Will not start after refuel

[t9taz]

I have a 2002 Vectra C Sri 1.8 Petrol.

The last 8-10 times I have refuelled at the petrol station, the car will not start when I get back in it after paying!

It continually ticks over and will not start until I give it some gas!. As soon as it starts (by me having to press the accelerator) and I take my foot off the pedal, the car coughs/splutters and cuts out...

The only way I can get round it is by starting the car by giving it gas, and sitting there for at least 60 seconds with the accelerator pressed to about 2000 revs.

I had the fuel filter changed 9 months ago so not sure if this might be linked?

Anybody had a similar problem or know what it could be? I'm getting seriously p*ssed off as its pretty embarrassing!

[m8internet]

When was the car last serviced?
How old are the spark plugs?

[t9taz]

About 14 months ago (got a bit slack recently)...I did consider it might be the spark plugs...but then I couldn't see how refuelling would impact on the spark plugs..?

[gsxrster]

fuel pump may not be delivering enough fuel on its own when ignition is turned on , this might be why you need to gas it , had this prob years ago wi an old cav I had .
HTH

[rich r]

Any fault codes being stored that might be give any clues?

[bowler]

I have a similar problem on my 2.8T, every time i go in a garage and fill up i have to crank the engine for a long while while pressing the accelerator it will then start after 10-20 secs, after that it will start normally until I put more fuel in.

There have been no fault codes showing, but its been doing this for probably around a year.

I currently have a problem giving P0170-12 code, Fuel trim bank 1 lean, I am unable to reset the code it just comes straight back even without the engine running but ignition on.

Its going to a independent Vx diagnostician tomorrow so will post outcome.

[roswell]

Check the condition of your petrol filter under the rear drivers side wheel, if its rusty its probably got a slight leak and when you open the fuel cap you cause a air lock.

[bowler]

Check the condition of your petrol filter under the rear drivers side wheel, if its rusty its probably got a slight leak and when you open the fuel cap you cause a air lock.

That's the sort of thing I thought of but the problem should occur when just removing the petrol cap and changing the internal tank air pressure but it's fine when removing cap at any time other than when filling up, I will try and check the rear filter tomorrow if I get the chance.

[bowler]

Well that proved pretty inconclusive, the code (P0170-12) was able to be reset, all sorts of things checked but no evidence of a problem unless the cat is starting to fall as the post cat sensor is behaving slightly oddly, no chance to check the filter yet will try at weekend 2nd thoughts it may not be then as i am out both Sat & Sun

[roswell]

That's the sort of thing I thought of but the problem should occur when just removing the petrol cap and changing the internal tank air pressure but it's fine when removing cap at any time other than when filling up, I will try and check the rear filter tomorrow if I get the chance.

The tank has a anit syphon flap you wont change the pressure unless you break the seal of the flap like when you put fuel in, If you can be sure not to drop something in the tank open the flap with a stick or something and see if you have the same problem.