CAR STARTING HARD AFTER FUEL FILL UP / 5-MINUTE FIX

If your vehicle is starting hard, sounds like it’s flooded, or just won’t run after filling up, chances are there’s a quick, easy fix. It will take only two minutes to diagnose the problem, and only five minutes, one tool, and less than $30.00 to repair.

If you car was manufactured in the last twenty years or so, the problem could be your evaporative purge valve. The evaporative purge valve (or just purge valve) is part of your vehicle’s evaporative emissions systems. If the valve fails and sticks open, it can cause some serious, but easily fixed problems.

TOOLS NEEDED: 10mm socket, ratchet, and extension small scrap of paper
TIME TO COMPLETE: less than 5 minutes
COST: About $30 as of Jan 2022

Common Symptoms:
– Difficulty starting after fueling
– Check Engine Light
– Poor fuel efficiency / mileage

We’re working on a 2017 Buick Escalade, and the descriptions and instructions below will relate to that vehicle. That said, if you’re relatively handy, you can probably find the valve and apply the general principles to your situation.

The purge valve is located under the engine cowl, to the right of the engine and behind the battery. It connects to the intake manifold (direct connection), the car’s computer (electrical connector), and to the emissions system (“air hose”).

To test the valve for a “failed open” condition the only tool you will need is a small piece of scrap paper. Remove the electrical connector and the air hose and start the car. Hold the scrap paper against the air hose inlet. If the valve is failed open, a vacuum will be created and hold the paper to the valve. That’s literally it. Yes, you can use a code tester, vacuum pump, and / or run battery power to get more information. But, if a vacuum is produced when the car is started, you’ve got a problem.

In the case of the Buick Escalade the valve is help onto the intake manifold with a 10mm bolt. Removing the bolt will allow you to wiggle and pull the defective valve from the manifold. Installing the new valve is as simple as aligning the bolt hold and wiggling the new valve into the manifold until it “pops” in. Reinstall the bolt and test again. No vacuum should be produced. If you get a vacuum, you have a different problem. A failed valve is the most likely culprit, but it is possible that you got a problem with one of the connectors, the computer, etc., etc. If changing the valve doesn’t fix the problem, you should be able to return the new valve for a refund and simply reinstall the old valve.

[stephaniehernandez_]

Your daughter does not know how blessed she is to have her Daddy showing her how to deal with cars at her young age 😍

[Jazzryskee]

My daughter helps me all the time. Thanks so much.

[stephenhouck]

You saved the day and a lots of my hard earned money. Great video! Your shop assistant stole the show though. 😄 Always great to see dads and daughters involved in things together. She will always remember that time with you. Dad to Dad, you're doing it right.

[timothypowhida]

Absolutely awesome video! The fact that you have your daughter out there helping you is even more awesome. The internet needs more of this type of content!

[dawncarson]

Not only helpful but I'm going to try this. Your daughter is lucky. As a woman who worked in s state of the art service center for Honda I learned a lot from the awesome mechanics. Even if small things I've learned I know more than some men lol. She's s lucky girl. I'm only 5' tall and during a snow storm I watched a huge man trying to install new wipers on his truck and he couldn't do it. I asked if he needed assistance and he was a little offended. I asked again and he reluctantly said ok. It took me 30 seconds and he had his new wipers on. He looked at me like WTH. But I learned so much and it really helps. Helping ppl save a little money is awesome too .Cabin air filters, with almost a hundred percent Mark up. RE programming keys which costs so much!!!! Radio codes and such. All small things that ppl pay so much for have come in so handy. Ty for your help and teaching your daughter. I've replaced everything on my car and the last code is an EVAP code. It does everything you said. I'm going to try this today when it cools down. Ty again.

[texasironforge.]

Love the father/daughter. Wish more dads were like this.

[colinjarrett]

Excellent video. Well taught by Dad and daughter. Impressive!!!

[glenglene]

if the purge valve is bad, it usually sets P0496 code and check engine light will turn ON. You can also check it (off the vehicle) by using a vacuum pump. If it won't hold vacuum, then the valve is bad. You can also blow into one of the nozzles, if air coming out, then it's bad. The purge valve is normally closed until you apply 12V to it.

[TGilligbauer]

just a tip for everyone: before installing anything always test, the new part or item your working on, so you don't have to go back and take it all back apart again,
new parts or aftermarket parts can be defective from factory, and this will save you time and money

-experienced automotive collision repair technician

great video

[dman]

Thanks a million' my man. I did this and it worked perfect. Saved my self $600. That is what one shop wanted to charge to change my fuel pump.

[silvv]

Love the test and explanation, no one else did. Great video for DIYers.

[stevenhayes]

Great collaboration! Fun to watch. This just happened to me today at the gas station! I'm clued in. THANKS SOOO MUCH!

[djniher]

Very helpful, thank you and your lovely daughter, this has got to be my issue with my 2015 Enclave ad will. Will be doing the same shortly. Update: I completed the repair today exactly how you demonstrated, , worked perfectly - Thank you!!!!

[tacticalribeye]

I never hit the subscribe button so fast in my entire life

[LyssieLyrical]

Loved watching y'all's video! Reminds me of when my Dad and I used to work on all our cars and trucks.... This Daddy's girl misses him and working with him dearly (It'll be 12 years since his passing on Nov 16th) ! Those moments may seem mundane to most, but they're the absolute best! She will definitely always hold them in her heart 🖤 thank you for showing us about the purge valve! Helps a bunch!!

[SCSayanda]

Thank you sir, my 2015 vw Jetta same problem. I fixed yesterday, only $20 I spend

[camshaft]

4m 56sec @ 5:33 in the video. Great video and great job with your daughter

[melissaburns-]

Thank youand your daughter, made me confident myself as a lady can do the same, probably just saved me $500 at the repair shop!

[VinnyOHare]

Changing mine on my 2016 Buick enclave today, looks like the same exact set up.

[Loglakeliving]

Great video! Simple and straight forward. Love it with your daughter..(I had three sons..). I had the same problem on a ‘14 Ford Escape turbo..same fix but more complicated…just watched your honey extracting video…Thanks for sharing!