
- Cap does not tighten properly. One of the most common symptoms of an issue with the gas cap is a cap that does not tighten properly.
- Fuel smell from the vehicle. Another symptom of a possible issue with the fuel cap is a fuel smell from the vehicle.
- Check Engine Light comes on.
Why does your gas cap light keep coming on?
- The cap is not in place or securely sited.
- The cap is completely disappeared or missing from the car.
- The cap cannot close properly due to grime and mud near the opening.
- The gas tank is out of shape due to an accident, putting extra pressure on the gas cap.
Why does my gas cap keep coming loose?
Symptoms of Bad Gas Cap
- Problems Tightening the Cap. ...
- Strange coloration at around your gas tank mouth. ...
- Foul Gasoline Smell While Driving. ...
- Poor Fuel Economy. ...
- The Check Engine Light Comes On. ...
- Symptoms of a Bad Gas Cap (FAQs) Q: Can a Bad Gas Cap Cause Idle Problems? ...
- Do I Need to Replace My Gas Cap? ...
Why is my gas fireplace not lighting?
Troubleshooting a Fireplace That Stops Working
- Check the main gas valve. The first thing that you should do is to check the main gas valve. ...
- Check the pilot. The pilot light systems are actually the most common reason that gas fireplaces do not light, however.
- Clear out clogs or blockages. ...
Why is dangerous to leave your gas cap open?
“You might lose a little gas, more likely due to evaporation than to actual spillage, because the filler neck helps prevent sloshing,” Threewitt reports. Your fuel economy will diminish a bit, too, and because the gas tank is more exposed than usual, it’s at risk for debris or moisture.

How do I reset my gas cap light?
Simply remove your gas cap and put it back in place. Turn your car on, and the engine light may already be reset. If not, it might take a few cycles of turning your car off and on to make it reset. In some cases, it helps to drive around for a few miles, too.
Where is the gas cap sensor located?
The fuel tank pressure sensor is part of the fuel pump assembly and is mounted on top of the tank or inside the tank. It's part of the evaporative emissions system (commonly referred to as “EVAP”) and reads pressure in the fuel system to detect evaporative leaks, such as a loose or faulty gas cap.
How do you fix a fuel cap check?
0:265:56Check Fuel Cap Message Display | What Does It Mean? What To Do ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure look inside there's no debris or anything and once you deduce that it's not the gas capMoreMake sure look inside there's no debris or anything and once you deduce that it's not the gas cap just put it back on just tighten it and once it becomes tight. It says tighten to click.
Is it OK to drive with gas cap light on?
Driving without your gas cap will not harm your engine. Driving without your gas cap will not cause you to lose fuel. There is a flapper valve built into your car, and it will stop fuel from flowing out of your tank.
How do I know if my gas cap is bad?
The most common symptom of bad gas caps is a gas cap that is loose or a gas cap that won't completely tighten. This might seem insignificant, but if it's not completely sealed then the fuel system can be contaminated with dirt and grime.
Why is my check engine light still on after replacing gas cap?
If there is any abnormal wear or damage to it, even a new gas cap may not seal properly. It can also be possible that there is an EVAP system leak or fault even though the check engine light is not on or an EVAP system leak fault present.
What problems can a loose gas cap cause?
A loose gas cap will not only let in grime and dirt, but it can allow fuel vapors to escape the fuel tank. These vapors can produce an error in the emissions system, which could cause the check engine light to illuminate. Dirt and Grime that gets into the fuel tank can also contaminate the injectors.
How long does it take for gas cap code to reset?
unhook the battery for 5 -10 min,it will clear the coad out of computer,rember to always turn the cap until it clicks at least 3 times.
What does a loose fuel cap mean?
0:161:14Common Check Engine Light Causes: Loose Gas Cap - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour fuel cap seals the fuel system in your vehicle. And helps prevent fuel evaporation. What canMoreYour fuel cap seals the fuel system in your vehicle. And helps prevent fuel evaporation. What can happen if my fuel cap is loose damaged or missing.
