The problem appeared a couple of years ago. The Honda dealership and Honda headquarters acknowledged the problem with tank, but they did not offer to pay for the fix. The problem did go away and now the issues is back and will not go away.
It's a real hassle to spend 15 to 20 minutes filling up your car and when I took it to the mechanic, they asked that I bring it on empty and it did not happen for them. However, they said that there is a shutoff to the fuel tank in case the car rolls and they think that shutoff may be the culprit. They quoted $700 for a new gas tank or simply start filling it up when it is only half empty which is a pain, but not as much of a pain as taking 20 minutes to drip has into your tank.
This problem started in the fall of 2010, and it has been going on ever since (to date - Jun 2011). Still trying to get the problem fixed. Not only does the pump shut off, but fuel actually backs up out of the filler tube. Have had the vehicle into the Honda dealership as well as a local shop multiple times and everyone says they've never heard of this.
I have checked to make sure there is no obstruction in the filler tube. And at the recommendation of a local shop we had the vapor control valve replaced and also removed the one way "flapper" mechanical valve (ie. fuel siphon protection) at the entry to the tank in case this was getting stuck shut. Also have checked for computer codes (none showing). My wife and I have tried gas stations all over town and it happens everywhere not just one station.
The only way we can get gas into our Pilot is to dribble it in extremely slow and we're lucky if we can get 4-5 gallons in after about 10 minutes. The vehicle runs great otherwise. We've had the vehicle for about 3 years, and did not have this problem until about 6 months ago.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The problem appeared a couple of years ago. The Honda dealership and Honda headquarters acknowledged the problem with tank, but they did not offer to pay for the fix. The problem did go away and now the issues is back and will not go away.
- Bhogilal P., Evans, GA, US