Filling up with fuel with the car ON

[Habitual]

Hi All,

Someone where I work has asked me this because I also own a Clio - but I have no idea....

Basically, they've been pretty silly and filled up their mk3, 1.2 turbo, Clio without turning the car off.

When they got back in, the fuel needle hadn't moved despite putting £20 in.

Now the petrol light is on and the car thinks it's empty.

What will happen?
What's wrong?

Any help would be super!

Cheers all,

Tom.

 

[Kelv]

It's only because you haven't reset the gauge by removing and returning the power to it.
id imagine when they turn it off next, it will reset and come back to life correctly.

when you say left the car on, I assume you just mean the ignition left on, but not the actual engine running!?

 

[DanFreemanPhoto]

I read it as the car was still running.
Turn it off then on again.

That's what I would do anyway.

 

[Habitual]

Hey guys,

I've just asked. The engine was running. >.< They've also did this last night and have driven to work since. Which would suggest they've turned it off and on again. :S

 

[adamlstr]

Battery disconnected for 15 mins might work.

 

[mad pierre]

Do this on a track day, it send the gauge nuts, And leaves you guess how many laps you have left.

 

[Habitual]

How did you fix it Pierre?

 

[Habitual]

Battery disconnected for 15 mins might work.

Not a bad idea. Cheers.

 

[Eddie.]

I can't be of any help whatsoever, but why the hell did they leave the engine running?!

Are they genuinely that lazy, that turning the key was just that little bit too much effort?

 

[Adam G]

Go and put more fuel in. BUT TURN IT OFF!

 

[Habitual]

Cheers Ad, I thought that too.

I can't be of any help whatsoever, but why the hell did they leave the engine running?!

Are they genuinely that lazy, that turning the key was just that little bit too much effort?

...........

Making a point to her BF because he made her fill up (her car) whilst she was in her PJs............

 

[Budgie]

If it's a mark 2, how could they?

You have to use the key to open the fuel cap?

 

[Budgie]

Ah, just seen mk3.

 

[adamlstr]

If it's a mark 2, how could they? You have to use the key to open the fuel cap?

mk3, 1.2 turbo.

​

 

[Dan519]

Pretty sure thats actually technically illegal (like using a mobile on the forecourt) pretty stupid. Battery disconnnect should sort it

 

[glenn_adam_doble]

did this in my mk3 diesel it gradually crept up over an hour, but if it hasnt moved yet i would go to the petrol station and switch the car off and put some more fuel in i would imagine that would reset it

 

[Martin.]

Do you not actually need the key to unlock the fuel cap?

​

 

[decco]

He did use the fuel flap and not the boot didnt he ? If the boot smells of petrol hes put it in the wrong place

 

[Habitual]

He did use the fuel flap and not the boot didnt he ? If the boot smells of petrol hes put it in the wrong place

Hahaha I did think similar myself mate....... "Are you sure the fuel went in the car?"...

 

[Dan519]

Do you not actually need the key to unlock the fuel cap?

​

not on a mk3 no, the flap is locked with central locking