Car turns off after refueling?

Hi,

When it refuses to restart, I need you to try something. Do this and let me know the results.

When the engine won't restart, see if it will start if you use starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, then suspect it is ignition related.

At that point, I need you to check if there is spark at the spark plugs.

Here is a link that explains how this is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If you are hearing the fuel pump prime, I have a feeling this may be ignition related. Since the vehicle sat while refueling, the crankshaft position sensor may have saturated with engine heat. When they start to fail, heat adversely affects them. The result is it won't start until it has a chance to cool.

Take a look through this link and let me know if it mirrors what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

The idea it first happened when refueling may be a coincidence. On the other hand, it could be a fuel problem. Doing these checks will help us eliminate possible ideas.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

When it does start, do you ever notice any gray smoke from the exhaust or does the exhaust have a strong smell that could indicate it is getting too much fuel?

Also, you may want to scan the computer to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

If you don't have a scan tool, often a parts store will lend one to you.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know you resolved the problem and it wasn't an expensive repair.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe