Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||||
| 996125 | 06/01/1999 | 606982 | Subject regarding fuel system diagnostic. *tt | 09/09/1999 | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - CARBURETOR SYSTEM | |||||
| 96225 | 10/21/1996 | 50944 | Mass air flow sensor - replacement as an assembly - service tip. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | |||||
| 0398 | 05/12/2003 | 10002780 | Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457. *tt | 09/17/2003 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/01/2006 | 100000 | 2 | 11/10/1996 |
| When refilling gas tank, gas spills and runs down along gas tank during last 1 gallon of fuel. to remedy the problem, i stopped completely filling up the gas tank. this problem began after 8 years of use and about 100,000 miles. *nm | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||
| 07/29/2011 | 127000 | ||
| The gas tank straps on my 1997 ranger have rusted through dropping the fuel tank while i was pulling into my driveway. both the front and rear strap have rusted through. the tank is being held up with commercial grades straps. is this model being included in the recent ford recall announcement? i did not see the extended cab ranger model mentioned. | |||
| 10/01/2010 | 105000 | ||
| Fuel tank straps failed due to corrosion/rust causing fuel tank to partially fall. defective straps were replaced with new ones. | |||
| 07/29/2011 | 127000 | ||
| The gas tank straps on my 1997 ranger have rusted through dropping the fuel tank while i was pulling into my driveway. both the front and rear strap have rusted through. the tank is being held up with commercial grades straps. is this model being included in the recent ford recall announcement? i did not see the extended cab ranger model mentioned. | |||
| 10/01/2010 | 105000 | ||
| Fuel tank straps failed due to corrosion/rust causing fuel tank to partially fall. defective straps were replaced with new ones. | |||
| 07/29/2011 | 127000 | ||
| The gas tank straps on my 1997 ranger have rusted through dropping the fuel tank while i was pulling into my driveway. both the front and rear strap have rusted through. the tank is being held up with commercial grades straps. is this model being included in the recent ford recall announcement? i did not see the extended cab ranger model mentioned. | |||
| 10/01/2010 | 105000 | ||
| Fuel tank straps failed due to corrosion/rust causing fuel tank to partially fall. defective straps were replaced with new ones. | |||
| 03/01/2011 | 113900 | ||
| Within the past two months i had a split in the flexible fuel filler pipe on my 1997 ford ranger xlt. in the course of having it replaced, the repair shop removed the gas tank and found the same condition with the metal straps that hold the gas tank in place, extensive corrosion as reported on the ford f150. it appears the possibility of gas tanks dropping out of the vehicle may be more extensive than the initial reports and may apply to other ford pick-up trucks. | |||
| 02/28/2011 | 84000 | ||
| Fuel line cracked above gas tank . strong gas odor after driving or during refill -gas will spill out when filling tank up to full and gas smell can also be smelled during commute. will be taking it in to greenway ford dealership here in orlando this week. | |||
| 08/20/2010 | 72000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1997 ford ranger. the contact stated that when the vehicle is filled with gasoline, the gas will spill back out. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the bottle neck on the filler cap is corroded. this causes a strong smell of gas when driving the vehicle. the dealer was very familiar with the failure, but the vehicle is no longer under warranty all and there is no recall. the failure mileage was 72000 and current mileage was 75000.rl | |||
| 06/01/2009 | 125000 | ||
| Crack in gasoline filler top causing fumes and gasoline odor in car, especially when turning right. * when filling tank with gasoline, the fuel would leak out of the filler neck onto the ground while filling at the gas station, as if you were slowly pouring a glass of water, much more than a drip. could not fill tank full until repair was done. mechanic replaced filler and filler neck. had to remove gas tank and truck bed to investigate and repair. big job, big hazard!! | |||
| 11/27/2009 | 90000 | ||
| 1997 ford ranger xlt ,date is approximate since filler hose slowly cracked and got worse, smelled fuel constantly since 80,000 miles and had to eventually spend 600.00 to get it fixed at ford dealership for what looked like a small rubber hose, i would have replaced myself but could not locate oem replacement anywhere else including all auto stores (dealer only part), this was a very dangerous situation, i considered it a timebomb. thanfully nothing dangerous happened before i took it to dealer, though doing a internet search revealed a common problem for the certain years of ford rangers which some people due to cost are replacing with a common rubber hose which is very dangerous and has static that could make it go up in flames. | |||