How much does a gas cap cost?
Tighten Or Replace Fuel Cap: The first thing you should do if your car or truck's check engine light stays on is to ensure the vehicle's gas cap is tightly closed, as simply having a loose cap can wreak minor havoc with the emissions system. At that it will cost only around $16 to have it replaced.Here's What It Will Cost If Your Car's 'Check Engine' Light Stays Onhttps://www.forbes.com › sites › jimgorzelany › 2017/05/08https://www.forbes.com › sites › jimgorzelany › 2017/05/08Search for: How much does a gas cap cost?
How often should I replace my gas cap?
50,000 milesUnless your gas cap goes missing, you don't need to replace it anytime soon. Gas caps are designed to last 50,000 miles or more. So long as you are taking your car in for routine maintenance, you will be immediately notified if there's ever an issue with your gas cap by your trusted Indianapolis auto mechanic.Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Caps - Northeast Auto Servicehttps://www.autorepairindy.com › blog › frequently-aske...https://www.autorepairindy.com › blog › frequently-aske...Search for: How often should I replace my gas cap?
Can you replace a fuel cap?
The cap should be completely free at this point. Remove it by simply lifting it away from the neck of opening of the fuel tank. Keep the old cap until you are certain that the replacement cap fits and can be installed properly. After lifting the old cap away, you can install a new gas cap.How to Install a Gas Cap (with Pictures) - wikiHowhttps://www.wikihow.com › Install-a-Gas-Caphttps://www.wikihow.com › Install-a-Gas-CapSearch for: Can you replace a fuel cap?
Why does my gas cap throw a check engine light?
The gas cap will throw a check engine light if it needs to be replaced. Sometimes it’s just how the cap has been placed, and other times it’s because the cap is defective. Gas tanks are designed to contain a certain amount of vacuum pressure. Sensors on your car monitor this level of pressure.
What is a gas cap seal?
Gas cap seals or gaskets help keep vacuum pressure inside the gas tank, but when damaged, they can leak pressure. Gas cap gaskets can roll over, fall off, break, crack, and split, all creating opportunity for leaks.
How Check Engine Light Detects The Problem?
Most modern cars and trucks now come with OBD II (On-Board Diagnostic System). This automotive diagnostic system monitors several factors including engine and emission related issues, makes sure they’re running properly.
Why Check Engine Light Due To Gas Cap Happens?
The fuel tank contains fuel, which is the material needed for the combustion process. The vehicle will run if the fuel supply is consistent and the fuel is in untainted.
How To Solve The Problem?
The problem is one of the silliest ones you’ll encounter regarding your car. Gas cap, also known as the fuel filler cap, is very easy to locate and fix. It’s the part you close and opens every time you fill the fuel tank. Here are the steps on how to address this issue.
How To Prevent Gas Cap Problems?
Regardless of what you do, gas cap might need replacing once in a while. However, you can avoid most of the problems by staying careful. Follow our tips-
How to determine if gas cap is to blame?
To determine whether the gas cap might be to blame, you’ll first need to use a scan tool or code reader to retrieve the DTCs from the PCM’s memory. You can also choose to have a professional retrieve the codes for you. To determine whether the gas cap might be to blame, you’ll first need to use a scan tool or code reader to retrieve ...
What does a loose gas cap do?
A loose gas cap can turn on the check engine light (CEL), primarily on vehicles built after 1996. Before you jump into the troubleshooting process, though, it’s helpful to understand how the cap can trigger the CEL in the first place. You see, on modern vehicles, the gas cap is part of the evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.
What is a gas cap?
You see, on modern vehicles, the gas cap is part of the evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system. The EVAP system prevents harmful fuel vapors from entering the atmosphere by trapping then purging the vapors. Most vehicles built after 1996 (and all of those built after 1999) have what’s called an “enhanced” EVAP system. ...
