat Social Care Specialist
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Yes, I am having the same issue.
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Yes!
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If the car is under warranty, that's the best solution. The techs will eventually find the cause, though it sometimes take replacement of random components until the problem goes away. Have them check the tech bulletin before beginning.
There is a lot of controversy, but it's a fairly simple system. Where the filler pipe (rubber hose) attaches to the tank, there is a "roll over valve"... put there to keep fuel from spilling in case the car rolls. It is known to stick. Replacing it requires replacing the tank, but people have had success at simply unsticking the valve. Symptom here is the 1/10th gallon going in and the neck is full. Rapping on the filler neck is risky (it's plastic) but worked for some. Another guy opened the top of the tank and reached inside with a screw driver to pop it loose... and one mechanic said he uses a plumber's snake down the tube. Looking at the valve, I'm not sure how successful that would be.
There is another roll over valve to stop fuel from pouring out the venting system. I believe this is part of the fuel pump and that check valve can stick. (A person on the other board popped that free by blowing air down the tube at the fuel pump.)
The more difficult is if it is the venting system, but less common on these cars. That could be a blocked charcoal canister, often due to people topping off their tank. If air flows thru the hose, that is usually an indication this is not the problem. Then there is a small sensor near the top of the filler neck (the vent tube) that (I believe) closes off fuel flow. If it fails, apparently no air circulates. The symptom for failed venting can be putting in fuel and it'll "gurgle" air back up the filler neck.
There is a lot of controversy, but it's a fairly simple system. Where the filler pipe (rubber hose) attaches to the tank, there is a "roll over valve"... put there to keep fuel from spilling in case the car rolls. It is known to stick. Replacing it requires replacing the tank, but people have had success at simply unsticking the valve. Symptom here is the 1/10th gallon going in and the neck is full. Rapping on the filler neck is risky (it's plastic) but worked for some. Another guy opened the top of the tank and reached inside with a screw driver to pop it loose... and one mechanic said he uses a plumber's snake down the tube. Looking at the valve, I'm not sure how successful that would be.
There is another roll over valve to stop fuel from pouring out the venting system. I believe this is part of the fuel pump and that check valve can stick. (A person on the other board popped that free by blowing air down the tube at the fuel pump.)
The more difficult is if it is the venting system, but less common on these cars. That could be a blocked charcoal canister, often due to people topping off their tank. If air flows thru the hose, that is usually an indication this is not the problem. Then there is a small sensor near the top of the filler neck (the vent tube) that (I believe) closes off fuel flow. If it fails, apparently no air circulates. The symptom for failed venting can be putting in fuel and it'll "gurgle" air back up the filler neck.
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Hi Jeanthebean,
Sorry to hear of the trouble you are experiencing with your 500! We kindly recommend having this diagnosed by your local Fiat dealer if you have not done so already, as they are in the best position to provide assistance. If you end up working with your dealer, please feel free to send us a private message. We would be more than happy to provide you with an additional layer of assistance for that process.
Mark
FiatCares
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I had been dealing with the same issue for over a year (2013 Abarth). The dealer said that it could be the filler, the fuel tank or some fuel venting items. I replaced several components with the same result of the gas pump clicking off. I had the access over off of the fuel pump replacing a component and noted that one of the plastic nuts had failed. I replaced it and was having some difficulty and used a rubber mallet to get it seated. Up until that time, I had to slowly fill my tank as it kept clicking off. Imagine my surprise that all starting working normally after that.
A few weeks went by and I started having the problem again. I removed the rear seat bottom and smacked the seat base adjacent to the fuel pump and it began working normally during fillup. A year has gone by and it acted up last weekend. I pounded on the seat bottom with my fist several times and it is back to working normally. Obviously something sticking in the tank. My for what it's worth!
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Yes, on the other site, a post indicated his was a sticking check (roll over valve) in the fuel pump assembly. On many it's the roll-over valve in the filler neck. For the first, a fuel pump replacement, for the second it's a gas tank replacement, if a rubber mallet isn't permanent. Or, as you noted, repeat the process as needed.
His first "repair" was blowing air down the large hose on the fuel pump, but it was temporary. Having to replace either "major" part for a check valve is stupid, but no uncommon on modern vehicles.
His first "repair" was blowing air down the large hose on the fuel pump, but it was temporary. Having to replace either "major" part for a check valve is stupid, but no uncommon on modern vehicles.
remove the rear seat
remove the plate providing access to the pop off valve on the gas tank
wack the valve with wrench
fixed
the ball or "flap" gets stuck. It worked perfectly for me. Now I don't "overfill" the gas tank - when it shuts off from filling gas - im done - no more problem. I drove it for nearly 9 months until I saw the fix on a post.
remove the plate providing access to the pop off valve on the gas tank
wack the valve with wrench
fixed
the ball or "flap" gets stuck. It worked perfectly for me. Now I don't "overfill" the gas tank - when it shuts off from filling gas - im done - no more problem. I drove it for nearly 9 months until I saw the fix on a post.
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Hello Kenical56.
Do you happen to have a diagram of the location of this valve or maybe a photo? I guessing is under the rear seat on the side of the fuel filler neck. Am I correct?
Thanks.
It’s obvious when you remove the seat - there is a oval metal plate held by screws and the valve is directly under the plate - approx in the middle of the under seat section, not on the side. I would say middle of the car on top of the gas tank. I can’t find the photo on my phone but will try to find it on my laptop. Two bolts to remove the rear seat then 6 philipshead screws holding the plate over the gas tank and rollover valve. A mild tap or two worked for me
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Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it.
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I have two Fiat's. Both act like yours. I found if I rotate the nozzle so the tip of it is in the 2 o'clock-ish position both Fiat's fill fine. I can't fill them using auto-fill latch but if I hold the nozzle, pointed in the right direction, and tilt it just right they fill without stopping. I'm in California. Don't know if your nozzle/smog protection is the same.
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