| 01/01/2007 | 70000 | ||
| Electrical problems: 1. intermittent wipers will wipe 2, 3, 4, 5 times at random in a row always and not in that order. 2. backup lights continue to blow fuse after replacing all lighting parts 3. horn works 1% of the time, unable to find cause. 4. ac blows hot air intermittently even after replacement of blower blend door. 5. gas: when below 1/4 tank and making right turn truck will stall, even after work on tank. | |||
| 05/01/2009 | 150000 | ||
| When filling fuel tank on 1997 ford ranger 4x4 long bed, fuel leaks back out and puddles on pavement below vehicle due to a split that has recently developed in the fuel tank filler neck (hose). even when i do not fill tank all the way (to prevent above leaking) gas fumes are still strong and have accumulated inside the canopy (topper) on pickup bed. fuel appears to leak (based on odor) after executing a sharp turn, a quick stop, and when traveling over bumpy roads. ford's price for a replacement filler neck is prohibitive (around $450) plus labor and thus, i have been unable to have the problem repaired. | |||
| 08/14/2007 | 76414 | 1 | |
| The gasoline hose from the filler cap to the tank is cracking. this is a common problem, as seen on ranger web forums. this causes gasoline to leak from the hose as the tank fills. the fuel spills on the ground or very near the catalytic converter. the entire scenario could cause a major fire incident. additionally, this hose cracking occurred years ago when the vehicle was newer, but not reported until now. this cracking should not occur and could cause serious damage if gas fumes were to ignite. the cracking occurs mostly at the corner where the hose enters the gasoline tank. it is virtually impossible to repair without major costs due to its location. *tr | |||
| 11/01/2009 | 195000 | 1 | |
| Fuel filler hose cracks prematurely at the connection to the top of the fuel tank resulting in significant fuel spillage during refueling as well as probably splashing out during driving. fuel vapors surely escape all the time as well. both situations lead to a serious fire hazard. seems to be a widespread safety issue based on the amount of ford rangers with safety complaints listed on this site as well as discussions on various ford ranger forums. the oem ford part lists for ~$400. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2008 | 130000 | 1 | |
| Fuel filler tube cracks at the fuel pump, resulting in fuel pouring out and fuel vapors escaping while driving or while parked. this could result in the vehicle catching on fire. *tr ford is aware of the problem and sells replacement filler tubes for upwards of $500, not including labor. | |||
| 05/01/2009 | 106000 | 1 | |
| 1997 ford splash ranger short bed truck leaking gasoline from the fuel filler hose where it connects to the fuel tank. the hose is cracked but not rotten and fuel leaks on the ground when filling the tank and also when the tank is near full. definite fire hazard. *tr | |||
| 05/01/2009 | 95000 | 1 | |
| 1997 ford ranger xlt short bed truck leaking gasoline from the fuel filler hose where it connects to the fuel tank. the hose was cracked but not rotten and fuel would leak while filling the tank and also when the tank was near full, but always had fuel vapors escaping. a fire hazard and excessive hydro carbon emissions. *tr | |||
| 02/27/2009 | 141000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford ranger. the contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline emanating from his vehicle and noticed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank. a fire could erupt in the presence of an ignition source. he took the vehicle to his local mechanic and had the filler hose replaced. the manufacturer would not assume responsibility for the failure because the vehicle exceeded its warranty. the failure mileage was 141,000 and current mileage was 142,000. | |||
| 08/18/2007 | 100000 | ||
| Tl*the contact's sister owns a 1997 ford ranger. the contact stated that whenever fuel is placed into the vehicle, the fuel leaks out on two sides. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and they stated that the fuel overflow was cracked and needed to be replaced. the current mileage was 144,819 and failure mileage was 100,000. | |||
| 04/13/2008 | 1 | ||
