If your baby ride has a message center on the instrument cluster, you’ll be seeing error messages once the car computer detects an issue in any system unit. For example, one of the error messages that you may encounter on the message center is ‘check fuel fill inlet.’
The check fuel fill inlet on ford expenditure or any car brand will take you by surprise. You may have not seen this warning before since most people are not familiar with it.
This error message is common on ford models like edge, focus, expenditure, mustang, explorer, and many more. However, you can also see it on other car brands like Toyota.
You may try to ignore this warning since you haven’t heard of it, which is a bad idea. We’ll explain what causes check fuel fill inlet warning light, how to reset it, and how to fix it. But first, let’s see what it means.
What Is A Fuel Fill Inlet?
It’s crucial first to understand what a fuel fill inlet is so we will stay on the same page as we progress. If not, you won’t understand the resetting procedures and how to fix the problem. Fortunately, a fuel fill inlet is self-explanatory.
The fuel fill inlet is where you socket the gas station nozzle to inject fuel into your car. This includes the gas cover and the fuel hose that connects the gas cap to the gas tank. The fuel fill inlet is a ‘common’ and critical system component of an ICE-powered vehicle.
Without it, you won’t easily inject fuel into his car. Of course, fuel is needed for our day-to-day commute to work. When something goes wrong with this component, the car component will display a check fuel fill inlet on the message center.
Read Also: Common Symptoms Of A Bad Evap Canister
What Does Check Fuel Fill Inlet Warning Light Mean?
Several EVAP system issues trigger a check fuel fill inlet warning light on your dashboard. However, for most cases, a check fuel fill inlet warning light signifies a problem with your gas cover.
Once a check fuel fill inlet pops up on the dashboard, you first need to remove the gas cover and re-tighten it. If re-tightening the gas cap doesn’t rectify the issues, replace the gas cap. There’s a high chance the gas cap is the issue.
If none of these solves the problem, you need to check other EVAP components. (We’ll come to that soonest). You may wonder, is check fuel fill inlet bad? Yes, it is not good. However, it may not pose a severe system issue.
What causes the check fuel fill inlet light to come on?
As reiterated above, a broken or missing gas cap is the common cause of a check fuel fill inlet warning light on the dashboard. However, that is not the only probable cause.
Some of the following parameters may trigger a check fuel fill inlet on ford fusion or any car model.
Dirt deposit at the fuel cap
As typical as fuel caps may look, they need maintenance as well. You don’t have to leave it dirty because a dirty gas cap can trigger the fuel fill inlet message on your dashboard. Neglecting dirt on the fuel cover can escalate and result in other EVAP system-related issues.
You wouldn’t want this to happen. However, inspecting and cleaning the dirt on the fuel cover could be all you need to wipe the check fuel fill inlet on a ford edge.
Dirt deposit at the fuel tank opening
The fuel fill inlet connects the gas cap to the fuel tank and helps transport fuel from a gas station nozzle into the gas tank. This component comprises metal pipes on older models and rubber materials on newer models. So, if they have dirty deposits or deteriorate, it can trigger the fuel fill warning light.
A loose or overtighten gas cap
Another common reason for a check fuel fill inlet error light on the dashboard is a loose or overtightened gas cap.
In the case of a loose gas cap, the warning light may signify an improper gas pressure within the system. You should hear clicks as you twist the fuel cover to close it. That’s how most manufacturers design it.
Conversely, if you over-tighten the gas cap, it may damage the rubber seals in the mechanism and cause gas vapor to escape through it. This situation will also trigger the check fuel fill inlet error message on the instrument cluster.
Damaged gas cap
Like several other car components, a gas cap may not last the car’s lifespan. A defective fuel tank cover or lousy fuel cap will cause gas vapor to escape, leading to several EVAP-related issues. For example, it could be the reason for an illuminated check fuel fill inlet error light on the instrument cluster.
Missing gas cap
Driving without a gas cap will cause bad fuel economy because the petrol will evaporate into thin air. If you have a check fuel fill inlet and check engine lights on your dash, you’re likely driving with a missing or defective gas cap. Another confirmation that the fuel cover is the culprit is gas smell when driving or parked.
Vacuum pressure leak
Vacuum pressure is another reason for a check fuel fill inlet message on a dashboard. That said, a vacuum pressure leak within the fuel system may be the culprit.
EVAP leak
An evaporative emission control system (EVAP) leak causes a check fuel fill inlet on the Ford F150 and any car model. If this is the case, a check engine light will accompany the fuel filler error warning light on the dashboard.
If you have these two signs, diagnose your vehicle with an OBD11 scan tool and pull out the registered codes. For example, if you have a P0454, P0455, P0456, or P0457, there’s an error somewhere on the EVAP system.
A minor issue like a loose fuel cover can be the cause. And a more significant issue like damaged or broken evaporative emission control system components can be the culprit.
Read Also: Best Automotive Smoke Machine (EVAP Smoke Machine)
How do I reset my check fuel fill inlet?
There may be several ways to reset the check fill inlet warning message. However, the most common option is using a diagnosing scan tool. This requires you to plug the diagnostic scan tool into your vehicle’s OBD port. Then, scan the registered error codes and clear or erase the logged error codes.
