Remembering James Moylan: The Creator of the Fuel Tank Arrow Indicator

The automotive world has lost a notable innovator. James Moylan, the engineer responsible for designing the simple yet vital arrow indicator that shows which side of the fuel tank is on, passed away on December 11th at the age of 80. Moylan dedicated 34 years of his career to Ford, where he created the “Moylan Arrow” in April 1986.

This tiny but crucial feature helps drivers avoid the hassle of pulling up to the wrong side of the fuel pump. Despite its apparent simplicity, it wasn't introduced until the 1989 Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer, suggesting it could have easily been overlooked as an unnecessary detail. Instead, Moylan’s innovation has become a standard feature in vehicles worldwide, making refueling faster and more convenient for countless drivers.

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Terrence O'Brien