"Check fuel cap" message
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 7
From: Proctorsville VT
"Check fuel cap" message
'04 E350 5.4L 67K miles. Got an indicator light and display across odometer today while driving at highway speed. The gas cap seems OK to me but the indicators are not resetting.
Checking here first for experience before I clear codes or start looking for a replacement cap.
Checking here first for experience before I clear codes or start looking for a replacement cap.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 1
if the cap isn't the problem, there's probably a leak in the filler hose or one of the tank vent lines. this is the "evaporative emissions system", and must be in proper working order to pass the emissions test, but is not critical to the safe operation of the vehicle, so long as there isn't any fuel leaking out
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 7
From: Proctorsville VT
if the cap isn't the problem, there's probably a leak in the filler hose or one of the tank vent lines. this is the "evaporative emissions system", and must be in proper working order to pass the emissions test, but is not critical to the safe operation of the vehicle, so long as there isn't any fuel leaking out
Interesting thing about this van, when I bought it two years ago it started having problem with refueling. It wouldn't accept gas at any more than a trickle. Twenty minute-plus fill-ups. I posted the condition here and was directed to check the vent lines for obstruction. One suggestion involved snaking out the vents to clear any blockage. Fortunately, I never got to fooling around with it and the refueling issue resolved itself last year.
Now I have a different problem that may or may not be vent related. I will see how things respond to a couple of fill-ups and a new gas cap.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 7
From: Proctorsville VT
"Check fuel cap"= P0457
Further web searches on P0457 ("gas cap code") led to other forums. One guy described difficulty refueling his '06 Explorer. Gas vapor was tripping the automatic pump shut off and fill-ups were an ordeal (similar to my E350). He suspected the "solenoid valve near the tank" was bad and was causing the venting trouble. His truck then tripped P0457 (just like mine has). He changed the suspect solenoid valve and the problem was resolved. Easy job, $80 OEM part.
Anybody familiar enough with the E350 EVAP system to know what solenoid valve could be similar to the '06 Explorer story?
Anybody familiar enough with the E350 EVAP system to know what solenoid valve could be similar to the '06 Explorer story?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 411
Likes: 7
From: Proctorsville VT
Replaced the fuel cap with a recent fill-up. Cleared the code and so far so good.
Haynes manual shows Vapor Management valve as a control of vapor pressure. Seems to me this would involve excess pressure and not a leak. The Fuel Tank Pressure sensor is shown located on the tank and monitors pressure or vacuum. I'm reasoning that this is the sensor that could trip the MIL ("check fuel cap") since the PCM would read a missing cap as a leak (pressure differential tipped towards vacuum).
Anyway, all is well for now. I got a feeling I am not through with these issues though. Will follow up if refueling difficulty or MIL returns. The two conditions have to be somehow related.
Haynes manual shows Vapor Management valve as a control of vapor pressure. Seems to me this would involve excess pressure and not a leak. The Fuel Tank Pressure sensor is shown located on the tank and monitors pressure or vacuum. I'm reasoning that this is the sensor that could trip the MIL ("check fuel cap") since the PCM would read a missing cap as a leak (pressure differential tipped towards vacuum).
Anyway, all is well for now. I got a feeling I am not through with these issues though. Will follow up if refueling difficulty or MIL returns. The two conditions have to be somehow related.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Pdxjacob
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
May 9, 2016 01:57 PM
brunovidal
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
4
May 22, 2008 08:27 PM
