Fuel Tank - Pump Shuts Off Before Tank Is Full
Article No.00-4-4
FUEL - FUEL PUMP HANDLE SHUTS OFF WHILE FILLING BEFORE TANK IS FULL
FORD:
1999-2000 WINDSTAR
ISSUE
The fuel pump handle may shut off while filling vehicle before tank is full on some vehicles. This may be caused by variations in the fuel filler station pump or by obstructions in the carbon canister fresh air tube.
ACTION
Diagnose and repair, if necessary, by referring to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Due to differences in fuel station nozzles and fuel station pump pressures, repositioning the fuel station filler nozzle is recommended if the pump shuts off during refueling. Reposition the fuel station filler nozzle by pulling it out 25-5O mm (1-2") and then resume fueling (Figure 1).
Repositioning the fuel station pump nozzle reduces the turbulence caused by fuel rushing into the vehicle's fuel filler pipe wall. There is a pressure transducer located in the fuel station nozzle that interprets the fuel turbulence as a full fuel tank and as designed, it will shut down the fuel pump. If the filling concern is eliminated by repositioning the fuel station pump nozzle, then the system is functioning normally and does not require repair. If repositioning the nozzle does not improve fuel filling, then proceed to Step 2.
2. Check the carbon canister fresh air tube canister-to-filler pipe for obstructions or kinks. If obstruction is found, clear the obstruction. Make sure carbon canister fresh air tube is not physically kinked. If nothing is found, go to Step 3.
3. Check filler pipe and fill vent tube for kinks or obstructions.
a. Check filler hose and fill vent tube for kinks. If kinked, seat hose/tube fully to remove kink.
b. Remove filler pipe and check for obstructions. Check both the fill hose and vent tube for blockage/flashing. Clean if necessary.
c. Check the tank side vent hose and plastic fill pipe for blockage/flashing. Clean if blockage is found. If nothing is found, proceed to Step 4.
4. Check fuel tank filler pipe for check valve stuck or obstructed. The 1999-2000 Windstar has a check valve inside the fuel tank attached to the plastic fill pipe. Make sure filler pipe check ball moves freely. If it does not move freely, repair/clean as necessary to free ball.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
000404A Use "MT" Time For
Diagnostics As Outlined In
The Warranty And Policy
Manual
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
9J337 07
OASIS CODES: 404000