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| SLOW FUEL FILL AND/OR DTC P0451 |
| FORD: | 2005-2008 Escape Hybrid, Escape |
| MERCURY: | 2005-2008 Mariner 2006-2008 Mariner Hybrid |
2005-2008 Escape, Escape Hybrid, Mariner and 2006-2008 Mariner Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a slow fuel fill concern or a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0451 present.
The condition may be caused by water/moisture or other contamination entering the fuel filler vent line and then freezing and/or causing a blockage.
ACTION:
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition by relocating the fuel filler vent line.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
When performing this procedure it is not necessary to:
- Drain any fuel from the tank
- Remove the stone shield from the filler pipe
- Disconnect the filler pipe from the fuel tank
NOTE: ANY WATER/MOISTURE OR OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE EVAPORATIVE VENT SYSTEM MUST BE REMOVED.
- With the vehicle in neutral, position it on a hoist.
- Remove the left rear wheel.
- Remove the fuel filler cap.
- Remove the two (2) upper filler pipe mounting screws.
- Remove the single lower filler pipe mounting screw.
- Carefully pull the upper end of the filler pipe away from the inner wheel well to gain access to the vent line.
- Cut any tape or plastic straps holding the black plastic convoluted vent line to the filler pipe or underbody.
- Pull the black plastic convoluted vent line underneath the vehicle.
- Remove the vent line from the dust separator attached to the canister assembly and clear out the line using compressed air.
- Inspect the dust separator for water/moisture or any obstruction. If water/moisture or obstructions are present follow Workshop Manual (WSM), pinpoint test A. If no water/moisture or obstructions are present reattach vent line to dust separator and continue to next step.
- Remove but do not discard the spider screen (vent cap) from the end of the vent line.
- Measuring from the open end of the vent line, cut off and discard the last 13″ (35 cm).
- Reinstall the spider screen (vent cap) in the vent line.
- Route the shortened vent line and spider screen (vent cap) as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
- Push the spider screen (vent cap) at least 2″ (50 mm) into the open subframe and body section alignment hole.
- Secure the vent line to the fuel tank strap with a plastic tie strap.
- Reposition the filler pipe into its original position.
- Install the lower filler pipe mounting screw and tighten to 89 lb-in (10 N-m).
- Install the two (2) upper filler pipe mounting screws and tighten to 27 lb-in (3 N-m).
- Install the fuel filler cap.
- Reinstall the wheel and tighten to 98 lb-ft (133 N-m).
- Lower the vehicle from the hoist.
