Fuel Filler Cap

[Samsonator]

Hi all,

Yet another question! I'm sure after I've owned my Focus for a while, I will be able to answer some queries instead of asking :)

So I filled up my Focus for the first time (it had a full tank when I got it and I've now done about 500 miles). I could not seem to get the cap to go onto the filler opening in a satisfactory way - it was loose and just came off in your hand. I went home and fiddled more with it and managed to eventually get it in a position where you could not pull it off, but I don't really like it. I like a nice screw on one or one with a key to lock it in place.

Is the standard one a bit wobbly normally? I don't know if this one is standard but it has a Ford sticker on it - I don't think it is though because it's flimsy and does not match the build quality of the rest of the car!

I may buy a replacement one as there are plenty of after market ones out there - also I've heard that cars often fail their MOTs if the cap is too loose, so this is not a luxury upgrade!

Has anyone else replaced their filler cap on a Focus and which types seem to work well?

Cheers,

S

[STEADS]

Are you sure its supposed to have one i,ve got an 08 tdci it it doesnt have one and i,ve heard of quite a few that dont is your petrol or deiesel

[Samsonator]

This is a petrol - I've never not had one on a car!

[artscot79]

The mk2 petrol has it it should have recommends bp on it and should easily pop on turn and make a ratchet sound its best just to use an original like this http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=330880250001&index=8&nav=SEARCH&nid=26488093208

[Samsonator]

It does have "Ford recommends BP" so perhaps it is original. Turning to the ratchet sound - it still comes off loosely. It took me 5 mins to get it to stick! Must just be warn out a bit or something. I'll see how it is next time I fill up - maybe if there is just a knack to this one it will be ok!

[pcoops83]

I've got a 58 plate petrol focus and its got what's called a capless fuel system. This means it does not need a cap, as there is a flap inside which closed over the hole. its held in place by what I can only describe a buttons which the nozzle off the fuel pump press to open when filling up. If you search for capless system on Google there's plenty on it.

[artscot79]

The cap undoes easily to test put cap on till the ratchet sound dont try to undo it try pulling it up if it doesnt come off its fine theres hardly any movement between tightening it and taking it off

[Blue4life64]

I've got a 58 plate petrol focus and its got what's called a capless fuel system. This means it does not need a cap, as there is a flap inside which closed over the hole. its held in place by what I can only describe a buttons which the nozzle off the fuel pump press to open when filling up. If you search for capless system on Google there's plenty on it.

ive got a 08 plate focus and im having loads of problems filling up, the pump keeps clicking as if its full when it isn't have you had the same problem ? I would like to hear if you have cheers

[pcoops83]

ive got a 08 plate focus and im having loads of problems filling up, the pump keeps clicking as if its full when it isn't have you had the same problem ? I would like to hear if you have cheers

Hi. I've had that happen only the once since getting the car (nearly 3 years ago). Its to do with the angle of the pump nozzle when you put it in the tank. I find if you put the nozzle in as far as it will go, then tilt it forward slightly it works fine.

[Blue4life64]

Hi. I've had that happen only the once since getting the car (nearly 3 years ago). Its to do with the angle of the pump nozzle when you put it in the tank. I find if you put the nozzle in as far as it will go, then tilt it forward slightly it works fine.

I actually tried this today and didn't have any joy, even tried using the plastic insert which your suppose to use with the can, and the fuel just came back up.

[Stoney871]

Don't pull the pump lever fully in, just enough for it to run.

Obviously full pressure is too much for the size of the filler pipe and the reflow sensor.

[Blue4life64]

Don't pull the pump lever fully in, just enough for it to run.

Obviously full pressure is too much for the size of the filler pipe and the reflow sensor.

I noticed while searching today that someone said this, so I decided id try it, But still the same ? I'm wondering if its something to do with maybe one of the flaps sticking ?

Its really annoying now and I was getting some looks today as to why I didn't seem to be moving off forecourt which others were.

[Andy H Dibley]

Wouldn't worry about people looking at you, you have just as much right to take your time filling up as the next person.

Have you tried other forecourts? I have the opppsite it seems, I use a BP garage all the time, but once I used the Shell near my work. At a BP I go for three auto off clicks to know I'm full up. At Shell it did the first one, then by the second I was spilling it out the top. Just a little embarrassing.

The flaps are too high up I would've thought to be causing you problems. They are rights at the entrance and move aside as soon as the correct fuel nozzle is inserted.

[ffz]

First time I filled (or tried) the Focus up, I blocked my card in the pay at pumps. Turned out the filler nozzle was damaged, and not opening my cap. Just by chance, my partners Dad turned up and paid for the fuel. I probably never paid him back, come to think of it.

I only get the problem you have described at one pump at my local Sainsbury's station