After I fill up with fuel, 03 Kia Optima doesn't start, seems like no fuel to engine

Asked by Mary Apr 06, 2013 at 05:51 PM about the 2003 Kia Optima

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Every time I fill up my 03 Kia Optima with fuel while the car is off during fill up, when I go to start ignition, the car does not turn on. Anyone else have this issue? I have to turn key several times, engines attempts to start then fails, and so on and so forth.

13 Answers

Yes, you are over-filling the tank, choking the evaporative emissions system, essentially choking the system so it cannot breathe through the evaporative canister. Choked. Cannot breathe. not starting for environmental reasons? quite surprised your check engine light isn't flashing and alarms screaming at ya~

10 people found this helpful.
176,035

Next time, turn the key to "On" but don't start the car. Wait a couple of seconds to let the fuel pump prime the fuel rail. Start the car as you normally would. -- It could be that when you remove the gas cap, you lose the pressure in the system. If it continues, have the fuel pressure regulator checked out.

14 people found this helpful.

You gotta stop at the first click...I know know this hard to do, you just want every last drop of capability and an even number on the pump~

7 people found this helpful.
176,035

It could be over filling, Judge. There have been codes reported about the evap system. Strange that it doesn't happen to all cars because everyone crams extra gas to bring the cost up to a round number. Doesn't make sense unless you're paying cash.

2 people found this helpful.

oh, the crowd I mix with...that was santoni_the_great pipin' up as I was answering the question, he has no credit cards~

1 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 2004 Kia Optima that I just bought used less than two months ago every single time I've gone to fill up my tank I have come to the same issue. I have always used credit if ant when I do pay in cash I do not believe in topping off as it just does not do anything for me. I would take the car into the service center to get checked out if not for the fear of an overpriced charge for labor and parts As I am a woman. There is no check engine light either and there is also no alarm going off will let you know if I find anything else out though.

7 people found this helpful.
120

Just had the same problem on a 2004 Kia Optima 2.6 - it was the solenoid purge valve. Easy to replace $16 at carparts.com part #REPV381001 hope this helps.

12 people found this helpful.
40

My 2014 optima is doing the same thing after I fill it up. This started happening after they replaced my recalled engine. They said the engine was a refurbished one. So I have to pump the gas pedal and then it will start. Of course I took it to the dealership, drove with a mechanic to the gas station to replicate the problem, and the car started on the first try, so they could not diagnose the problem. I never top off, but maybe I’ll try to put in less gas next time to see if that helps

4 people found this helpful.
40

We fix these all the time. It;s usually the Purge Solenoid or the vent solenoid. SInce tanks are no longer vented this happens frequently

4 people found this helpful.

Cheers , Thanks for your sharing information ℹ️ this issues could be the same as mine car 2008 Kia spectra 5 sx. Am getting a new one of fuel vapor vent solenoid purge value and evaporate purge value to either

Cheers , Thanks for your sharing information ℹ️ this issues could be the same as mine car 2008 Kia spectra 5 sx. Am getting a new one of fuel vapor vent solenoid purge value and evaporate purge value to either.. the car flies over 366,478 high mileages in odometer reading.. ... whew

Your Answer:

Optima

Looking for a Used Optima in your area?

CarGurus has 252 nationwide Optima listings starting at $4,700.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Guru9SKFX
    Reputation
    2,140
  • #2
    James Warner
    Reputation
    1,990
  • #3
    GuruV9XTS
    Reputation
    1,650
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Hyundai Sonata
46 Great Deals out of 814 listings starting at $1,543
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 973 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
46 Great Deals out of 1,149 listings starting at $2,500
Used Nissan Altima
25 Great Deals out of 680 listings starting at $3,795
Used Hyundai Elantra
157 Great Deals out of 3,058 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda Civic
198 Great Deals out of 4,034 listings starting at $440
Used Chevrolet Malibu
48 Great Deals out of 1,058 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota Corolla
135 Great Deals out of 2,300 listings starting at $103
Used Kia Sorento
78 Great Deals out of 1,875 listings starting at $3,888

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.