What Does Ford Check Fuel Fill Inlet Error Message Mean?

This is a common problem for Ford vehicles, including the F150, Mustangs, or any Ford Capless Fuel System.

The No Cap system was created to eliminate the gas cap and make filing gas easier by simply inserting the nozzle.

While a nice innovation, it has caused some issues, mainly with the Check Fuel Fill Inlet message.

What Does Ford Check Fuel Fill Inlet Error Mean?

The Check Fuel Fill Inlet message means the onboard computer (ECM/PCM) sees the door on the gas inlet as open.

Many new Ford vehicles use a no gas cap inlet that uses a spring-loaded latch to automatically close.

When the latch does not close completely, the message will be given.

Possible Causes of Ford Check Fuel Fill Inlet Error

• Debris or Grim on Inlet
• Bad Seal
• Locking Filler Plug
• Evap Leak
• Faulty Sensor

How Do I Fix Ford Check Fuel Fill Inlet Error?

Fixing the error is usually done by cleaning the surface around the gas inlet latch with cleaner, compressed air, and the small tube that comes with the vehicle.

The small tube is usually located in the trunk with the spare tire.

The latch and inlet can be cleaned with a rag wiping away any debris that may be blocking the inlet from closing all the way.

Compressed air can also be used to blow out any small debris.

Using the funnel, the small door latch can be open and shut to help clear out anything that may be blocking it from closing all the way.

Once the inlet is cleaned of any debris, the message should clear. Sometimes the vehicle needs to be driven 5-10 miles before the message goes away.

Check Fuel Fill Inlet Message Will Not Clear After Cleaning Inlet

If the message does not clear after cleaning the inlet, there may be a problem with the Evap system.

The Evap system prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.

The gas tank is sealed, so no vapors are vented, but they are fed back into the engine to be burned away.

This includes the purge valve or a leak in the Evap system.

The inlet sensor can also go bad and need to be replaced.

In some cases, the fuel filler tube needs to be replaced.

If the car or truck does have an Evap problem, an error code will usually be able to be read with an OBDII scan tool.

Summary
If you get a Check Fuel Fill Inlet error message, it can usually be cleared by cleaning away any dirt or debris from the gas inlet.

Using a combination of compressed air, cleaner, and a rag, the inlet can be cleaned and the inlet latch closed.

After cleaning the inlet, the message will usually go away, but in some cases, the vehicle needs to be driven for 5-10 miles before it clears.

If the message does not clear, there might be a problem with the Evap system, or the sensor on the inlet may have gone bad.

Most cars and trucks will still run well but will not pass an emission test until the error is cleared.