Check Engine Light On? Check Your Gas Cap
July 10, 2006 – 12:23 pm by Matt Radel
Filed under Car Care
Most of us know the shiver that runs down your spine when that dreaded light illuminates on your dash. But don’t worry just yet – the solution could be much simpler than you think.
Whenever you take your ‘dub to the dealer for service (those of you that actually go to the dealer that is) make sure that you always keep your ears open. You never know what fun little facts you might pick up. For example, as I was patiently waiting to be taken care of at my dealer today, I overheard one of the service managers calming a customer that was stressed about the check engine light coming on in his daughter’s ’03 Jetta. The manager told him that as long as the light wasn’t flashing (if it is, pull over immediately), the issue wasn’t too pressing and that it could be something as simple as a loose gas cap.
In an attempt to dispel the customer’s disbelief, he explained that the car monitors the pressure of the gas tank at all times. When a cap isn’t properly closed, it will trigger the check engine light’s sensor – effectively freaking you out for something VERY minor.
To correct the issue, just tighten the cap and give the car several restarts. Eventually it’ll reset it’s codes and realize the problem has been taken care of.
Just like your parents used to say: “If you pay attention, you might learn something!”
Check Engine Light On? Check Your Gas Cap
July 10, 2006 – 12:23 pm by Matt Radel
Hey! Just one stupid question I pray it’s affirmative: Is it that way for Ford? I mean, maybe that pressure check system is a standard or common.
My ’02 Focus reached the same issue this past weekend and I’m very worried about that, mainly because I must pass the spanish technical check (ITV in Spain) in two weeks. If it’s a matter of the gas cap, It will save me loads of money!! (you know, mechanics ¬_¬).
I’m a Internet freak, not a mechanics one, so probably I’m talking nonsense, but you can bet that the first thing tomorrow morning, when leaving the work, will be tightening that stupid cap!!
Thanks!
PD: By the way, great blog! I came across with it from a blog ranking and you deserve your position!
For Ford? Not too sure. On the VW, you wanna make sure you give the cap 4 or 5 clicks to get it on there good and tight. You might have to have a little patience and keep an eye on it for the next several restarts. I hope that’s the issue – otherwise, just run out and buy a VW! hahaha…just kidding. :D
And thanks for the kind words! We love to get feedback on the quality of our blog!
Concerning the check engine light, buy an inexpensive code reader, this allows you to trouble shoot the problem. Once the code is read your on your way to correcting the problem. The internet is a great resource for more information if needed. Good Luck, do your homework and the rewards will be yours, not the dealer!
My Explorer Sport had the check engine light go on for something similar but different. Apparantly you are not supposed to top up your gas tank til it is right full. When it clicks off, time to stop. Apparantly having it over filled causes some kind of electrical surge!
You mentioned and inexpensive code reader – what is inexpensive and where would you buy one?
Thats really strange, The Same Thing happend to my 2005 ford focus when I filled the tank to high “topping off is a BAD Idea! !@
I just had a new thermastate and a radiator flush done to my jeep. My check engine light came on on the way home from the mechanics shop. The oil is on full and the radiator is full. Could it be a faulty thermestat?
Hey Teri, check engine lights are squirly lil buggers. Fortunately, they let you know that something isn’t right. Unfortunately, they don’t give you much more information beyond that. :]
To be completely safe, you should have someone pull the computer codes that are thrown when the check engine light is triggered. Those codes will tell exactly what problem is occuring, and then you can proceed to repair.
Most of your autoparts shops like Autozone, Advance etc. will “scan your codes” for free. You can also take it to a Jeep dealer, and they should do this for free as well, but usually only free pending there isn’t a repair to be done after the scan. Sometimes the codes that are thrown are only sensor malfunctions and the like, which aren’t necessarily a repair. Only a matter of clearing out those bad codes.
hi,
actually i was driving my car without gas cap for few days until i see the check light (its amber color) so i thought its because of gas cap so i installed the new one and today is second day but still there is light.
could u please help me ?
thank you
Hey Benod, now that your check engine light has come on, there is a code that has been placed in the car’s computer telling what caused the check engine light. So it won’t go away by itself typically. What you’ll need to do is go to your dealer, or to any local auto parts shop (most of them will do this for free) and have them scan and clear your computer codes.
Hi there,
I came across your blog when I was researchig for my 2007 Rabbit. I picked up my long awaited Rabbit three days ago and was completely thrilled about it. To cut the story short, the malfunction (or check engine light came out) while me and my female friend (that I want to impress) were on our way for dinner. The AC was on, and we can literally felt the engine vibration when the car came to a full stop. It was like the engine was trying to stay “alive”.
So, that was just great considering it was my first new car, and SHE was there! Bummer.
Turned off the AC, and no more vibration was sensed, though the light was still on. And today, the light completely gone, and the car ran perfectly fine even with the AC on.
What should I do? I tighten the gas cap after reading your blog. Should I
bring it o the dealer? (I hate ‘em, btw). The car is still under full warranty, but the fact that they might keep my car there for day prevented me from doing so. I have no spare car to drive to work. Stupid dealer! They can be so charming before you purchased, and turned into an @#$%^&* ASS after you sign the contract.
Please advise.
Osshhh. Bad scene. I’d have to say that if everything is running fine now, I wouldn’t worry about it for the time being. But if it happens again, I’d get on the phone to the dealer. I’d at least get my oil changed at the dealer and mention it, maybe have them take a look.
When I had work done on my Golf, they supplied me with a Passat for the week or so that they had it. They *should* take care of ya if you need work done.
But I’ve had my battery light come on several times and then go off. I think sometimes VWs have “harmless” gremlins that like to play with you.
hi quick question i have a 2001 vw jetta and everytime i fill up my gas tank a couple of hours later the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT comes on! what can i do to fix this??!!! the 1st time this happened i took it to a ,machanic so they can scan my car he said it was just a loose cap! could it be that my gas cap has gone bad???
Hey Evie, it does sound like your gas cap is not sealing properly. I’m not sure what the cost of a new cap is, but maybe you could have it covered under warranty if you still have it?
Well I purchased a preowned 2006 Jetta with 25K miles on the odometer so its still covered by the VW warranty. The second day I drove the car the CEL came on and its being at the dealer for two weeks. VW gave me a rental to drive but I much rather have my car. The code is P1367 in my case (ignition 5 cyl). Anyway I remember that the light went out once when I gave a few more clicks to the gas cap but it came back. The VW dealer is consulting with VWOA to find a solution but apparently is not a common problem on my body style. Wish me luck
I own a VW Jetta ’03 (or some year). Anyway, I was wondering if it is normal to have to add oil to the car in between regular oil changes.
Thanks
@ Annie: No, that’s not normal at all. You must have a leak or something – I’d get it in to be serviced pronto.
Yes! I have had two Jettas (1988 & 2001), and both of them used up oil. I have to admit, I was not always up to taking my car in for an oil change every 3 months. Try more like every 6 months. But still, many cars do not need extra oil inbetween oil changes. But VWs tend to burn oil faster than most cars. The mechanic that changes my oil complained about VWs, and he said, “When is VW going to fix that problem?!” So, I carry an extra quart of oil in my trunk, and I check oil before a long trip. I usually need to put in a quart or two if if checks below the oil line.
HEY I HAVE A 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ C280 AND TODAY I REALIZED THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON… AND AT THAT MOMENT I REMEMBERED THAT THE DAY BEFORE I LOST MY GAS CAP ON A GAS STATION… AND FIGURED THAT THAT MAY BE THE REASON FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT… AM I RIGHT??
That very well could be Fernando – at any rate, I’d replace the cap pronto.
The fumes in the cabin of my 2002 jetta what can it be
Out of the blue my Check Engine light came on on my 2007 Rabbit, but it’s running great. Should I go to the dealer or hold off for a few days and see if it goes away?
@ Jen: If it goes off I wouldn’t worry about it for the time being, but make sure you mention it the next time you take your car in for an oil change. If it stays on though (and you’ve tightned your gas cap) you might wanna run it in…just to be safe. Any issues you’d potentially have should be covered under warranty.
