Why does the gas pump keep clicking off when I fill my MINI Clubman?

Short answer: If the gas pump keeps clicking off long before your Clubman is full, the tank's vent valves are likely not letting air out. One owner's dealer replaced the tank for it. Stop topping off after the first click. Code P0977 points to the automatic transmission's shift solenoid B circuit. Check the wiring and connectors before replacing parts.

Symptom: The gas pump nozzle shuts off early, the check-engine light shows P0977, or water collects in the spare tire well.

What to check first

1. Try filling slowly with the nozzle partly pulled out.
2. Stop filling at the first click.
3. Have a shop check the tank vent valves.
4. For P0977, check the transmission wiring and connectors and the fluid.
5. For water in the trunk, do a chalk test on the weatherstrips and check tail light gaskets.

Likely causes

1. Fuel tank vent valve fault. The tank has valves that let air out as fuel goes in. If they fail, pressure builds and the pump nozzle clicks off early.
2. Topping off after the first click. Forcing extra fuel in after the nozzle stops can flood the vapor system.
3. Shift solenoid B or its wiring (P0977). Solenoids are electric valves in the automatic transmission that control shifts. P0977 points at the circuit for solenoid B, including the wiring and connectors.
4. Leaking door, hatch or tail light seals. Water in the spare tire well comes from a seal or light gasket leaking during rain.

What it usually costs

Owners didn't post prices. One dealer replaced the fuel tank, and the owner didn't say if it was covered.

Is it safe to keep driving?

A nozzle that clicks off is annoying but not dangerous. Smelling fuel is a different story. A transmission code can lead to harsh or stuck shifts, so get it checked.

DIY or shop?

Chalk leak tests are DIY. Tank valves and transmission solenoids are shop work.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA's recalls for these Clubmans include turbocharger coolant pump recalls 12V008000 and 18V248000 on Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, which don't match these problems. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 47 keyword-matched complaints for MINI Clubman 2008–2014 (of 259 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-29; keywords: overheat, coolant, leak, water pump, thermostat, fuel, p0977) (NHTSA returned no data for 19 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In Mini Clubman fuel system on Car Talk, a 2012 Clubman's gas nozzle kept clicking off with less than half a tank. The dealer found a fault in the tank valves and replaced the tank, but the problem came back. Members asked about topping off and said the tank design may have a flaw.
• In 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman P0977 on Car Talk, a 2009 non-turbo Clubman with 95,000 miles had code P0977 (shift solenoid B control circuit). Members listed the solenoid, its harness and connectors and the transmission fluid service as possible causes.
• In 2008 MINI Cooper S Clubman leak source on Car Talk, a 2008 Cooper S Clubman got a small puddle in the spare tire well after heavy rain. A member suggested rubbing chalk on all rubber weatherstrips and closing them. Where chalk doesn't transfer is where the leak is.

Quick tip

Topping off a tank after the click is the quickest way to ruin the vapor system on almost any car.

Vehicle focus: MINI Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman (first generation), 2008-2014.

Safety / mechanic note

Fuel system and transmission faults are safety items. Verify with a mechanic.