In any case, you need to ensure you have already fixed the issues that cause the warning light, or you have no significant issue. The best option for rectifying this issue is to track and fix the culprit.
How do you fix check fuel fill inlet?
A warning message caused by fuel fill inlet error on the dash means your vehicle has some issues that need your attention. So, if you’re asking, is check fuel fill inlet dangerous? The answer is not really. However, it poses an environmental risk but does not affect the engine performance.
In any case, it can cause reduced gas mileage. Therefore, you won’t want to leave it for an extended period. Here are simple approaches to fix the problem.
Method 1: Using a gas station nozzle
The first method in our list is using a gas station nozzle because it is less time-consuming. Here’s what you need to do. The next time you visit a gas station, socket the gas nozzle on the fuel filler and push it around 20 times.
Occasionally allow some fuel to pour on the spring-loaded lid. And creating a metal contact between the gas nozzle and the fuel filler neck will help rectify the issues. This should fix the check fuel fill inlet on ford escape or any vehicle you own. But first, you will need to erase the fault code to clear the error message.
Method 2: Use a cleaning agent, Funnel, and Can air
This is my best method of cleaning dirt and grime on the fuel filler and rectifying the check fuel fill inlet message. It involves using a fuel filler funnel, a cleaning solution, and canned air.
These are pretty inexpensive products on Amazon. You can get a seafoam or WD40 cleaning solution. Here are the steps to resolve the issues.
- Open the fuel cover and spray canned air to remove dirt, grime, or dust around the spring-loaded lid.
- Inject and remove the fuel filler funnel a couple of times
- When the spring-loaded lid is closed, spray the cleaning solution on it.
- Uses the fuel filler funnel to extend the solution in and out of the filler
- Repeat the last two steps above a couple of times
- After that, spray some canned air to complete the process.
If you’re lucky, the warning light will disappear. But if it doesn’t, clear the registered code with a scan tool.
Method 3: Change the fuel filler pocket
If the fuel door can not close properly or the fuel filler is broken or damaged, the best option is to replace the fuel filler pocket.
This is a DIY repair job. All you need is the right guide, which you’ll find in the following few paragraphs. However, don’t force anything. Else, you may damage the component even more.
This is a practical guide on fixing the check fuel fill inlet on Ford Explorer. However, it can also work on other vehicle models.
- Pull off the fuel bezel.
- Get your ratchet and install a long or short extension and a sizeable socket.
- Unbolt the bolts holding the fuel filler pocket
- Remove the plastic retainer on the wheel housing
- Disconnect and pull out the fuel pocket with an auto-trim removal tool
- Separate the fuel door from the plastic frame with a screwdriver
- Fix the new door and the new frame
- Clean the fuel pocket sitting
- Fix the door pocket via a reversal process
- Ensure the gasket fits properly and guide the mounting bolts you removed earlier
- Tighten the screws and pat yourself on the back.
Watch this video for a clear visual presentation of how to replace a fuel filler pocket.
How much does it cost to fix a fuel fill inlet?
The beauty of rectifying fuel fill inlet issue is that it is pretty cheap. There are cases you don’t need to pay a dime. It may only require inserting the gas station fuel nozzle in and out a couple of times (refer to the above explanation). Cleaning or replacing the fuel fill inlet will only cause you $10 to $100.
FAQs:
Can you still drive and check the fuel fill inlet?
It’s okay to disregard the light as it pops up when driving. You don’t even need to pull to check what’s wrong when the message appears on your dash. However, do not feel relaxed and continue driving with it for an extended period because it can escalate and cause issues like a gas leak and poor gas mileage.
I know you don’t want to experience a gas leak, poor gas mileage, or spend much money at the gas station. A simple fuel fill inlet cleaning could be all you need. Other times, it could be as common as re-tightening your gas cap. Sometimes, you may have to replace the fuel filler.
Why does my Ford say check fuel fill inlet?
Whenever you see a check fuel fill inlet on a ford mustang or any other model’s dashboard, there’s a pressurized issue between the tank and the gas cover. Basically, you have a loose, broken, or damaged gas cover.
Other probable reasons are EVAP system issues, vacuum pressure leaks, and dust on the fuel cover.
Where is the fuel fill inlet located?
The fuel fill inlet is an essential part of your vehicle where you put the gas nozzle to refuel your car. It comprises two components, the inlet hose or pipe that transports fuel to the fuel tank and the gas cap. It’s crucial because you can’t refuel your car without it.
What is a fuel inlet restrictor?
A fuel inlet restrictor is a restriction plate that prevents pouring a leaded fuel into a vehicle that runs with unleaded gas. Auto manufacturers install the inlet restrictor in vehicles when both fuel types are still in use. However, regulators later banned leaded fuel, and manufacturers phased it out after a while.
Final Words
By now, you should have been clear about what a check fuel fill inlet issue is and also that it is a simple fix. And you can rectify it with $10 to $100 whether you clean or replace it. So, it is not a severe case that will warrant you to park by the roadside.
However, it can cause some issues you won’t want to linger on the vehicle, especially when you can fix them without breaking the bank. So, we’ve also provided simple methods on how to fix the culprit. Follow the above guides to fix the error message.
