In this article, I am going to talk about the common problem that Ford Fusion owners often face.
The dreaded “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” light pop up on your dashboard. let’s get to it.
What is Ford Fusion Fuel Inlet?
The fuel inlet is simply the spot on your Ford Fusion where you put in the gas. When you’re at a gas station, you take the gas pump and stick it into this hole to fill up your car’s tank.
It’s a really important part because, without it, you couldn’t get gas into your car to make it run.
Most Fusion years come with a capless fuel inlet. This means that there’s no cap to unscrew before you fill it up with gas.
Instead, when you take the gas pump and stick it into your car’s fuel inlet, it just opens automatically and lets you fill up quickly and easily.
What Does “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” Mean on a Ford Fusion?
To identify the root cause of the problem, it’s crucial to understand the meaning of the “Check Fuel fill Inlet” light.
Simply put, this light indicates a problem with the fuel fill inlet of your Ford vehicle where you refuel. The issue could be due to a malfunctioning gas fill neck seal or a damaged purge valve.
What Causes Ford Fusion’s “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” Alert?
Now, let’s look at the root causes of this issue.
1. Bad Purge Valve
The most common cause is a bad purge valve. The purge valve on your Ford is responsible for keeping air out of the fuel system.
If it’s defective or broken, it may not be able to do its job properly. This could lead to a “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” message on your dashboard and potentially cause stalling out or hard starting in extreme cases.
2. Damaged Fuel Filler Neck Seal
The second most common cause of this issue is a damaged fuel filler neck seal.
The fuel filler neck seal is the rubber gasket that sits between your gas cap and the tank, preventing gas from leaking out when you are refueling.
If it’s worn down or cracked, the PCM will pick up the vacuum leak and display the check fuel inlet message on your dashboard.
3. Fuel Flap Not Closing Properly
Since your Ford Fusion has a capless fuel tank, it relies on a fuel tank flap to seal the opening of your gas tank.
The purpose of the fuel flap is to provide a secure seal for the fill inlet to prevent any leakage.
However, if the flapper springs are worn out, the fuel flap may open slightly, which can lead to the escape of fuel vapors.
How to Fix and Reset the “Check Fill Inlet” Warning?
Finally, let’s look at some of the things you can do to solve this issue.
Take the Car to a Ford Dealer/Qualified Repair Shop
I personally recommend taking your Fusion to the nearest dealer or any qualified Ford repair garage to have this problem checked out.
The mechanic will use a Ford-specific OBD scanner to check for codes; this is the most efficient way to go about fixing the problem since the codes stored by your Ford Fusion will pinpoint the main cause of this issue instead of throwing different parts at it.
If it turns out that your fuel flap is worn out or malfunctioning, they will replace it for you and reset the check engine light as well.
If you want to try to fix this issue yourself, then look at the steps below
Replace the Faulty Purge Valve
If you suspect that the purge valve is malfunctioning, it is best to have it replaced by a qualified technician. This task can be quite complex, especially for those who are not mechanically inclined.
Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy fix for someone who is experienced and affordable, depending on where you take your car.
Inspect and Replace the Fuel Filler Neck Seal
If you suspect a damaged fuel filler neck seal, you will need to examine it for wear and tear.
It’s located where you put the gas into your car. If you notice any damage or wear, you’ll need to replace the seal. Depending on your vehicle model, you may need to replace the entire fuel filler neck.
Inspect and Repair the Fuel Flap
The fuel flap in your Ford Fusion should close firmly to create a good seal.
If it doesn’t, you’ll need to investigate why. This might involve replacing the springs or the entire fuel flap if it’s not functioning properly.
After resolving the issue, you can clear the warning light from your dashboard by using an OBD II scanner.
Additional Sources
https://www.carparts.com/blog/what-does-a-check-fuel-fill-inlet-warning-mean/
https://www.thedrive.com/maintenance-repair/38046/purge-valve
https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-door-won-t-close-inspection