My check engine light is on and I think I have done two things wrong: not changed the oil soon enough and topped of the gas the last time I filled. I had an oil change today. I had only driven 3000 miles between this and the last oil change, but it took me 5 months to drive those 3000 miles, so I guess I left the oil in too long without realizing that was bad for the car to do that. Is there anything else it could be? The light isn’t blinking, but it is definitely on. I had tried tightening the gas cap, and that doesn’t seem to fix it. Thanks for your advice. This is a great blog, btw.
I have a 2003 Jetta TDI. My check engine light (MIL) has come on and will not go off. It does not blink. No code is given when diagnostics are run. I have noted a decrease in fuel efficiency however… Gas cap is nice and tight. What the heck is going on???
@ Brenda: Since the codes are fine, I’d guess that you either got some bad gas or have something loose somewhere (I’ve heard of loose seals & valves causing the light to come on). I’d run a tank or 2 of gas through it, and if it persists I’d take it to a mechanic. I’m no mechanic myself, so feel free to take my advice with a grain of salt. Best of luck – hopefully it works out for ya!
I have a 1999 Passat which has given me the gas cap CEL. I have tightened it numerous times and it has not gone out. I also found that when I refill my gas tank, it does not want to hold an idle and I have to manually give it gas to start and hold the accellerator in just slightly to keep it from dieing for the first four or five blocks. Then it begins operating normally again.
Do you know anything about a sensor which would control fuel injection as well as monitor fuel tank pressure?
What happens if you drive without a fuel cap?
@neha: Based upon what we know here, I’d say that at the very least the pressure in the tank would be thrown off – which of course would trigger a check engine light. I’d say it’d be better not to try to find out. :)
We have a 1999 Jetta (V-6) and the check engine light has been on for a few years now. I’m just now making the connection that it might be the gas cap – we lost the one that came w/ the car many years ago and replaced it w/ one we bought at a car parts store. We’ve had 2 diagnostics done – most recently they told us the car would need a new converter and a new air injection pump for $2000 (this was at our local shop – not the VW dealer). I’m going to go buy a VW gas cap tomorrow and see if it will do the trick. If not, I think we’re going to have to take it to the dealer and find out what can be done (and if there is any chance it is covered…I’m sure it won’t be). When I mentioned to the VW dealer parts guy that our check engine light was on he said that can happen if you don’t have a VW gas cap. I’ll let you know what happens but just wanted to see if you had any other thoughts…
I should add that the car runs fine but we’re ready to give it up…
I am having the same problem as reported by the below posting…..I too have a 1999 passat wagon. It has been a while since the posting and was wondering if the problem ever got resolved? If so what was the part name and cost for the repair….Thanks!!
I have a 1999 Passat which has given me the gas cap CEL. I have tightened it numerous times and it has not gone out. I also found that when I refill my gas tank, it does not want to hold an idle and I have to manually give it gas to start and hold the accellerator in just slightly to keep it from dieing for the first four or five blocks. Then it begins operating normally again.
Do you know anything about a sensor which would control fuel injection as well as monitor fuel tank pressure?
I have a 02′ Golf with 45000 miles and my CEL keeps coming on and off. I have gone to AutoZone to get the code scanned and it said “CA Converter below threshold” and when I took it to a mechanic they said the O2 sensor was bad. Paid to get that fixed and it still keeps coming back on. And now it seems to come on at different intervals of the fuel gage. Sometimes it’s when I fill up and sometimes when it gets to being 1/2 of tank full. Gas cap gets tightened at least 5 times, so I don’t know if I totally need to replace the CA converter or if it’s the fuel pump regulator. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks!
I am reading all of these posts and seem to have the same issue as everyone else. 2001 VW Golf with the CEL light on. Gas cap has been the issue in the past, but doesn’t seem to make a difference if I tighten more.
My bigger problem; I live in California and have to pass a smog certification test. The places I have called all say it will not pass with a CEL light on.
