My 2002 GM Car Won't Start After I Refuel
General Motors made many different models of cars in its Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Saturn and Cadillac divisions for the 2002 model year, each with different operating systems. That is the bad news. The good news is that rarely is a problem starting a car after refueling related to the specific type of car or engine. Many motorists have an occasional problem starting a car after refueling. Occasionally it can be a sign of a larger problem, but usually the solution is simple.
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Instructions
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Open your fuel cap, wait a moment, and try to start the car again. All cars have a purge valve in the fuel tank that keeps the tank from overflowing as you gas it. It is part of what causes the gas pump to stop operating when the tank is full. If the tank gets too full, when you close the cap it can create a vacuum that keeps fuel from going to the engine. Simply removing the cap eliminates the vacuum. Once the car is started, you can safely replace the cap without danger of another vacuum forming.
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Let the car sit for five minutes then try again. Some cars develop problems with starting when the engine compartment is hot. Since you only had it off for a few minutes while fueling, it may have this problem. If it starts after a wait, schedule a service visit. A car with a hot-start problem can indicate a larger, developing underlying problem.
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Check the fuel for contamination. While contaminated fuel is rare, it does happen. If you get contaminated fuel, the car will either run very roughly or will not start at all. You can also have a problem if your use the wrong fuel, such as putting low-octane fuel in an engine that requires premium.
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Have the vehicle towed and tested for unrelated problems. Many problems with cars develop over time. It could be that your car's failure to start has nothing to do with filling it up, particularly if this is the first time it has happened. The coincidence of the timing is the right place to start, but coincidence is not always causation.
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Tips & Warnings
If your car starts after removing the gas cap, it is not a problem that will cause other issues. You may have to take the gas cap off again before starting but you are safe to drive. Mention it on your next service visit and the shop can adjust or replace the purge valve to solve the problem.
Do not try to keep starting the car over and over at short intervals. Doing so will prevent the engine compartment from cooling and can damage your starter. If it has failed to start after several attempts at five-minute intervals, contact a service professional. If contaminated fuel is your problem, you will need a service professional to drain and clean your tank. He will check other components along the fuel delivery system for contamination, as well.
