Why Your Car Won't Start After Getting Gas?

Many situations occur when you are stuck with your Car frozen and unable to move forward. You are likely reading this article while in your car, looking for a fix to resolve the issue. Whatever the reasons are, we have got you covered.

If your vehicle is not starting despite getting gas, there can be many reasons. However, it is essential that you first take a deep breath and read this article attentively, allowing you to troubleshoot the issue and get an effective solution. The solution can either be an instant fix or demand a professional’s input.

Top 7 Reasons for Your Car not Started Despite The Gas Tank being Full

Here are some of the reasons why your car won’t start despite filling the gas tank.

1) Control Valve Issue Due to Filling Your gas Tank

When you visit the gas station to fill your tank, and if your Car won’t start, one of the likely causes is the EPA purge control valve being stuck open. This can happen when the tank is full, and the pressure is higher. This creates a need for the air to escape.

However, this is tightened with the fuel nozzle. The intake manifold takes in the excess air if the EPA valve is open and stuck in the same condition. Hence, it can be problematic to start your Car.

Therefore, get your EPA valve checked in this scenario and get your Car fixed. This is one of the possibilities of a scenario where your Car won’t start despite tanking up the gas.

2) Your Battery has Likely given up!

If the above situation does not hold, you are likely stuck with your Car not being able to start due to its battery. The battery is an essential component in the engine; even if your gas tank is complete, it needs ignition. An average car battery lasts between 2 to 3 years.

Hence, if your car battery has lived this long, it is definitely the issue. You can make a firm conclusion on this with dimming lights, or the accessories won’t work. Therefore, you can be sure that the Car’s battery has given up.

3) The Filter Needs Maintenance

A fuel filter in your car acts as a system that keeps debris or contaminants from entering your fuel tank. The sieve on the filter traps this debris and frees your fuel tank from getting contaminated. Once your filter stops working, your fuel efficiency will reduce since filtration of contaminants is not possible.

When the filter completely gets blocked or is not cleaned for the debris it traps, your engine won’t get enough fuel. This will hinder your Car from moving and won’t start despite filling it with gas.

4) Fuel Pumps are not Functioning

The fuel pump is an essential component of your Car. Your Car will face issues if it stops functioning. It is usually submerged in the fuel tank at a colder temperature. If your tank gets low on multiple occasions, the heating effect can cause damage to the fuel tank.

If your fuel pump is not functioning, you will get early signs to detect it. For instance, if your car engine makes a sputtering noise or you hear a whining noise while the engine is starting. When the fuel pump is damaged, your engine won’t get enough fuel, and your Car won’t start.

5) The Starter Motor Stops Functioning

When you insert the key and ignite your engine, the starter is responsible for communicating with your engine. The starter is the key that activates the engine. If it stops working, your engine won’t start and cause issues. Even if your fuel tank is full, the Car won’t move ahead if the engine can’t activate.

Therefore, the engine won’t start if the starter isn’t working. You must understand this and know some signs of starter failure. You will usually hear a clicking sound once you turn the key. Hence, you can be sure it is the starter that’s problematic.

6) Spark Plugs are Unable to Ignite The Engine

You are likely aware that the gas in your fuel tank remains dormant until and unless it ignites. This happens when you turn the key and start your engine. However, your Car won’t go ahead if the ignition isn’t successful. The root cause for this is likely the spark plug.

When the spark plug gets contaminated, engine misfires occur. The engine won’t ignite successfully when your car faces such an issue. Even if your gas tank is at its brim, it is of no use if ignition doesn’t take place, and for your Car to move, ignition is essential.

Therefore, you will need to replace your spark plug or free it from contaminants. This will likely resolve your issue.

7) The Death of The Alternator

The title sounds like the movie’s name; however, it is one of the likely causes of the issue you are facing. The alternator is responsible for charging the car battery when it is on. When the alternator fails to function or dies, the battery can give up prematurely.

Now you might wonder how to check the health of your alternator. Well, this can be easily achieved with a multimeter. Switch off the engine and check the voltage of the battery. This will give you an early indication of the failing alternator. If you have recently replaced a battery and it stops working quickly, the root cause is likely the alternator.

The Bottom Line

Owning a car demands that you give it a lot of attention, from maintenance to service. You must learn how to fix a car in basic scenarios allowing you to save some money from taking it to the garage. Hence, you can easily achieve a ride without any worries, and if some hiccups occur, you have the knowledge to get your Car fixed.