The indication of “check fuel fill inlet” (CFFI) is not a strange alert in vehicles (especially Ford ones). So, what does check fuel fill inlet mean?
Sometimes, the sign may indicate Ford easy fill gas cap problems like the capless gas tank evap leak. But sometimes, it comes as a result of other issues.
It could be a big question for those who have noticed this indicator for the first time. That said, even many experienced drivers are clueless about the message. The understanding requires some mechanical engineering knowledge.
Don’t worry if you know nothing of this recall. This article is to help you learn more about this vehicle technology.
What Does Check Fuel Fill Inlet Mean?
What is Fuel Fill Inlet?
The “CFFI” is a warning to signify problems of the vehicles. They could be a failure of the gas tank or somewhere else. Whatever they are, it is still important to know what the fuel fill inlet is. Otherwise, you may find identifying and removing the warning light difficult.
Luckily, this point is never a complicated thing for you to understand. The “fuel fill inlet” is the term used to call the location where the vehicle gets fuel. For better understanding, it contains a gas cap and an input line. Without this part, it is possible to fill the fuel needed for the vehicle.
What Does Check Fuel Fill Inlet Mean?
On the drive, the message of CFFI can appear in the dashboard. It may be the sign of the following possible issues related to the fuel cap.
- The car misses its cap.
- The car runs with a loose cap.
- The car has a broken cap.
- Mechanics may screw the cap too tightly.
- Debris clinging to the inlet.
- Debris got stuck inside the inlet.
- A possible leak happens in the vacuum pressure.
Do these possibilities hit the same in different models of motor vehicles? For example, what does check fuel fill inlet mean on Ford F150?
The answer is exactly YES. This notification could be the Ford F150 check fuel fill inlet warning. Also, it is the 2010 Ford Escape check fuel fill inlet light. Besides, many drivers find this as the 2011 Ford Fusion check fuel fill inlet message and 2012 Ford Escape check fuel fill inlet.
The alert light often glows slightly on the transport. When the ignition starts, this indicator gradually disappears. If it does not, the problem comes. As we mentioned above, the troubles can relate to the vehicle emissions control, the cap of the fuel tank, etc..
The “CFFI” technology features a color-coded notification. The system includes green, blue, amber, and red. Issues will be less urgent if the light turns green or blue. However, the severity stands on a higher level with the red or amber light. Then, it is time to have your car checked by a mechanic.
What Exactly Are Possible Causes Of This Warning?
Missing Fuel Cap
You cannot stop the fuel from leaking from the gas tank and the inlet with a careless driving routine. For instance, if you see the warning with a Ford car, it could be Ford gas cap problems.
In particular, the modern vehicle models are more sophisticated for detecting the gas cap absence. Or you may forget to take the cap into its place after refueling. Hence, it is important to do a double-check with the cap.
Fuel Tank Is Not Closed Properly
You are so sure that the gas tank has already got covered. However, improper coverage sometimes comes as a cause. At the same time, the vehicle dashboard will shock you with the warning light.
To put it simply, the issue results from improper pressure management in the gas tank. In other words, you forget to tighten the gas cap.
However, you do not have to worry too much. As a solution, most gas caps nowadays can produce a “clicking” sound when they get tightly snapped.
Gas Cap Is Closed Too Tight
The gas cap staying open can be a big damage for your car. On the other hand, the one which gets closed too tightly is also a bad story.
A gas cap often features silicone or rubbers as a sealing for the gas tank when you fasten this part. The tight screw may hurt the silicone components or the locking mechanism. Consequently, it leaves the pressure inside the gas tank and causes the warning light to glow.
Dirt Build-up At the Fuel Tank’s Opening
The filler inlet or neck is not only an opening where you can refuel your vehicles. But it also plays an essential role in the whole gas system that drivers tend to neglect. In other words, the inlet works as a link to the vehicle gas tank. It provides the passage for the fuel to go through the tank while refueling.
Materials of the inlets can be plastic or metal. Despite sturdiness, it probably deteriorates over time due to the dirt buildup.
Dirt Build-up At the Fuel Cap
Like the case of a gas tank, the dirt buildup in the cap can cause the warning to drive you insane. It activates the message light when there is a big amount of dirt in the cap.
Although it is a simple task, many drivers regularly neglect to clean the cap. Over months or even days, the dirt deposit can damage the engine. At the same time, you will have to spend more time and money fixing the possible issues.
Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) Leak
The Evaporative Emission Control System might cause the inlet light to be on.
The mechanic will scan it with the onboard diagnostic scanner (OBD-II) when the warning light glows. If he discovers a fault code like P0456 – P0457, it indicates a leakage in the EVAP.
This issue is a consequence of small things such as a defective cap or broken EVAP. The leakage in EVAP often does not cause severe damage to the engine. However, toxic gasses leak can be harmful to the atmosphere.
Vacuum Pressure Leak
For the steady pressure in the gas tank, both the pump and engine need to get an adequate amount of fuel. Besides, the tank forms the vacuum pressure, which seals around the cap. This structure ensures that the pressure will not leak at all. Hence, if the leakage happens, it might activate the warning light.
Damaged Fuel Cap
In the damaged condition, the cap loses its ability to seal the gas tank’s pressure correctly. There will be leakage on the tank with the “CFFI” notification for days.
In case the system detects no issue, we suggest replacing the cap. Then, the light will shut off after a few days.
What’re the Solutions?
There is no need to panic when you find the check fuel fill inlet check engine light, Ford escape gas cap light, etc. The vehicle can still run to get to your final destination. I just signify you to pay more attention to things like 2010 ford fusion gas cap problems, 2010 ford fusion fuel fill inlet recall, etc..
How do I fix check fuel fill inlet? Below are several ways of transportation engineering which can help at ease.
Checking The Whole Vehicle
Right after the dashboard displays a “CFFI” warning light, you’d be better off stopping the vehicle. Then, it is time to check the inlet first. An unsealed gas tank may lead to evaporation of gas-related pollutants.
Replacing Gas Caps
Another way is to replace a damaged or cracked gas cap as soon as possible. You can find the alternatives in mechanical stores of manufactured goods.
Without an in-good-condition gas cap, some severe damage to the engine will not come immediately. It is also not that the car won’t start right after turning off. However, they tend to arise day by day. Thus, cautiousness helps to avoid unnecessary problems in the future.
Consulting The Manual
If you are unsure what to do, we suggest finding help in the owner’s handbook. Otherwise, taking the car to a mechanical shop is not a bad idea. That said, you should spend time learning about fundamental knowledge first.
Driving
After you fixed the issues, the warning light could not go immediately. It takes time to reset the system. Hence, you have to drive for miles before the light goes out.
Consulting The Warranty
The car warranty typically covers the whole vehicle (maybe the fuel fill inlet included or excluded). If you are unsure, let’s check the information with your auto dealer.
Cleaning The Inlet
The dirt buildup is also a common cause to encourage the warning light. Dirt sticking into this position obstructs the engine sealing and results in leakage. Cleaning the components regularly is a good way of prevention.
Conclusion
So, what does check fuel fill inlet mean? It will surely let you know a lot of issues related to your vehicles. Sometimes, the problems are simple for you to fix yourselves. But sometimes, it would be better to ask a mechanic for help.
For any further explanation like fuel fill inlet replacement, stay tuned and wait for upcoming helpful articles.