Why does my PCM leak?
Although the PCM can log EVAP leak codes for a variety of reasons, the most common cause is a loose or faulty gas cap. As such, you’ll want to check the gas cap before trying anything else. Make sure to tighten the cap completely. On most vehicles, the cap will “click” into place when it’s secure. After you’ve tightened down ...
Why does my check engine light turn on?
You’ll often hear people say the check engine light is nothing to worry about—it’s probably just a loose gas cap. While it’s true that a loose gas cap can trigger the check engine light, there are countless other reasons why the light might turn on. Let’s dispel any myths by helping you understand how your car’s gas cap ...
Can a gas cap make a check engine light come on?
Can a gas cap make the check engine light come on? Yes, a loose gas cap can turn on the check engine light (CEL), primarily on vehicles built after 1996. But a loose fuel cap certainly isn’t the only reason for the warning. To determine whether the cap is to blame, you (or your mechanic) will need to do some detective work.
Why is my gas cap not sealing?
gas cap sealing o-ring. If the rubber seal on the fuel cap isn’t sealing, because the cap is loose or cross threaded, the test fails. The pump never reaches its desired pressure and therefore triggers the service engine soon light. It’s also possible the fuel cap is screwed on properly, but still leaks from either the o-ring gasket seal or ...
Why does the gas cap code come on?
Gas Cap Code. The check engine light will come on and set a code if the fuel system isn’t sealed airtight. There’s also a possibility you have a bad fuel tank pressure sensor. On some automobiles these issues set the P0440 code.
What is a gas cap code?
The gas cap code is a common diagnostic trouble code that might turn your check engine light on. I put together a video discussing a problem my neighbor had with Nissan Maxima four door sedan after they filled the fuel tank.
Can gas caps be made of parts?
Often gas caps are made of several parts even if they look one piece. Thankfully, they make inexpensive scan tools that just read and clear codes. Plus here is a link to popular replacement gas caps. If you want to try replacing the cap and clearing the codes I think its worth a try.
Why is my gas cap not sealing?
If there is any abnormal wear or damage to it , even a new gas cap may not seal properly. It can also be possible that there is an EVAP system leak or fault even though the check engine light is not on or an EVAP system leak fault present. The gas cap works along with components like the charcoal canister and EVAP purge valve and/or solenoid, ...
What does it mean when oil isn't grayish?
If it isn't grayish or blueish, then its just steam and it's nothing to worry about. Even if it is grayish / bluish, thats a little bit of oil burning, which wouldn't be all that surprising for a 15 year...
What causes an engine to overheat?
Engine overheats. Overheating can do extensive damage to your engine. If your vehicle is overheating, you want to get it fixed as soon as possible. There are many issues that can cause overheating; from a stuck closed thermostat to a blown head...
What does it mean when the fuel cap light goes on?
When the check fuel cap light goes on, a leak has been detected by your car’s computer. Usually, your fuel cap is loose, and if it is, tightening your gas cap will solve this. If the cause is not a loose fuel cap, have a mechanic check the issue.
What is a faulty fuel cap?
The easiest issue to spot with a faulty fuel cap is a cap that does not tighten. You will notice that fuel caps are designed to click when they are properly tightened.
Why does my car smell like gas?
But when you’re in your vehicle and haven’t recently loaded gasoline, and you get a fuel smell, it may be a symptom of a leaking fuel cap. Check the seal of your fuel cap, as it may be damaged.
What year did the fuel cap come out?
These fuel caps are commonly found in cars produced after 1985. Car companies produced these caps to keep the integrity of your car ’s fuel system. They don’t allow the release of fuel pressure from the system, required by the emission control regulations.
Where is the catalytic converter located?
Your catalytic converter can be located underneath your car, near the exhaust outlet. The catalytic converter’s purpose is to change the toxic and harmful substances that come from your car’s exhaust into less harmful substances.