| The fuel filler hose has a hole in it, therefore when you fill up your vehicle; gas leaks out onto the ground. i was not aware of a problem until i was fueling one day and i ended up with a puddle on the ground. this is not only a fire hazard, but also an environmental one too. *tr | |||
| 08/16/2007 | 110000 | 1 | |
| Fuel filler hose. the hoses (both inner & outer crack and cause a significant amount of fuel to spill out from the top of the fuel tank if fuel tank is filled. the hose is an expensive part to replace. i was told by the local ford dealership that this part is one of the most popular parts they sell. (the part costs between $225.00 and $500.00) plus labor. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2006 | 1 | ||
| This complaint is in reference to a 1997 ford ranger and fuel filler hose being faulty. the hose itself has cracks in it and leaks fuel upon refill presenting a fire hazard as well as an environmental hazard due to the fuel vapors that are allowed to escape to the environment due to the cracks in faulty fuel filler hose. this is a potential fire hazard and an environmental protection agency issue. please put forth an effort to correct problem before fire, injuries, and , potential deaths are sustained, issue a recall. *tr | |||
| 12/17/2006 | 75242 | 1 | 04/19/1999 |
| Tl*- the fuel leaks when the vehicle is completely refueled. the problem stems from the fuel filler assembly. the dealer said that the parts for the vehicle were not available. the contact was told he needed to bring the vehicle in to be looked at, and would be charged an $80 fee. the contact feels that this a safety issue and that the $80 fee is appropriate. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - CARBURETOR SYSTEM | |||
| 09/12/2000 | 3 | 08/27/1997 | |
| Engine died while aproaching the intersection, due to the intake manifold malfunctioning and letting air get into the engine. vehicle was hit in the intersection by another vehicle. dealer replaced intake manifold gasket.*ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP | |||
| 02/01/2003 | 2 | 09/04/1999 | |
| 1997 ford ranger xlt extended cab. when i applied my brakes, instead of stopping at this t hwy intersection, i ran past it, and hit a 12 diameter tree head on. ice on the road. i was wearing my seat belt. neither the driver's side nor the passenger side air bags deployed. the indentation on the front bumper was over two feet deep. my head and right side of my body smashed against the steering wheel, and my i broke my left collar bone, fractured and bruised several ribs on my right side, broke my right foot heel bone, cut my nose, plus numerous other minor cuts, bruises and abrasions. after about 45 seconds, a huge ball of fire erupted from under the crumpled hood. i felt the sudden heat on my face, since the windshield was gone and there was a huge gap between the hood and the trucks body. a lady, an angel of god really, helped me out of the truck and into the back seat of her car. she drove about 100 yards to wait for the ambulance to arrive. before we came to a stop, i heard the two front tires of my truck blow up. all i could see was a ball of fire burning about 20 feet high. two things seem technically wrong: the air bags didn't deploy, and the fuel pump must have kept pumping fuel, for the fire to spread so rapidly and burn the front of the truck so very completely. this would seem to indicate the possible failure of the air bag crash sensors and the fuel pump safety cutoff switch. my tires were one month old michelins, so they weren't a factor. the truck was in excellent shape and it was carefully maintained and garaged. everything worked on it and no malfunction indicator lights of any kind were on prior to the accident. i have very good maintenance records on it. i contacted ford by telephone and via e-mail, to let them know of what i thought could be a potential component defect affecting others also. i also contacted their legal office via phone, and they never returned my call. *nlm | |||
| 09/18/2001 | 07/03/1997 | ||
| Fuel is leaking from top of gas tank, replaced the fuel pump, fuel pump electric (in tank) and asy fuel tank. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 12/04/2008 | 139609 | 1 | 11/07/1996 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford ranger. the contact stated that both the inner and outer hoses cracked and caused a significant amount of fuel to spill out from the top of the fuel tank when it is filled. the dealer was notified and they stated that it would cost $600 to repair. the manufacturer stated that they could not assist with the repairs because the vehicle was not under warranty. the failure mileage was 139,609 and current mileage was 139,839. updated 2/9/09 *cn the dealer replaced the fule filter. updated 02/13/09. *jb updated 07/20/09 *bf updated address. 07/21/09. *jb | |||
