The check fuel fill inlet warning light is among the most common alerts in Ford vehicles. This indicator light may take you by surprise the first time you notice it, mainly because most car owners are clueless about its significance.
You might be perplexed if you see this warning sign on your car’s dashboard. You might find yourself staring at your dash and wondering what the hell does “check fuel fill inlet” mean? Don’t worry; many drivers have been there.
The “check fuel fill inlet” warning light may be a sign of the following:
- A missing fuel cap
- A loose fuel cap
- A damaged fuel cap
- Fuel pap is screwed on too tight
- There is debris in the fuel fill inlet
- Possible debris stuck in fuel fill inlet
- A vacuum pressure leak
All vehicles include a series of dashboard warning lights corresponding to various systems, like the check fuel fill inlet light or the check gas cap indicator light. When you turn on the ignition, these lights will glow briefly on most vehicles but will quickly go away once the engine starts.
When one or more of these indicator lights remain on while the engine operates, your vehicle may have a problem.
Dashboard indicator lights are colour-coded in red, blue, green, and amber to indicate the severity of the issue. Blue and green alert lights are less urgent, while red and amber coloured lights indicate a more pressing issue. We recommend that when you see a blue or green indicator light, you take the same preventive measures as you would with a more severe light to avoid causing damage to your vehicle.
When it’s safe to do so, it’s best to come to a complete stop and take a look at your car’s owner’s manual for additional guidance before proceeding with your trip.
Your vehicle is built with a message box on the dashboard, and you may sometimes notice alerts displayed on it. Check Fuel Fill Inlet will be one of these alerts. Discover what “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” means below, and then learn how to resolve the issue that caused it.
Table of Contents
What is Fuel Fill Inlet?
As we explore what the Check Fuel Fill Inlet warning may signify for your vehicle, it’s critical to understand its function and what a fuel fill inlet is. Otherwise, you will be unaware of the steps necessary to remove the Check Fuel Fill Inlet warning light. Luckily, determining what the fuel fill inlet is and why it’s so critical isn’t too complicated.
The term “fuel fill inlet” refers to the location of your car where the fuel is fed. This contains the gas cap and the input line that runs directly into your vehicle’s fuel tank. It’s undoubtedly a necessary component of your automobile because, without it, you wouldn’t be able to fill it with the fuel it requires to run.
In some cases, your vehicle’s “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” will seem to come on out of nowhere. If the Check Fuel Fill Inlet warning light occurs in your vehicle’s message center, you’ll want to check out the fuel fill inlet to determine what seems to be the issue.
What Does This Warning Light Mean?
Alright, now that you understand where the problem with your car’s fuel fill inlet might be occurring, let’s discuss what this alert truly implies when it shows on your vehicle’s dashboard. It can signify various things, but in most cases, it signifies that you might have an issue with your car’s gas cap.
If you see that your “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” warning light is active, the very first thing you should do is remove your gas cap and refasten it. If that doesn’t work, you can purchase a new cap and replace it. There’s a strong probability that you simply did not secure it properly the last time you opened your gas tank and refueled your car, so always check this first.
A loose gas cap may be the cause of the flashing of the “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” warning light on your dashboard. However, if adjusting the gas cap doesn’t resolve the issue, you’re going to have to dig a little further to determine why your dashboard warning light is still glowing.
Possible Causes Of Check Fuel Fill Inlet Warning
One of the most typical causes of a check fuel fill inlet light is a loose or broken fuel cap. However, even though this is the most prevalent cause, this is not the sole reason for the warning’s display on your car’s dashboard.
Other significant problems with your fuel inlet may also result in a random appearance of the check fuel fill inlet light. Your check fuel fill inlet alert may turn on unexpectedly due to the following reasons listed below:
Missing Fuel Cap
Generally, it takes some really careless driving to cause fuel to seep from the neck of the fuel tank and through the fuel fill inlet. A more typical indicator that your fuel cap is gone is a check engine light or the check fuel fill inlet light, which appears on your dashboard when your car’s system determines that there are fuel leaks or the fuel tank pressure is not optimized. Modern car systems are highly sophisticated to detect the absence of a fuel cap.
Sometimes we make the mistake of forgetting our fuel cap after we put down the fuel nozzle at the gas station. If you notice this light a few minutes after refueling, it’s a smart idea to pull over and double-check if your fuel cap is still present and securely fastened.
