Do you have a Ford F-150 and you have a “check fuel inlet” error message showing up? In this article, we are going to be looking into what this error message means and what you can do to get rid of it.
Error messages on your vehicle will naturally be a source of frustration especially if you don’t know what they mean. As far as the “check fuel inlet” message on your Ford F-150 is concerned there are a couple of possible reasons for it showing up.
In short, the “check fuel fill inlet” error message on an F150 comes up when there are issues with the pressurized seal that is between the gas cap and the gas tank. It means that there isn’t a sufficient vacuum being created between these two.
When this happens, the fuel pumping capability of the engine will be impeded meaning that engine performance will drop significantly due to not enough fuel being pumped into the engine.
What Causes “Check Fuel Fill Inlet”?
When you see this error message appear, there are several possible causes. The first and simplest of them is due to the gas cap not being closed properly. If you see this message soon after filling up your truck, this is most likely the cause.
To fix it, simply unscrew then screw back the gas cap and you are good to go. The other reason is a low gas tank. When the gas levels are very low, it is harder to pump fuel into the engine leading to the error appearing. Filling up your gas tank will often solve this problem.
You may see the error message go away immediately or you might have to drive for a few miles before the message goes away. The third reason is when there is poor gas flow from the fuel pump to the engine. This can be caused by a faulty pump, debris, or a blockage.
Fixing this problem will involve establishing where exactly the fault is and then tackling that. You will need to troubleshoot starting from the fuel pump and into the fuel lines to the engine to make sure there are blockages. If the pipes are not blocked then the problem will most likely be the fuel pump. In that case, you might need to replace it.
Can You Drive With Check Fuel Inlet Fault?
Is the “check fuel inlet” error something that you can ignore and drive your Ford with? Well, it is not advisable to do that because you could end up causing further damage to your vehicle.
It is crucial that you have a mechanic check it out and get it fixed. This issue, if left unattended can actually lead to an accident due to engine failure. When you see this error appear, have a trained mechanic take a look at it immediately, and do not risk driving the vehicle with that error.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix or Replace Fuel Inlet?
Depending on the gravity of the problem, the cost of fixing this issue can be anywhere from $0- $100. In the least severe situations, all you need to do is clean the vacuum seal to create a perfect seal and solve the problem.
In the most extreme of cases, you might need to replace a few parts which will most likely not cost you more than $100 in most places.
You might pay slightly more depending on the prices of parts where you stay. A fuel inlet valve will cost you around $48 or more depending on the quality. You may also need to replace fuel hoses or other related parts which may set you back a few more dollars.
My Thoughts
The “check fuel inlet” message on your F150 can be caused by several issues that range from minor to severe ones. At the end of the day, it simply means that the vacuum seal on the fuel inlet is not sealed properly or there are other blockages preventing fuel from getting into the engine.
Whatever the case may be, it is not a problem that you want to ignore. It has to be attended to immediately or it could potentially lead to more serious issues on your vehicle including damaging the fuel pump.