Questions and Answers

Subaru Has Super Boo Boo Q. Dear Mr. Ciulla: I bought this car brand new in 1995 and has served me very well. However, as she aged, I've noticed some annoying issues that I hope you can help me resolve. First is the gas issue. Whenever I fill up, the gas tank will only fill up maybe 2-3 gallons and then the gas pump would stop automatically, as if it had filled the entire tank with gas.

I've tried filling up at night, during the daytime, hoping that weather conditions was the cause of this issue. After filling up and driving for a few miles I would notice the gas gauge rising dramatically, as if I just filled the entire tank! However, if I stop the car for a few minutes and then restart again, the gas gauge would be on almost empty.

This abnormal fluctuation of gas gauge has caused me to fill up almost daily to avoid running out of gas. I'm sure that the dealership or anywhere else would charge me a fortune to even look at the problem.

1995, Subaru Legacy LSI Sedan
2.2 SOHC
Automatic transmission
83,000
Fuel Injection
ABS brakes
P/S, A/C, Cruise control
Rack and pinion steering

Please advise on this current situation for I am growing older but not wiser by the stress.

A. I would have to look at the vent hose coming out of the fuel tank going to the charcoal canister. There could be a problem with the vent system. It's the build up of air pressure inside the tank that is causing the pump to kick off. This is not something you can effectively check yourself. This would be a good job for the dealer. Chances are very good he has seen this same problem many times before.

As for the fuel gauge, I don't think it's related.

You know what, do this. Take it to get it filled and let it kick off. Go home and remove the lower back seat and you'll see an access cover. Take that off and you'll see the gas tank cover. Take that off and look inside the tank. You will be able to tell if the gas tank is actually full and the gas gauge is lying to you or if you have a problem with the vent.

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