Fuel Tank Is Not Closed Properly
An improperly covered fuel tank may cause your car’s dashboard to shock you with a Check Fuel Fill Inlet warning light. This is due to improper pressure management inside your fuel tank. Forgetting to tighten your fuel cap can lead to a flashing warning light on your dashboard.
Most fuel caps are intended to make a clicking sound right after they are firmly closed. This is your fuel cap’s way of letting you know that it is properly tightened.
Fuel Cap Is Closed Too Tight
Your car’s fuel fill inlet cap is built and designed with rubbers or silicone to seal the fuel tank every time you close it. A tightly screwed fuel cap may damage its locking mechanism or the rubber components. This damage may lead to the pressure inside your fuel tank escaping and cause a “check fuel fill inlet” warning light on your dashboard to glow.
Dirt Build-up At the Fuel Tank’s Opening
The fuel filler neck or the inlet not only serves as an opening for your car’s refueling. It’s also a critical part of your car’s fuel system that is sometimes neglected. The fuel fill inlet is linked to the fuel tank, providing a passage for the gas to enter the tank while filling.
Typically, fuel fill inlets are composed of metal or plastic, which, although sturdy, may deteriorate or have a dirt build-up with time. A dirty or defective fuel fill inlet may cause your “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” warning light to activate.
Dirt Build-up At the Fuel Cap
Same as the reasons mentioned above, a dirty fuel cap may also cause the same issues. A dirty fuel cap can activate a warning light on your car’s dashboard and may cause issues if neglected. Cleaning a dirty fuel cap is a simple task. If you notice a dirt build-up on your fuel cap, clean it right away before it damages your vehicle and forces you to spend more on repairs.
Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) Leak
An EVAP leak might cause your vehicle’s check engine light or check fuel fill inlet light to glow. If your car’s check fuel fill inlet light is on and your mechanic scans it with an on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) scanner and discovers fault codes like P0455 or P0456, this indicates that a leak exists somewhere within your evaporative emission control system.
It might be triggered by anything as little as a defective or loose fuel cap, or it could be provoked by something more substantial, such as a broken EVAP system part.
While an evaporative emission control system leakage is unlikely to cause significant damage to the car, it is something to be taken seriously since a leaky EVAP system indicates that toxic gases are discharging into the atmosphere.
Vacuum Pressure Leak
A steady pressure within the fuel tank is required to ensure that the pump and the engine are adequately supplied with fuel. The gas tank may form a vacuum pressure seal around the fuel cap if that pressure leaks somewhere in your car’s fuel system. The vehicle’s computer would detect it send the message on your dashboard by displaying the “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” light.
Loose Fuel Cap
Your car’s fuel cap should make a clicking sound when you twist it closed; that’s how gas caps let you know they’re properly sealed. However, if it clicks and then breaks loose again, it may be time to check what’s wrong with the locking mechanism of both the cap and the fuel tank fill inlet or replace the cap with a new one.
Damaged Fuel Cap
A damaged fuel cap cannot correctly seal the pressure inside your car’s gas tank. It’s the primary reason for the pressure on your tank to leak and cause your “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” warning light to switch on. If the system detects no other issues, replacing your gas cap with a new one should let the dashboard’s warning light shut off after a few days.
Ways to Check the Fuel Fill Inlet of Your Car
As a car owner, seeing a warning light on your dashboard might cause you to worry. As soon as you see your “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” warning light, you might want to find out immediately what is wrong. Thankfully, we have these simple solutions listed below; these are the very first measures you should take after seeing the warning light flashing on your dashboard.
Keep in mind that this is just a basic solution you can do. If the problem remains after each of these steps, you should consult the nearest mechanic in your area.
Visually Inspect the Gas Cap and Seal
Thoroughly check the gas cap and the seals; the seals must be free of cracks and should be intact. Additionally, the gas cap must be in excellent shape and firmly latched.
Inspect the Fuel Fill Inlet
Physically inspect the fuel tank fill inlet. If it is too dark, use a light to check the inside and outside of the fuel fill inlet. Examine it for rips, cracks, or other flaws. Even a slight tear can result in significant fissures in the future.
Repair or Replace Any Damaged Components
You must immediately repair any damaged components after your visual evaluation. You should seek help from a qualified mechanic. Utilize only brand new parts to prolong the life of your car’s fuel fill opening.
