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