If the fuel pump at the gas station keeps annoyingly clicking off, here’s an easy trick that might help.
But be warned, it could be an indication of a bigger problem.
Gas pumps are more sophisticated than they look and have an entire internal system designed for safety, efficiency, and to avoid gasoline from overfilling or spilling, Paul Campanella’s Auto Center reports.
So when they start doing that annoying clicking thing when your tank isn’t even halfway full, it’s for a reason.
How to Fix an Annoying Gas Pump
In a viral video with over 330,000 views, content creator Solo Martines Jr. (@solomartinesjr6) shares how he handles things when the pump starts to malfunction.
Martines explained that his truck usually takes over to fill up since it needs a solid $90 worth of gas.
But the trouble with filling it up is that sometimes the gas pump, which is able to fill the car automatically without him holding it, will randomly click off even if the car isn’t anywhere close to full (which is when the click is actually supposed to happen).
That’s what the pump in Martines’ video keeps doing, much to his annoyance.
“Finally figured out how to keep the pump from tripping on this truck,” Martines said.
All the trick requires is turning the pump upside down (make sure the spiral part is outside the fuel hole). Then the clicking stops.
“I heard it has something to do with air in the tank, could be many different things wrong.”
How Does the Automatic Shut-off Mechanism Work?
Gas pump nozzles shut off automatically because of pressure and something called the Venturi effect. In short, when your tank is almost full, changes in pressure tell the nozzle when it's time to shut off.
As gas flows into your car’s tank, pressure builds, and there’s a small tube in the nozzle that can sense the pressure. When the gas level gets high enough to cover the end of the tube, the pressure change signals the pump to stop.
The Venturi effect also comes into play because when gas moves quickly in a narrow space, it lowers the air pressure. When the tank is almost full, the pressure drops, telling the pump to stop the flow.
Why does my pump keep clicking?
There are several reasons why your pump might be clicking, according to the car experts at Paul Campanella’s Auto Center:
- The tank is full, and the shut-off mechanism is doing its job;
- Gas is splashing back and blocking the air hole in the nozzle;
- If the fuel is pumped too fast, it can cause unnecessary pressure;
- Oddly shaped, small, or worn-out nozzle; or
- The evap canister, fuel tank vent, or filter is clogged, causing a pressure buildup.
How to Stop Premature Click-Off
To avoid the annoyance of the nozzle constantly clicking, you can:
- Pump slower with a lower trigger notch;
- Move the nozzle out so it’s not as deep;
- Flip the nozzle upside down; or
- Try a different gas station.
If it’s a recurring issue, have your mechanic check your car's fuel vent system float valve or EVAP canister.
Commenters React
People weren't impressed by Martines' so-called trick.
“You are 2 old 2 be this ignorant. There is a reason it clicked because it is full You are destroying the EVAP System & purge valve I bet the check engine light is on or it will be soon if I was your boss I would charge you 4 the repair because it is your fault,” the top comment reads.
“Hello EVAP problems,” one person said.
“Don’t need to turn it upside down ..just pull back a smidge,” another suggested.
“Check engine light incoming,” a commenter predicted.
@solomartinesjr6 👀 It takes forever to fill up $90 on this truck. Finally figured out how to keep the pump from tripping on this truck. You ever had this problem at the gas pump? #gaspump #houstontx ♬ original sound - solomartinesjr
Motor1 reached out to Martines for comment via TikTok direct message and comment. We'll update this article when we hear back.
