I put diesel in gas PT Cruiser

[Bob Wick]

I recently went to a Kentucky gas station where the diesel nozzle was green (same as gas pumps in State where I live). It was next to the premium start button and the nozzle actually fit down the filler tube in the Cruiser even though the diesel nozzle was larger than the gas nozzle. I did not realize what I was doing until later when the car stopped running. I accidentally then pumped 10 gallons of diesel into the new 2005 GT PT Cruiser Convertible. We got a mile down the road and the car stopped.
When the mistake was discovered later at the dealership, I checked the filler tube. The car does not have the smaller gas opening or the flapper valve that closes off the tank. Other PT's have the smaller open and flapper valve....except the GT's ...the GT's do not have the small opening.
Can anyone tell me if Chrysler has any responsibility here? It cost me a small fortune to fix the car because Chrysler said it is not their fault. Now they tell me my engine and exhaust warranty is void for any future problems. They have not even agreed to put in the restrictive opening devise that will prevent a diesel nozzle from being placed in the tank in the future...... Thank You, Bob

[cageman]

I, being an individual who places blame where it belongs, would do just that, and take blame and lick your wounds and move on, placing blame where it does not belong does nothing but make lawyers rich and people like me who accept that they screwed up when necesary, will then have to suffer from your inability to familiarize yourself with what button and what nozzle to use by now having new things to have to futz with everytime I fill up. You are not a monkey trained to get a treat from only pressing the Green button, everyone makes mistakes, accept that.

[64dartwagon]

Sorry to say but it is your fault. Happens when people are distracted. The older cars don't have the restrictor either, and it happened to them to. Just like roadsigns, gotta follow the directions. I would see this as a lesson learned. Just don't want to sound like a Ahole.

[nhdriver]

I hate to sound mean but the mistake was made by you & you are responsible for the outcome. I would not have gotten Chrysler involed, I would have got it fixed by an Ind. mechanic & sucked up the cost & not even let Chrysler know about it. now it is documented and Chrysler is not going to honor your warranty. Bottom line? You F***ked up.

[BillyBob]

Chrysler can't be held responsible for your mistake/s. What if you poured antifreeze in where the oil is supposed to go?

[MoparFever]

That's the problem with the country today, everyone wants to blame someone else for their screwups.

[RoadRaceJosh]

Oops. Two mistakes here. Misfueling and taking it to the dealer to have your warranty canceled.

If the diesel was clean, low sulfur fuel then you probably did very little damage. All that you should have needed to do was drain and flush the fuel system with clean gasoline. If there were any problems after that you might need one or both oxygen sensors and possibly a catylitic converter, but I doubt it since so little diesel made it through the system.

What all did the dealer do to the car anyway?

[dgc333]

Originally Posted by Bob Wick

I checked the filler tube. The car does not have the smaller gas opening or the flapper valve that closes off the tank. Other PT's have the smaller open and flapper valve....except the GT's ...the GT's do not have the small opening.

FWIW, my 2003 PT Cruiser GT turbo has the smaller opening and flapper valve.

[84ram]

Bob, the best advice I can give you (like it or not) is pretty much what everyone else here is saying ....just learn from your mistakes and move on.
As far as the filler neck is concerned, I can tell you from experience that Chrysler will do as little as they think they can get away with when it comes to them taking responsibility for a design problem with a vehicle because they want to avoid a recall at all costs. (as does any other auto mfg.) If You're mechanically inclined, and you want your car to have the correct filler neck, you could just buy the correct one and replace the original one, (or have a reputable shop do it for you) it shouldn't be that hard to R&R it.
Holy shiznit, BillyBob!!! I Just noticed that yer older'n friggin dirt!
That is, unless your bullshitin' us.....

J. Campbell

[Dick]

Can anyone explain why DC would put in a larger filler pipe in any car built for this country? That car was probably built in a Mexican plant, as was my Ram. Is it possible that it was originally scheduled for some other destination?

I can understand the feeling of most other posters regarding paying attention and being responsible for your own actions. However, filler pipes were made smaller to prevent the introduction of leaded fuel into vehicles designed to run on unleaded gas. The task of paying attention and being responsible was taken away by the industry. If that pipe was large enough for a diesel nozzle, it would probably be big enough for a leaded fuel nozzle, if you could find one.

