Anyone own a relatively new Ford Fiesta of Focus (Fuelling problem!)

Tiexen

The New Focus (12/2007-) spring-loaded tank flaps close off the upper end of the fuel tank filler pipe in place of the filler cap. The first spring-loaded tank flap features a locking mechanism which checks the filling station nozzle for the right size. This locking mechanism consists primarily of a slider and two releasing notches. The slider has the diameter matching the right filling station nozzle. When the correct filling station nozzle is inserted, the notches move inwards, releasing the slider which in return releases the spring-loaded first flap. Further insertion of the filling station nozzle opens the second flap which seals the tank against the environment.

The following steps for re-fuelling the fuel tank should be explained to the customer:

1. Insert the filling station nozzle so far that the first notch of the filling station nozzle can be hooked into the capless system cover. The filling station nozzle should not be inserted any further either. Likewise in case of filling the car at the roadside with a jerry-can the funnel needs to be inserted until the ring of the funnel rests behind the cover.

If the customer experiences difficulties at some filling stations it helps to drop the filling station nozzle until it rests on the fuel filler pipe cover.
- Re-fuel the fuel tank (automatic cut-off or manual handling)
- Do not change position of the fuel pump nozzle during refilling. The fuel flow will be interrupted prematurely.
It is recommended to refuel the fuel tank until the first automatic shut off of the filling station nozzle.
A further refuelling until the next automatic shut off could lead to fuel dripping from the fuel tank overflow pipe to the ground.
After fuelling the filling station nozzle should remain for 10 sec. to allow a remaining quantity of fuel to flow into the fuel tank. Otherwise this quantity of fuel will be drained via the fuel tank overflow pipe to the ground.

GolfBravo

Easy Fuel also has a patented mis-fueling inhibitor to reduce improper fueling and siphoning. The inhibitor consists of a fuel nozzle detector that guides the nozzle to the opening. If a nozzle or foreign tube of a different size – a diesel nozzle or plastic hose, for example – is placed in the filler neck of a gasoline-powered vehicle, the latches will not release.
The system also comes with a handy plastic funnel, which is stored with a vehicle’s tire changing kit, in case someone runs out of fuel and needs to add a gallon or two from a portable container. The funnel is the same diameter as an unleaded fuel pump nozzle for a gasoline-powered vehicle.

Try inserting the plastic funnel first, before even going to a petrol pump.

If that doesn't work ring Ford's roadside assistance (all new Fords come with that anyway, so why not use it) as there could be a problem with the Easy Fuel flap - they should definitely be able to help.

Tiexen

Video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FC5_S8UX-mQ

thegirlintheattic

You need to insert it at a slight angle - I can't really describe it but I had problems at first till I got the angle right.

If all else fails, use the plastic nozzel and a fuel can.

NBLondon

Tiexen wrote: »

The following steps for re-fuelling the fuel tank should be explained to the customer:

They never explained it to me when I picked up my Focus (11 plate petrol)

It's sort of line it up straight and short push to make the top flap release and then all the way in and down at an angle to fill.

Good luck!

loobs40

I have never ever had any problems refueling a car, until I got a Fiesta last year with this new system . The problem has been happening intermittently sometimes it works fine, other times not

Last week my son tried at two different petrol stations to fill up and both times ended up with the fuel on the ground or all over his clothes. Even the guy at the petrol station couldn't make it work.

Its very frustrating and potentially dangerous (split fuel). I'm getting it checked out at my local garage tomorrow, because something is clearly not right

Mr_Toad

Ford dealers are hardly a rarity.

Why don't you simply go in to one and ask them to show you how.

loobs40

Mr_Toad wrote: »

Ford dealers are hardly a rarity.

Why don't you simply go in to one and ask them to show you how.

Good idea, I'll take along my son, my husband and the guy from the Shell garage none of whom apparently have the wit to fill a car with diesel, despite collectively having owned and fueled different types of car for 90 years between us