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Soul won't start after fill up

26K views 16 replies 13 participants last post by  Dianna Stanley  
#1 ·
Hello, I just bought a 2012 KIA SOUL. When I fill up the gas tank the car won't start. It will turn over. After a few minutes it will start and run fine until the next fill up. I suspect there is some sort of safety feature that is causing this. The dashboard gets a Red steering wheel flashing on it. Does anyone else have this problem?
 
#5 ·
Welcome to the forum from Eugene Oregon. I would take it for warranty service from the dealer - make them find the problem. The only problem that I have had so far is forgetting to tighten the gas cap all the way and getting an emissions light come on. Cleared that right away with a code checker/clearer.
 
#8 ·
I may be over filling the tank. The 3rd time I filled it, I stopped when the pump cut off and the problem happened again. And as before, After you crank the engine for a minute or two, the engine will fire and run like a top until the next fill up. So I suspect the gas is draining down ever so slightly and then the car will start and run.
 
#10 ·
I trust you are not touching the gas pedal when you start it? It almost sounds like what happens when you flood it. Can't see any safety feature having anything to do with this problem.
If the red steering wheel is flashing while driving then there is a problem with the EPS (electronic power steering), but if it comes on after the ignition key is turned to the ON position and then it goes out, its okay.

It would be helpful if you could fill out your DRIVES profile on the left with details of your Soul as from your description we don't know which engine you have or whether its auto or manual - thanks.
 
#12 ·
I am having the same problem with my 2011 manual trans. Kia Soul. It is running fine when I go to fill it up but once I have filled it up I have to pump the gas while turning the key to get it to start. I fill it up until the pump cuts off and the gas cap is on all the way. The tank is usually on empty before I fill up however that was not the case the last time I filled it up. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks
 
#13 ·
Won't start after fill-up

Everything points to EVAP system not working properly. Purge valve. Maybe charcoal pellets from canister sucked up making purge valve stick open during fill-up, causing a flooded engine. Did you ignore the pump clicking off and continue to pump gas at any point? If so, gas saturated the charcoal canister causing it top break down and spew charcoal pellets all over the fuel system. Have mechanic diagnose.