| 04/13/2008 | 1 | ||
| The fuel filler hose has a hole in it, therefore when you fill up your vehicle; gas leaks out onto the ground. i was not aware of a problem until i was fueling one day and i ended up with a puddle on the ground. this is not only a fire hazard, but also an environmental one too. *tr | |||
| 08/10/2004 | 101000 | 1 | 01/12/2004 |
| Fuel line severely cracked above gas tank. openings were directly above tank, only visible with the bed removed. strong gas odor after driving or during refill were the only indications of problem. *nm | |||
| 02/08/2005 | 105015 | 1 | |
| I thought i could smell gas for about 6 weeks. last week while putting gas in my 1997 ford ranger pick up some one told me i was spilling gas on the ground. the gas tank filler hose was cracked at the tank and gas was spilling out. it was a rotten hose. i still have it. *jb | |||
| When gas tank is full, a leak is present at the hose that leads to the tank. dealer has not seen vehicle. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - INJECTORS | |||
| 05/24/2001 | 0 | ||
| Consumer was traveling about 50mph on highway, and engine check light came on. vehicle shut off without prior warning. consumer had vehicle repaired for a fuel injector. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY | |||
| 01/05/2006 | 52900 | 5 | 10/13/1997 |
| On jan 5, 2006 while re-fueling my 1997 ford range at macdill air force base a lady on the next fuel pump told me that i was leaking something from under my vehicle. i stopped pumping fuel to see what is was but the leek stop. i then continue to refuel my vehicle and the leek started once again in large quanities. after refueling i went to the service center at macdill air force and got the vehicle inspected. the service person told me that fuel filler line to the gas tank had multiple cracks and needed to be replaced. *jb | |||
| 07/07/2003 | 1 | ||
| Faulty fuel tank vent hose. when filling up the gas tank and the pump kicks off when full, gas pours onto pavement below. i pulled the part off the vehicle and found the hose was cracked all the way around. this part is all one unit with the fill line and it costs a whopping $247 to buy the part. i asked autoway ford in st, petersburg florida if they would pay for it but since it's not under recall they said they could not. we purchased one from gator ford that same day. i noticed your site shows eight other complaints concerning this faulty hose. i would venture to guess there are plenty more potential fires lurking under other ford rangers. we have the old part on hand if any body wants to inspect it. *ak | |||
| There is a constant fuel leakage under the vehicle. will notify the dealership.*ak | |||
| 05/23/2002 | |||
| When filling up gas tank consumer noticed gas leaking onto the ground. cause unknown. dealer has been contacted. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 05/15/2002 | |||
| When filling gas tank gas will spill out.*ak | |||
| 10/05/2001 | 07/01/1997 | ||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 07/24/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1997 | |
| Fuel tank filler assembly failed, large quantities of gas leaked when tank filled, $227 for repair, $194 for car rental waiting for parts | |||
| 06/16/1997 | |||
| Fumes entered interior of vehicle when tank was filled. dealer's comments leaky and rusty fuel tank. problem reoccurred 7-11-97. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLER PIPE AND CAP | |||
| 01/01/2006 | 1 | ||
| This complaint is in reference to a 1997 ford ranger and fuel filler hose being faulty. the hose itself has cracks in it and leaks fuel upon refill presenting a fire hazard as well as an environmental hazard due to the fuel vapors that are allowed to escape to the environment due to the cracks in faulty fuel filler hose. this is a potential fire hazard and an environmental protection agency issue. please put forth an effort to correct problem before fire, injuries, and , potential deaths are sustained, issue a recall. *tr | |||
| 01/30/2008 | 1 | 01/01/1997 | |
| The fuel filler hose on my mother-in-laws 1997 ford ranger developed numerous cracks where it attaches to the tank. this problem results in gasoline spills whenever she completely fills the tank. the tank is in close proximity to the exhaust system which creates a fire hazard. this problem seems to be common with 1990-1997 rangers, according to numerous online posts. *tr | |||