Again I ask, why did his car have a large filler pipe. If it was me, I would start looking at other GTPT's of that vintage and comparing them. I would ask the parts counter man how many different part # pipes were used. I would look in the operator's manual for any words of caution or disclaimers about the fuel system other than the customary warnings about the exclusive use of unleaded fuel. I would also verify that the fuel filler door had the decal that says "Unleaded Fuel Only". Then, I would call my attorney.

I think you have a case against DC on this. The potential loss to you in an unrelated warranty claim could be substantial, as could the loss of trade in value if you ever decide to get another Chrysler product. Raise a stink as soon as you can. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

[BillyBob]

wise beyond my years.....................

[Christopher]

Since I've had many experiences with this problem (I used to be a service mgr for a major rental car co) here's what to do....the only thing that will need to happen is the tank drained,filled with new fuel and the spark plugs will need to be changed.I can guarantee you did no damage to the engine or the exhaust.There has been no "flapper" or smaller filller tube in years.

[Dick]

I think you are correct about the pipe size, but there is a metal restrictor that has a hole sized to fit unleaded fuel nozzles.

[dgc333]

Originally Posted by Christopher

Since I've had many experiences with this problem (I used to be a service mgr for a major rental car co) here's what to do....the only thing that will need to happen is the tank drained,filled with new fuel and the spark plugs will need to be changed.I can guarantee you did no damage to the engine or the exhaust.There has been no "flapper" or smaller filller tube in years.

Both my 99 Dakota and 03 PT Cruiser GT Turbo have a restictor and flapper. It's a pain everytime I have to put in dray gas in the winter.

[Madman Stephan]

Fix the Cruiser and sell it ASAP! Take your losses, accept your responsibility and get rid of the evidence.

[moparmussel]

i agree,ship it and move on.big chance to cancel warrentee. had one of my guys fill up the bobcat,and he was suprised it only took 1 gallon of fuel.after running it on the job,ran out of fuel,realized he topped off the cooling system with diesel. the story and the bobcat were history! does the word GOOBER come to mind!

[cutting torch]

If DC has any fault in this, as Dick mentioned, I would pay the repair bill, but fight to have my warranty restored. I don't think a gasser could run long enough on diesel to harm anything but your wallet. A second opinion from another dealer might be helpful.

And, next time, don't let force of habit screw you!

torch

[Dick]

Originally Posted by cutting torch

If DC has any fault in this, as Dick mentioned, I would pay the repair bill, but fight to have my warranty restored. I don't think a gasser could run long enough on diesel to harm anything but your wallet. A second opinion from another dealer might be helpful.

And, next time, don't let force of habit screw you!

torch

Those are my thoughts too. Bite the bullet on the fuel system cleaning, but insist on the pipe restrictor and restoration of the warranty. The cancellation of warranty has a profound effect on the value of the car during the warranty period. For DC to do that is depriving you of return on investment. Again, I would suggest a lawyer to assist in the battle.

[TK]

I dont get it, Dads Jeep Cherokee, ran on diesel, mom said it just wouldn't shut off...........LOL
As much as I hate to admit it, you can probably get your warranty restored, just by paying the bill and asking nicely, with a hint of............Did you know?
LOL, I doubt you hurt it, hell, I bet even the spark plugs are fine!

[Dick]

Originally Posted by dodgetruckboy

I dont get it, Dads Jeep Cherokee, ran on diesel, mom said it just wouldn't shut off...........LOL
As much as I hate to admit it, you can probably get your warranty restored, just by paying the bill and asking nicely, with a hint of............Did you know?
LOL, I doubt you hurt it, hell, I bet even the spark plugs are fine!

Read his first post, TK. He already paid the bill. I doubt if asking nicely is going to do anything. I presume he took it to his selling dealer and they probably wouldn't budge. I would be interested to know if they actually entered his info into the DC computer and DC voided the warranty, or did the Dealer just say they refused to do any warranty work on the vehicle.

Again, I think a call to a lawyer would be in order.

[TK]

Asking nicely while mentioning that the diesel nozzle fits in his gas tank................................