Having the “check engine” light illuminate on the dashboard of your Ford F-150 can be stressful. However, the good news is that many causes of “check engine” lights are relatively simple and inexpensive fixes.
If your engine light is associated with a “check fuel fill inlet” error, what does this mean?
While there are many potential causes for this error message, most instances can be addressed by simply opening and closing your gas cap.
What causes this error message to begin with? And what if opening and closing your Ford F-150‘s fuel cap doesn’t do the trick? We’ve got answers to this and more in the article below.
Understanding the F-150’s Fuel Tank Inlet
Every Ford F-150 is equipped with a part known as a fuel tank inlet. The purpose of this part is to ensure a pressurized vacuum seal between the fuel cap and the fuel tank.
Some more recent Ford F-150 models are equipped with “capless” fuel tank systems, which do not have gas caps. These models still have fuel tank inlets that play the same important role, though the design is a bit different.
What Does a “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” Error Mean on an F-150?
If your F-150’s “check engine” light has turned on and a diagnostic code has traced the issue back to a “check fuel fill inlet” message, this means that there’s a problem with the pressurized seal between the gas cap and the tank.
There are many potential causes of this issue, but the most common is a loose gas cap or a gas cap that has otherwise not been closed properly. If your “check engine” light came on after you filled up your tank, this is a likely cause.
Fortunately, this is a quick and simple fix. Simply unscrew the gas cap and then screw it back on. The error message may go away immediately, or you may need to drive around for a few minutes before it shuts off.
If this doesn’t do the trick, you might be dealing with dirt or debris preventing a proper seal. You can fix this by cleaning around the seal itself, the process of which is detailed in this YouTube video.
Still receiving an error message? You might have an actual leak in your fuel fill inlet valve. Over time, these seals can break down and need to be replaced. If this is the case, you will probably see visible debris and damage around the gas cap itself.
Even if you need your fuel fill inlet valve replaced, this is a relatively quick and affordable repair at your local Ford service center.
Is a Ford F-150 the Right Truck for You?
“Check engine” warnings can be unsettling, but the good news is that errors like “check fuel fill inlet” are usually quite simple to address. Still debating a pre-owned F-150 for your next vehicle? Find out more about this truck by checking its Vehicle History.
