What is the solution for the car not starting after refueling?
2 Answers
Use a multimeter or voltmeter to measure the voltage at both ends of the battery terminals. You can use a jump-start method to start the car. Check if the steering wheel is in a locked state. Generally, you can quickly unlock the steering wheel lock by turning the key while forcefully turning the steering wheel. When starting an automatic transmission car, make sure the gear is in P or N position, and press the brake pedal at the same time. If there is a fault in the high-voltage power supply circuit of the ignition system, it will cause the spark plugs and ignition coils to fail to work. Check if the circuit at this position is unobstructed.
A few days ago, I drove to the gas station to fill up my tank, but when I tried to start the engine, it wouldn't turn over at all. I was really panicked at the time. Later, I learned that this is a common issue with the evaporative emission system, mainly caused by a clogged or saturated charcoal canister, which creates too much pressure in the fuel tank and affects air intake. The way I resolved it was to stay calm and avoid repeatedly cranking the engine, which could damage it. Instead, I tried turning the key a few times with 2-3 second intervals or simply waited 5-10 minutes to let the system release pressure. I also manually checked the hoses of the charcoal canister in the engine bay—if I noticed any leaks, I knew they needed immediate replacement. Once, a mechanic diagnosed it as a failed charcoal canister, and replacing it for just a few dozen dollars fixed the problem. For prevention: stop refueling when the pump automatically shuts off—don’t overfill the tank. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the evaporative system, can help avoid such issues. After all, safe driving is the priority—don’t let small problems escalate into big ones.