Updated at: 02-09-2022 - By: Lucas

You may be surprised to learn that your vehicle is not the only one to get the check fuel inlet error code. Ford vehicles, in particular those with the capless fuel filling system, are the most frequently affected by this issue.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the processes of proven solutions to the problem, which is why so many people are asking about it.

Because of a problem with the capless fuel lid or a sensor, a check for fuel intake error occurs. The simplest option is to use a gas station nozzle to cycle it in and out of the gasoline intake multiple times to break in the lids.

What Is The Fuel Inlet?

How To Fix The Check Fuel Inlet Code

The Ford Easy Gasoline capless fuel filler, as the name implies, removes the twist-on cap and uses it as a spring-loaded lid that automatically closes when the gas nozzle is removed.

The system’s main objective is to accomplish two things:

Splashback and fuel theft are both greatly reduced using the capless fuel filling method. Ford has used the technology in a variety of its models, including the Fusion, the F-150, the Explorer, the Mustang, and the Escape.

Why Does The Fuel Inlet Fail?

When it comes to design, the early Ford capless systems aren’t all that great. To prevent vapors from escaping, the Easy Fuel system depends on a spring-loaded hatch and the seal around the fuel door instead of a screw-in cap.

The lack of a cap, along with a few other defects in the design, can lead to more problems than they solve.

Fuel Door

We all know that spring tension on the fuel door mechanism reduces as time goes on, thus the door can sit loosely flush to the body.

Normal fuel systems are not affected by this, but Ford’s Easy Fuel does, and the sensor will thus report an EVAP (exhaust vacuum accumulator) leak or the “check fuel inlet” error number.

Capless System Seals

Water, debris, and other impurities can’t get into the gas tank because of the capless system’s reliance on a tight seal on the fuel door.

A bleed-off channel prevents pollutants from entering the gasoline tank, but its capless fuel outlet creates a funnel that attracts everything you don’t want to put in the tank.

EVAP leaks can be caused by small rocks and debris being stuck between the spring-loaded lid and the vehicle’s walls. Adding an additional flap at the very beginning of the inlet helped solve this problem in recent versions, but because it serves as the fuel door, it is also prone to loosing tension and allowing debris to enter the system.

Sensor Failure

The sensor that detects vapors and signals an error if they are escaping from the gas tank is the final piece of the puzzle.

Despite their precision, these sensors are extremely sensitive and can fail. Errors may be reported at random times or not at all if this happens.

How To Fix The Check Fuel Inlet Code

How To Fix The Check Fuel Inlet Code-2

It is not uncommon for the fuel inlet code to describe a bothersome issue that poses a threat to environmental safety but has no effect on the vehicle’s functionality. Even so, you should make an effort to resolve the problem and get your car, truck, or SUV back to its pre-accident condition.

You can clear the code in a variety of ways, so choose the one that is most convenient and cost-effective for you. There are three ways to clean a surface, and the only difference between them is in the cleaning solution.

Gas Station Nozzle

To put this strategy at the top of the list, I’ve decided to do so. Reset the error code by spraying fuel into the spring-loaded lid a few times and pushing the gas nozzle repeatedly into the fuel intake.

As you’re forming metal-to-metal contact, go slowly and methodically. To be on the safe side, give it 10–20 cycles. Disconnecting the battery or using an OBDII scanner to clear the error code is the final step.

Easy Fuel Funnel & WD-40

WD-40 is a godsend when it comes to auto repairs. A few cleaning solutions and a few minutes of your time are all that are required to complete this simple task. You can find the Easy Fuel Funnel next to the portable car jack, but if you don’t, I’ve suggested an affordable alternative.

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Easy Fuel Funnel & Seafoam

Using an OBDII scanner or removing the battery, you can clear the error code. I’ll go into more detail about this later.

Replace The Fuel Filler Pocket

This is my preferred approach because it uses Seafoam, one of the greatest fuel stabilizers and cleaners. The new procedure is completely risk-free and very comparable to the prior one.

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How To Delete The Fuel Inlet Error Code

How To Fix The Check Fuel Inlet Code-3

Due to the 1 ounce per gallon ratio, you can use as much or as little Seafoam as you choose. However, if you overdo it, all you have to do is fill the tank.

Refill The Fuel Tank With A New Cap.

You’ll need to replace the entire gasoline filler pocket if the filler pocket is damaged or the fuel door doesn’t close properly. Even a novice do-it-yourself mechanic may finish the job, but you must be careful not to harm any parts or the paint in the process.

If you have a Ford car with an Easy Fuel intake, then the methods outlined here will apply to your vehicle.

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Error Codes in the Fuel Inlet

Even if the underlying problem can be resolved by using the preceding approaches, the code still needs to be manually cleared.

First, unplug the battery terminals and leave them for a minute to clear the problem code. As a result, the ECU will be able to drain to the point where it may begin a fresh diagnostic cycle. If the problem is fixed, the fuel inlet error code will no longer appear.

For battery removal, first detach the negative (black) lead and then the positive (red) lead with a wrench or a socket. The positive lead should be connected first, then the negative, when re-connecting the battery.

Using this method may result in the loss of your radio stations and other data that is not permanently kept. Using an OBDII scanner is a far more convenient way to clear the fuel inlet error code or any other error code for that matter.

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It is possible to view and remove error codes with the OBDII scanner, which connects to the vehicle’s OBD 2 connection. Using this gadget saves you from having to make a trip to the mechanic and potentially incurring a repair bill.

FAQs

How do I reset my check fuel fill inlet?

To begin with, check sure the fault isn’t severe and that no gasoline or vapor is escaping from the tank’s lid or the gas fill entrance before attempting to reset the error code.

Remove the battery’s negative (black) and positive (red) leads to reset the light. Leave the vehicle to completely deplete the battery, then reconnect the positive and negative leads sequentially.

An OBD2 scanner can also be used to reset the fault codes. When it comes to spotting potential problems, these low-cost gadgets are a lifesaver.

Why does my car say check fuel inlet?

The most typical reason of a check fuel inlet code is a leaky seal that allows gasoline vapors to escape. As the vapors could ignite, there are some safety concerns, but the problem is also an environmental one because it pollutes the air.

Summary

A considerable number of drivers have complained about the capless petrol tank, yet the arrangement appears to be here to stay.

At the very least, following the instructions in this article should prevent the check fuel intake error code from displaying on your dashboard for the time being.

Remember to be safe and careful when working around the gas tank, because even though there are next to no risks involved, you’re dealing with a container filled with a very dangerous liquid.