| 11/24/2007 | 96000 | 60 | 11/17/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford ranger. the contact experienced a major fuel leak and smelled a strange odor in the passenger compartment. two independent mechanics confirmed that there was a failed fuel filler tube. the mechanics also stated that he would have to pay $800 to have the fuel filler tube replaced. the contact stated that fuel leaks from the fuel tank every time he adds fuel to the vehicle. the failure has occurred ever since the vehicle was purchased and has since become progressively worse. the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on his vehicle and the failure was his responsibility. the contact is concerned that a fire may occur at any time. he has photos if needed. the vehicle does not have cruise control. the failure mileage was 96,000 and current mileage was 97,479. | |||
| 05/15/2005 | 1 | 04/15/1999 | |
| Noted fuel running onto the ground while refueling vehicle. investigation revealed that a rubber portion of the fuel filler assembly near the entrance to the fuel tank had split. contacted local ford dealership. they offered to order a replacement fuel filler assembly but did not offer any other assistance despite the obvious safety issue involved. part cost exceeds $400. estimated labor is ~$200. note: this same problem is documented by others. see complaint numbers 10151411, 870010 & 10110378. i did not search the database for other model years but there is sufficient anecdotal evidence to indicate that this has been an extremely widespread problem with both ford ranger and mazda b-series vehicles for several model years. *jb | |||
| 11/09/2006 | 68000 | 1 | 07/27/1997 |
| Fuel filler tube cracked where it enters the fuel tank, allowing fuel to leak when filling up. *jb | |||
| 11/21/2006 | 23000 | 30 | 05/23/2004 |
| 1997 ford ranger. whenever i fill up with gas, it leaks out the vent or the filler tube. not exactly sure yet. if i push the fuel nozzle all the way in the filler i can get almost a full tank before it leaks out the bottom. if i just install the filler hose and let it fill automatically it will start leaking almost immediately. *nm | |||
| 11/01/2006 | 120000 | 1 | 11/01/2000 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while parked in the driveway a puddle of gas was noticed under the vehicle and an odor of gas was present inside the vehicle. it was driven to an independent repair shop who determined the filler pipe was cracked and needed to be replaced. the dealer was alerted. | |||
| 02/05/2004 | 2000 | 2 | |
| Fuel filler hose cracked leading to large amount of fuel spillage. part is not available separately from dealer and no aftermarket parts are available. assembly to replace part consisted of parts that were unnecessary to the proper repair. *nm | |||
| 08/30/2002 | 50000 | 50 | 08/20/2001 |
| During fueling of vehicle a strong smell of gas was occurring at each fueling. i first noticed what appeared to be moisture under the truck and being in a high temp/humidity environment thought it was ac condensation. recently while not running the ac noticed the leakage and crawled under the truck and smell the liquid. it was gas. i am very concerned since the leak is very close to the exhaust system and as well as being an environmental (epa) hazard. it is amazing the ecm module fuel evaporative emission sensor does not detect the defect in the closed loop emission system and set an emission error fault code. i would like to know how many gallons of fuel leaked due to this conditions. it is important we have 'no ozone action days' where refueling is restricted but allow known defects. an investigation should be conducted to determine which ford models /years used this less than robust fuel supply connection systems. if a proper design fmea and sha (safety hazard analysis) were conducted for the fuel supply tube and its mating connections. this condition should reported for a recall for the potential safety, emissions issues (health,ozone) and determine why the ecm does not detect a evaporative emissions leak condition. *nm | |||
| 01/15/2006 | 132992 | 1 | 12/05/2005 |
| So many fuel spills under the vehicle when filling the tank. *jb | |||
| 11/08/2005 | 125000 | 1 | 06/01/1997 |
| 1997 ford ranger reeks fuel during filling at pump. stops when filling stops. checked fuel fill line and tank, found large crack in fill line above hose clamp. tank and line have never been removed before. this type of hose shouldn't be splitting. contacted several auto stores only available at dealer. cost $200+ in my area. *jb | |||
| 08/28/2005 | 55000 | 1 | 05/18/2004 |
| I have been smelling gas from between the cab and bed of the truck, a 1997 ford ranger 2.3l. i pulled the bed off the frame and found the gas filler neck split at both the top and bottom at the hose clamps. the splits are severe enough to cause gas to leak from the fuel tank as well as fumes. this is a dangerous situation and should be addressed by the manufacturer. *jb | |||
| 08/13/2005 | 44475 | 1 | 02/27/1997 |
