I had a check engine light come on last night.

I immediately went and checked the gas cap, and sure enough, it was loose.

I know Autozone can pull the code to confirm that the CEL is from the loose gas cap, but has anyone had the CEL from a vac/gas cap issue turn off after a few days or so?

 

it will. after a few drive cycles..

you need to change your sig!!!

beers

 

^+1
Mine took a couple days to clear.

 

It's really best to get the code read, just for peace of mind. Although if the light came on as soon as you started your car, it's pretty slam-dunk it's the evap leak.

I've gotten P0455 twice. Read it with my Harrison CANscan, and cleared it. Neither time did the gas cap seem to be loose, although the original cap (pre MSP-13) never felt like it was on solid even when it was tight.

Ken

 

Good point... that is absolutely true!

 

I hope so.

Do I really need to change my sig? Does this constitute a 'problem?'

Damn. I need to make a technical call on this.


Okay, it did immediately come on, so let's hope it goes away in a few drive cycles. I will head over to AutoZone to get some peace of mind if it doesn't clear within a day or so.

 

i did not read you first post that way.. and i agree pull the code, just for peace of mind!

beers

 

Will do today.


She's driving so smoothly, though, so I'm not too concerned. But better to be proactive.

 

It's gonna take a couple of days.

cuz the gas cap CEL is triggered by tests done to your car when the engine is off for a couple of hours.

 

Almost spewed coffee out my nose on that one Scott.
Good catch..........however, this one doesn't count in my book.

This is a great example for dropping the money to get even a cheap scan tool. It's worth the piece of mind. I only have the Scangauge II, but probably the best $150.00 I've spent...........I think it added 3-5hp as well.
At least it let's me keep and eye on some other parameters as well.

 

When I began having gas cap issues around 60K miles, I kept getting the CEL and despite all the retightening, it kept coming back. I ended up buying a new gas cap from the dealer, installed that and bam, no more CEL.

For me, driving around for an entire week was not turning off the CEL after retightening.

 

My gas cap has been toast for a while. I should buy a new one.

 

I think it clears after 10 driving cycles(but you could turn key on and off 10 times to clear I think if you wanted)

 

Tried that - still on.

Sonofabitch!!!

 

ha maybe the car has to be started and turned off 10 times....I'm almost positive it's ten driving cycles but I thought I read somewhere on here that turning the key on and off ten times would clear it...if you want it off just go to autozone have the read the code(which is good just to be sure there are no other codes stored along with it) and then have them turn it off

 

Go get that code read..............from what I see your still making guesses. Also, it it does turn out to be a P0456, and your under warranty, go print this out and take it in. http://www.finishlineperformance.com...26-07-1800.pdf

 

yeah worst comes to worst if you don't want to wait the "so many" cycles and dont go get it red just disconnect the batter for a minute or so and it will reset everything butthe code will stiill be stored....

 

a drive cycle is coolent temp related.. just turning on and off will not do it..

beers

 

Disconnect the negative terminal, walk away, go pee or smoke a cig, come back to it, reconnect, turn the car on and turn your wheel all the way in both directions. If the CEL comes back, go to autozone.

 

or just step on the brake with the bat disconnected..

beers

 

Alright guys, I'm going to try the disconnect bat terminal, go take a ****, read an article in Motor Trend, and then come back, step on the brake, and see if that clears the CEL.

Thanks.

We need to come up with a spiffy name for this procedure.

 

battery disconnect brake stomp. it is not new.. with the brake stomp you really are done. no need to wait.

beers

 

Okay, you guys are the best.

Disconnected the battery for about 3 minutes, tapped the brakes, reconnected the battery.

Started car. CEL gone!

Here's the fun part. The DSC light was flashing and the Traction Control light was solid.

No biggie. I drove it for about 8 miles to make sure it was nice and warm.

Then, I had some serious fun.

With the DSC light blinking, I rotated the car completely on its axis in a near perfect circle, and the steering and chassis were sublime. I felt like Clarkston.

As soon as I did this, and shifted into second coming out of the loop, the blinking DSC light immediately went off (it kicked in).

But the Traction Control light was still lit solid.

I drove for about a mile. Shut the car off. Waited till the solenoid shut the electrical system off. Restarted the car, and the Traction Control light was not on.

Perfect.

Everything is back to normal. I love this car more than ever.

I wish there was an easy way to shut the DSC off when I want to have some more fun, because the car is a different animal without that nanny on. You realize how much it keeps the car in line only when it's off, if momentarily.


Thanks again guys.

My ~ZERO PROBLEM~ streak continues!

(Car felt stronger - probably imagination - I LOVE this car!)

 

You know you can shut off DSC when you want to have fun?

Also, the reason DSC and TSC were on was because you disconnected the battery. Specifically, the steering angle sensor needs to be reset. After reconnecting the battery, you need to turn your wheels all the way left and then all the way right. Then restart the car. All lights will be off at that point. This procedure is documented in the owner's manual.

 

Astral, I did not know that.

Should I disconnect the battery again, and turn the wheels fully to the left and right again (after reconnecting the battery, but before the starting the car)?

Or am I okay? The car is driving great.