Jump over to my cars.natemichals.com page on this recent maintenance that I just did.
The problem is that when I went to fill up my fuel tank, the pump would shut off after about 3 seconds. After some research on NASIOC.com and some other Subaru-related internet forums, the problem seemed to be with the “vapor canister purge valve.” I was getting an error code P1443 and my ‘check engine’ light was on.
The temporary workaround was to take my tire lug wrench, reach under the car between the charcoal canister and the side of the body, and hit random parts a few times until I heard the “glug glug glug” sound of fuel moving. Apparently tapping on this part can cause the valve to open and release the pressure, so that you can fill up your tank again.
I took some photos and decided to do a write-up. I had a few minor problems along the way. Click here to go to my write-up.