| Safety defect: the gasoline refill hose to the gas tank is cracked at both ends. recently, i totally filled the gas tank, and gasoline spilled under the hot vehicle and catalytic converter. i discovered that 3 cracks in the refuel hose caused the spill. my truck is a 1997 ford ranger; however, even after 8 years this hose should not have such large cracks. my ford ranger is typical, and i would suspect that others have this same defect but perhaps in a more moderate way. i visually inspected the cracks at both ends and they are located at the connection point to the gas tank and the external gas input port. note: the gasoline spill stopped after refueling and after the gasoline inside the hose had spilled to the ground. i have not yet replaced the hose. *nm | |||
| 09/20/2004 | 1 | ||
| While fueling vehicle at the gas station the driver noticed at a full tank the gasoline leaked from the filler neck onto the ground. took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic deetermined that the tank needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 01/02/1998 | 2 | ||
| While driving at any speed consumer smelled gasoline coming from the rear. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to a body shop for inspection. mechanic determined that the fuel filler hose needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 08/01/2003 | 90000 | 1 | |
| The gas filler hose cracked which caused gasoline to leak onto the exhaust pipe and the ground. *ak *ts *nlm | |||
| 05/14/2002 | 1 | ||
| After filling up gas tank, fuel will leak out while driving. cause unknown. dealer notified.*ak the fuel leak was due to fuel filler pipe failure. *yh | |||
| 07/09/1996 | |||
| While driving can smell gasoline in interior of truck, cab area, owner suspects leak in fuel injector, checked by dealer, found no leaks. *ak dealer replaced gas tank filler neck. *yh | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | |||
| 06/09/2006 | 1500 | ||
| I own a 1997 ford ranger xlt 4x4 4.0ltr.many shops have work on the front axel wheel bearings and seals and retainer nut this nut takes a socket 2.3/8 r-6 most shops don't have it so they use what ever they have,chisell,locking plyers ect...creating front end damage to wheel bearings,seals, breaks,calipers,break drums, most of al the tires..i have spent thousands of dollars because they did not use the right tool for the job also did not remove lcking pin from spindel | |||
| 100000 | 1 | 01/01/2001 | |
| The location and connection of the factory alarm system caused the relay switch under the dash to overheat and the battery drained even when the vehicle was turned off.*jb electrical system on 1997 ford ranger is malfunctioning. abs system lights illuminates when the emergency brake is engaged. the fuel gauge is inoperative, relays under the dashboard started heating up. consumer concered that air bags may fail if vehicle is involved in an accident.*mr | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLING/CHARGING | |||
| 05/15/2004 | 70000 | 1 | 09/15/1997 |
| 1) the vehicle is a 1997 ford ranger xlt extended cab pickup. a couple of years ago my wife complained about smelling gasoline when she filled the vehicle with gasoline. on more than one occasion gasoline was observed dripping from the area under the fuel tank after the vehicle was filled with gasoline. this would have been in the 2001-2002 time frame. *ak 2) in late april of this year 2004, the check engine warning dashboard warning light came on, and i had the computer code checked to determine if i could make the repairs myself. the problem was the fuel filter, and when i replaced it i noticed a great deal of dirt and debris coming from the inlet side of the filter. this indicated to me that the fuel tank was probably contaminated, and i removed the tank saturday, may 15, to clean the tank. prior to reinstalling the tank, i examined the gasoline filler tube, and found three cracks in the vapor recovery tube that vents gasoline vapors to the filling station vapor recovery system. one of these cracks was quite large, and showed indications of gasoline leaking from this crack. not only was the crack the source of the gasoline that leaked from the system, it was also the entry point for the debris and moisture i found in the tank. in addition, the gasoline that ran from the crack in the recovery tube accumulated in a plastic skid plate that is located under the tank. 3) i of course replace the tube assembly, at a cost of $262.29. i contacted ford motor company about the problem and for reimbursement for the replacement parts. they didn't seem to be the least bit interest in the problem and refused to compensate the expenses. i have retained the old part, and have several photos of the defect. | |||