Examine the Dashboard Panel
If you change the broken components successfully, the dashboard should no longer show any warnings. However, if a warning light continues to illuminate on your dash, repeat the instructions and be sure to verify all areas related to your fuel fill intake.
Tips for Dealing with the “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” Warning Light
You may wonder about this warning light coming up, but there’s no reason to panic. Your car will still run, and you can still use it to get to your destination. It just needs your attention for the minor issues it’s having sooner than later. Below are the ways to deal with a “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” warning light that can help put you at ease.
Check Your Vehicle Immediately After the Warning Light Appears
Right after the “check fuel fill inlet” warning displays on your dash, pull over to a side road and inspect your fuel fill inlet. A gas tank that isn’t sealed might leak evaporative pollutants, so don’t ignore the warning.
Replace A Damaged Gas Caps Right Away
You should always replace a cracked or damaged gas cap promptly. Even without a whole gas cap, running your car will not immediately cause severe harm to your engine. However, issues will arise over time and may cause problems with the surrounding components. Being cautious will prevent unnecessary damage.
The Names “Capless Fill Inlet” and “Fuel Fill Inlet” are The Same Thing
These two names have the same meaning. Thus, when a vehicle technician discusses the fuel fill inlet with you, they also discuss the capless fuel fill inlet or capless fuel system. Although it is referred regarded as “capless,” the system still employs caps or flaps to avoid petrol leakage. Therefore, both the capless fuel inlets and traditional gas caps “check fuel fill inlet” warnings apply to the same gas leak problem.
When In Doubt, Consult the Owner’s Manual
If you’re unsure what to do, it’s a good idea to consult the owner’s handbook. If you are unfamiliar with fuel fill inlet, you may take your vehicle to an auto shop for service. However, it is recommended that you learn the fundamentals from your owner’s manual. Please spare some time to read it thoroughly.
The Warning “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” Should Go Afterward
Once you’ve fixed the problem, the warning light should go. Keep in mind that it may not immediately reset. You may need to drive a couple of miles before the “check fuel fill inlet” warning light will go out.
Consult Your Vehicle’s Warranty to Determine If the Fuel Fill Inlet Fix Is Covered
Typically, car warranties cover the entirety of the vehicle, such as the fuel fill inlet. Some extended warranties may also cover it. You can ask the auto dealer about this specific car component. It is prudent to read the fine language of your warranty carefully.
Clean the Fuel Fill Inlet Regularly
To avoid dirt buildup, it’s recommended that you scrape the gasoline fill inlet regularly. Debris may obstruct the seal or flaps’ proper sealing, causing fuel leakage. If you lack the courage or abilities to fix your car yourself, you may always bring it to a professional mechanic or automotive shop.
Conclusion
The warning “check fuel fill inlet” on your car’s dashboard indicates that there has been a leak in the evaporative emissions control system (EVAP) of your vehicle or at the fuel fill inlet.
When this message appears on your dash, inspect to ensure that the fuel tank is sealed correctly and that the inlet pipe is free of leaks.
After you’ve resolved the issue, the warning light on your dashboard should go off. Your car may not immediately reset. It’s common for the light to stay on for a few miles after the issue is resolved. If the light stays on for hours or days, it’s a good idea to revisit the problem and determine if there’s still something wrong.
FAQs
Is check fuel fill inlet bad?
The “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” warning is not that bad if you respond to it immediately. Any minor issues that need your attention eventually become a big headache if you neglect them. Paying attention to the signs your car shows and responding to them right away is a smart way to extend your car’s lifespan.
How much does it cost to fix a fuel fill inlet?
Suppose your mechanic discovers that your vehicle has a defective gas cap, making your “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” warning glow. You’re looking at the cost of around $70 to replace your gas cap.
That’s a reasonably small fee to spend for a part that’s critical in keeping the rest of your car’s fuel system running smoothly. However, there is a possibility that the mechanic may have to dig a bit more to switch off the “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” alert.
Detecting and repairing a vacuum pressure leak will require more than changing a defective gas cap. Despite this, you don’t have to pay an excessive amount of cash to have the “Check Fuel Fill Inlet” light go away. Most repairs to this system are minor fixes.
How do I reset my check fuel fill inlet?
If examining, cleaning, fixing, and replacing your fuel fill inlet or your gas cap doesn’t work or resolve the warning light issue, you may have to get your vehicle’s computer system scanned to get the fault codes. Numerous automobile shops provide scanning services; some even offer free scans! Shop around to find a mechanic who can help you.
