What does “check fuel filler” mean?
If your car says “check fuel filler,” you’re driving a Ford, because Ford is currently the only automaker that uses this exact term for its vehicles. If you drive an Escape, an F150, or something else entirely, it’s a Ford.
But before you curse Ford for adding something to your car, a “check fuel filler” feature could save you a lot of extra troubleshooting and expensive, unnecessary visits to the mechanic. What is a tank filler neck?A filler neck is another term that refers to where you actually put fuel in your vehicle.
This is true whether you have a traditional gas cap or one of the more advanced systems with a capless gas tank. It’s a part of your car that all drivers know how to handle, even if they don’t know the correct terminology.
What does the “Check Tank Filler Neck” warning mean?The “Check Tank Filler” warning means that the EVAP sensor has detected a fuel vapor leak on or in the fuel tank. More specifically, it indicates that the leak is coming from the fuel filler neck. This occurs if the gas cap is missing or the seal on the gas cap is not working properly. So, if your vehicle has a “Check Fuel Filler Neck” light on, it’s because the fuel filler neck isn’t sealing properly. Other Ford Warnings: Service AdvanceTrac and Hill Start Assist are not available
Is it safe to continue driving?
If your Fusion, Explorer, or other Ford vehicle has a “Check Fuel Filler Neck” light on, it’s usually not the worst thing. However, it depends on why the light is on. There’s a good reason for that. First, fuel vapors can escape the fuel tank and get into your vehicle. Suffice it to say that the smell of gasoline in your car is not only unpleasant, but downright dangerous.
Secondly, if the fuel tank is not sealed tightly, dirt and grime can get into it. Over time, this dirt and grime can contaminate the system and cause costly damage. This won’t happen right away, but it can happen if you leave the gas cap open for too long.
How to Fix the Problem
The first thing you want to know when your car’s “check fuel cap” light comes on is how to fix it and make it go away. If you get this particular warning message, the first thing you need to do is rule out a simple cause.
Let’s start by looking at the fuel cap. Remove it and check the seal.
- If it’s cracked or broken, that’s probably the culprit.
- If not, put the gas cap back on and see if the message still appears.
- If the light doesn’t go away after that, you may need to put the gas cap back on.
- This is usually caused by a damaged seal, even if it’s not visible. If putting the gas cap back on doesn’t make the code go away, you’ll need to use an OBD2 diagnostic tool to see if there are any other underlying codes. Additionally, you can use a scanner to check the readings of various sensors to find out exactly what’s going on that’s causing the “Check Fuel Filler Neck” light to come on.
How to Clear (Reset) the “Check Fuel Filler Neck” Message
Whether you’re driving a Mustang, Taurus, or Edge, if you see the “Check Fuel Filler” message, you’ll want to know how to turn it off.
But if you’re looking for the magic combination to reset the “Check Fuel Filler Neck” message, you’re out of luck. Clearing and resetting this message will begin the process of fixing the underlying problem. Next, turn off the vehicle, remove the keys, remove the gas cap, put it back on, and start the vehicle again.
This will usually reset the message completely, but in some cases you may need to drive the car a few more miles from there. This should theoretically clear the code, but if it doesn’t, try disconnecting the battery, leaving the vehicle for 5-10 minutes, then reconnecting the battery.
This will hard reset the entire system, but there is still a chance this won’t clear the issue as the underlying issue is still present. As with any warning light or message, the first step is to address why the light is on in the first place.
