Some 2005-06 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner trucks may take an inordinate amount of time to refuel the gas tank.
Customers may also complain that the gas nozzle at a fill-up station clicks repeatedly before the tank is completely full.
Ford has traced both problems to a improperly designed fuel tank filler neck. Installing an upgraded filler neck with a different radius should eliminate further fueling trouble. Order Part No. 6L8Z-9034-A for standard Escapes and Mariners; or Part No. 6M6Z-9034-A for Escape Hybrids.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].