Code P0461, fuel gauge not working properly and issues with putting gas into the gas tank

SORTEGA32109

MEMBER
2011 FORD EXPEDITION
2WD
AUTOMATIC
136,000 MILES

A few days ago, my fuel gauge stopped showing correct readings, now just sits on empty with a full tank. Then the check engine came on with P0461 bad fuel sensor. I figured it might as well replace the whole fuel pump.
Today I went to buy a fuel pump and since I don’t know how much gas I have I went to pump at the station and only a dollar went in before it stopped. I know I have roughly a quarter tank just by knowing how much I drive.
Then randomly fuel started to come out from what I believe is the fuel canister or some vent there. What could be the issue here? I get no other code just the fuel sensor code. But would that be the reason for me to not being able to pump more gas in? And for gas to randomly spill out of the charcoal canister?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Okay. We need to start with fixing the fuel gauge because if you have fuel coming out of the canister then that means it is either over full or there is something blocking the filler neck and it is overflowing into the canister.

If the gauge is not working then there is a chance that you have a full tank so when you replace it, you will find out how full the tank is.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Once we confirm there is not a full tank then inspect the filler neck when the tank is out of the vehicle.

Clearly, we need to replace or repair any obstructions.

If there are no blocks, then you are good to put the tank back in because if anything we will need to deal with the filer neck and not the tank.

However, once the gauge is working and the tank is back in then I would attempt to fill it again and see if the same thing happens.

If it does then the issue is in the filler neck.

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