Engine Randomly Stutters, Only Happens with a Full Tank of Gas

Asked by DB1980 Nov 04, 2020 at 05:36 PM about the 2011 Ford Explorer Limited

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

A few weeks ago, my engine had random periods of what I can only describe
as stuttering, which would last a few seconds and then smooth out. The
RPMs remained steady and it did not overheat. It flashed the check engine
light for about a second and then it went off. I kept driving and it did it a few
times more and then stopped and was completely fine for the next week or
so. Yesterday, the same thing happened except the check engine light did
not flash. The only connection between the two episodes of this was the fact
that I had just filled up the gas tank and the tank was full both times (filled up
at two different gas stations). Any thoughts on what could be causing this?

4 Answers

F_O_R answered 4 years ago

Try reading the trouble codes. Odds are you have an EVAP system problem (gas tank venting).

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OJ answered 4 years ago

Exact same problem with my 2010 years ago. I caused the problem. My owners manual stated "do not overfill gas tank past the first automatic shutoff of the pump handle." What is happening is raw gasoline is being forced into the vent tube and into the evap canister. Then sucked into the motorized purge valve. Mine is located on top of the engine on the drivers side. Raw gas can ruin the canister and valve. It can also lead to the automatic vacuum test running constantly and collapsing your fuel tank. The valve itself is not expensive, but the canister is. Have it checked out right away.

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DB1980 answered 4 years ago

My husband did throw the code checker on it and I can't remember the code number, but it was the code for unspecified engine problem not located in one cylinder. When we Googled it, it looked like it could be a whole bunch of different issues. I will ask my husband if he remembers the code number.

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DB1980 answered 4 years ago

I actually don't overfill the gas tank. I stop when it clicks off the pump handle.

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