Has anyone purchase a VW manufactured gas cap and had that be a resolution to the light? I’m afraid these mechanics are going to take one look at a single female rolling in and say “woo hoo!”
p.s. For those with the issue of having to add oil between normal oil changes; I was told that is a common problem with Jettas and Golfs with our engine types. Just always carry a spare quart of oil with you.
ok so maybe you guys might be able to help me, a light resembling the gas cap came on on my 2005 New Jetta and informed me to check my gas cap, so i did and it was on correctly, my cap is not a clicking type it just turns into position. The light went off but on the next day the MIL came on, i went to the gas station that day and had some problem turning the car on, after filling up it only turned on if i pressed the gas a little bit, the light remained on for 2 days and the problem at the gas station as well. Problem turning on only happened when putting gas, i had the car checked by my mechanic and he said it was about the gas cap so i think he turned the light off, 2 days pass and the light comes back on and the problem turning on after putting gas returns as well, after a drive the car makes a weird kind of banging sound on the bottom front and rear passenger side…
Help!
For about a year now I’ve been taking my 2004 VW Jetta into the dealer for the same problem that keeps on occurring. The gas cap light will come on and then usually the next day trigger the engine light. The dealership wasn’t really sure what the problem was (I suspect they still don’t) but suggested I replace the gas cap. When that didn’t work (the light was in fact triggered more often) they then suggested I replace the EVAPCANIS and the LDPUMP. The light still comes on! I have been in at least once a month since the beginning of the year for the same problem. The dealership keeps on checking the new parts and say that the parts and system check out ok. Any idea what the problem is? The light always comes on after the fuel level hits the 1/2 tank mark.
I have a question,my check engine light came on a few days ago..I brought it to the dealer,he said my gas cap was loose wich it may have been considering I put gas in it the day before and wasn’t aware of “loose caps,engine light says wuddup!!” …ordeal. but I own a 01 jetta VR6 and will my engine light blink if it was something major? Just not aware if it does that with my particular car/cars in general (and I don’t want to find out) but just curious what should I do or look out for in that situation. Thanks.
yes actualy it is common in all cars…. i owned a ford and a lexus (toyota) and honda and all of these brands can have this happen. when the oxygen mixes with the fuel and goes through the engine it triggers the light to come on.
in my lexus it triggered a brake light and a engine light at the same time and with the others just the check engine light… so relax and tighten that gas cap lol
i do personaly have a question though. i just bought a 2008 jetta and im curious to see if anyone is having problems with thier gas cap seals ??? my gas cap lights keeps turning on (about 3 times in a month) and im tightening the cap till i hear 5 or 6 clicks… the dealership keep replacing minor parts and this is stil happening…
YES! Burning oil is NORMAL for VW’s. I’ve had two and had asked the dealership about it… and they said – COMPLETELY NORMAL. I have & Had no leaks, etc. It’s just a VW quirk. I’m not sure why Matt never checked, added oil in between services… BUT everyone I know who owns a VW says the same thing & they always keep oil in the trunk.
hey steev, you might be referring to the merkur(truly a piece of deutsch-crap). my vw jetta sportwagen is a diesel and i’m pretty sure the check engine light has to do with the exhaust system for us oil burners. the vehicle is still driveable and it’d be a shame to crush possibly the smartest car money can buy. i’m certain every other car known to humanity also needs fixing at some point, even yours. when you dig your wheels as much as i do, the fixin’ is worth every penny.
I am an owner of a 2009 vw jetta with a 2.5 and as of yesterday my check engine light has come on. I just recently stumbled upon this blog. I checked the gas cap in hopes that this would resolve the CEL warning but, no luck… Are there other factors that may cause this issue?
Hi, I own a 2006 VW beetle. It runs perfect and I’ve had problems with the same light(check engine) to stay on after the service place recoded it. I tighted the cap and started it twice and no luck. Any ideas? Suggestions?
I am having the same issues as stated in this copy and paste from Jose, “Ok so maybe you guys might be able to help me, a light resembling the gas cap came on on my 2005 New Jetta and informed me to check my gas cap, so i did and it was on correctly, my cap is not a clicking type it just turns into position. The light went off but on the next day the MIL came on, i went to the gas station that day and had some problem turning the car on, after filling up it only turned on if i pressed the gas a little bit, the light remained on for 2 days and the problem at the gas station as well. Problem turning on only happened when putting gas, i had the car checked by my mechanic and he said it was about the gas cap so i think he turned the light off, 2 days pass and the light comes back on and the problem turning on after putting gas returns as well, after a drive the car makes a weird kind of banging sound on the bottom front and rear passenger side…”