Charcoal Canister Question on a 1999 Chevy Lumina 3.1?

Question

I have a 1999 Chevy Lumina 3.1 engine with 127,000 miles. The other day I was driving and the check engine light came on. I have not taken it to the dealership or anything yet because since it's out of warranty, I don't want to waste money if I don't have to. But I had searched the internet and found that possibly overfilling the gas tank can cause gas to go into the charcoal canister. Is this true? Also, if there's gas in it, is there a way to get it out? Will it work itself out? Or do I have to replace the canister? Remember...this is just a guess. I don't know for sure if that's the problem, but I assume it is since I always fill the tank way too full so that the gas sits up the filler neck to the door. (I won't do that anymore now though since I found out it's bad...I only did that because my dad told me it wouldn't hurt anything...ha! Yeah right!

Thanks!

QUICK UPDATE! PROBLEM SOLVED!

I saw on the internet it says to check and make sure the dipstick is in place, so I checked then, and about 10 miles down the road the light went out. So, I'm guessing that was the problem. The dipstick wasn't in tight, because my dad just checked the oil because I was going to go on a long trip. Good thing I didn't go with that car, because I would have freaked out to get started going, and have that light come on...lol. At least I know now though not to overfill my tank!!!!!

Answer 1

Yes, that is true about filling the tank too full. The excess fuel can be drawn into the canister. The charcoal canister is designed to hold fuel vapors, not liquid fuel and it can be ruined from overfilling the tank. The code would most likely be a rich exhaust code because of the extra fuel coming from the canister. It may take a week or more of normal driving to clear it out. From now on, let the pump run til it clicks off, then only try to put fuel in one more time. When it clicks the second time, STOP!

Answer 2

drive it for a couple of days it will clear itself out. but in the mean time take it to autozone or some other parts store and have them pull the code for you to make sure what the problem is