Hyundai Repair: Gas Tank, fuel vapors, hyundai accent

Question
I have a 2003 Hyundai Accent that started shutting the gas pump off about 3 months ago.  It takes about 20 mins to fill the tank to full with me constantly clicking the pump. What is the cheapest but decent way to fix it?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi, Allison.  Before you can know how to fix this problem, you must first determine what is causing it.  Your car is equipped with a vapor management system which stores fuel vapors and then releases them to the engine as commanded by your engine control module (ECM).  The vapors are stored in a cansiter containing charcoal pellets (which absorb fuel vapors).  To work properly, the canister must also be able to vent pressure and take in fresh air when the pressure in the system drops.

The problems causing this type of issue can fall into one of two categories:
1.  Things which block fuel from entering the tank, such as:
   A: Faulty tank filler neck valve
   B: Crimped or twisted filler neck hose or pipe
   C: Physical damage to fuel tank
2.  Things which prevent the vapor management system from venting pressure to the atmosphere, such as:
   A: Clogged canister filter
   B: Stuck closed leak detection pump
   C: Crimped or twisted vapor hose or pipe
   D: Faulty valve in top of fuel tank.

The most common cause, especially on older cars or cars operated in dusty areas is the clogged canister filter.  If you want to take a guess, this is the guess to take.  In this case, you'd need to replace the canister filter.

Of course, it costs you nothing to look around the fuel tank area of your vehicle.  You should do this, checking to make sure you see no piping or hoses pinched shut nor any hoses twisted in such a way as to block flow.  Similarly check to make sure the tank is not dented or otherwise damaged.  If you see anything that looks like that, you should probably correct those items first.

If you cannot see the problem and the issue isn't the filter, you should probably have the car diagnosed by an experienced and competent driveability technician.  Further guesses are likely to be expensive, so your money is probably better spend getting an accurate diagnosis.