2003 Xterra Problem

williew_ · Feb 11th, 2008, 01:11 PM

I have a 2003 Xterra that we have taken to the dealer because when we try to fill it with gas it fills the tube and then overflows. We can fill it but only about 1/4 gallon at a time and then we have to let it drain. We took it in and they said the carbon canister is completely ruined and all the check valves need to be replaced as well. Then we get a call saying that carbon pieces have spread to a portion of the gas tank that is sealed and cannot be cleaned and we need to purchase a new tank as well. Does any of this sound feasible? Just trying to make sure that we arent getting taken advantage of.

dvdswanson · Feb 11th, 2008, 01:56 PM

1st, welcome to the forum. anything is possible but I would want to see the parts, 2ndly ask them why they wouldnt be covered by the emissions warranty, I cant see why overfilling a fuel tank would do that, I always thought there was a gap to the top of the tank to allow for the unseen accidental hit to the tank.

williew_ · Feb 11th, 2008, 03:58 PM

Thanks for the welcome note.

We have almost 100,000 miles on the vehicle so it is out of warranty. Just trying to not get taken advantage of by the dealer.

dvdswanson · Feb 12th, 2008, 12:12 PM

any engine codes?

williew_ · Feb 12th, 2008, 12:24 PM

Here is the whole story. A couple years ago we had our check engine light come on and we took it to a repair shop (not our normal place) and they told us (after several days) that it was the carbon cannister and it needed to be replaced. We then took it to our normal guy who said it was nothing and reset the light. The light has never came back on but now the dealer is saying it is basically the same problem but now the gas tank needs to be replaced as well because the carbon has now started to dissemenate throughout the tank and is in a sealed portion of the tank that cannot be cleaned. I think I still have the paperwork from the last time we had it in the shop and I will try and find that tonight.

Thanks for all the help.