How to Open the Fuel Tank of a Ford Focus?
3 Answers
Ford Focus fuel tank cover automatically pops open when pressed in the unlocked state of the vehicle. The fuel filler cap features a conventional twist-off design—rotate to open or close it. When refueling your vehicle, please observe the following precautions: 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Carefully twist the fuel filler cap counterclockwise until it opens. 3. Hang the tether strap on the fuel door hook. 4. After refueling, align the cap with the filler neck and reinstall it. 5. Rotate the cap clockwise until you hear two distinct clicks. If replacement is necessary, use only a fuel cap specifically designed for your vehicle. Damage caused by incorrect usage or non-genuine Changan Ford fuel caps may void your vehicle's warranty.
After driving my Focus for three years, I just realized how well-hidden the fuel filler cap release is. Normally when refueling, I'm used to unlocking all the doors first - just press the unlock button on the driver's door, wait for the 'click' sound, then walk to the fuel cap area and press your finger against the triangular mark on the fuel cap edge. The mechanical latch will pop open with a 'snap' sound, no need to pull any lever or look for a separate switch. Last week while washing the car, I noticed another detail: there's a diagram inside the fuel cap showing you should turn the fuel filler neck counterclockwise to open it - new owners often tighten it too much by doing this wrong. If it won't pop open, the latch might be frozen or dusty; you can use the key to pry it open in an emergency, but remember to get lubrication service at the 4S shop afterward.
The fuel tank opening and closing design of this generation Focus is quite ergonomic. Before refueling, I'm used to pressing the remote key twice from the driver's seat to unlock the entire vehicle, and the fuel tank cover latch will be released accordingly. When walking to the rear, I see the fuel tank cover with an arrow indicator. Placing my entire palm over it and gently pressing the right side gives a clear spring feedback. I remember when I first got the car, I foolishly searched for the switch in the door storage compartment, only to realize later that when the vehicle is fully unlocked, even gas station attendants on the passenger side can open it directly. Once during heavy rain, I noticed water easily seeping into the fuel tank cover gap, so now I always wipe the rubber seal a few extra times after refueling.
