Went to lunch with a couple of co-workers and noticed that the "CHECK GAS CAP" indicator came on. I checked the gas cap and it was on tight. I took it off and put it back on, but the CHECK GAS CAP warning is still coming on. WTH?

 

If the gap cap isn't on tight or a seal on it is leaking, the EVAP system will not pressurize correctly, setting off the code.

I know my cap say "Tighten at least 3 clicks" on it, your's should be similar.

To reset the code, you can disconnect the negative battery cable for about 30 seconds to clear the computers memory. Let us know if it comes back on.

NOTE: You'll need the radio anti-theft code if you disconnect the battery.

 

I've taken the cap off and put it back on, like, three times already and I get the same thing. I've also tighten it about 3-4 clicks pas the first click , but no dice.

I'll do the battery thing this weekend when I change the oil. I'm at 15% oil life. Man, I need to change it ASAP.

I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

 

Oil wouldn't have anything to do with it. The light doesn't magically go off until you reset the code. If you tighten it and drive it for a week it would probably go off.

 

My oil comment sounded stupid, didn't it? I just meant that maybe, through some magical and unknown force, the computer spit that gas cap code out because, because the car is begging for an oil change and it's pissed off? Okay, maybe not... . And me bringing up the oil thing did sound dumb. LOL.

Okay, so, at any rate, it sounds like the gas cap just isn't making a seal, then. The car has an extended warranty plan. Take it to the dealer? Or what?

 

If it's under warranty, take it in.

The REAL reason for the code, is the gas tank isn't airtight like it should be. Loose gas cap is really the most common reason, but other things can do it.
- Bad gasket around the gas cap (easy to fix but why pay for it).
- Leak where the fuel pump bolts into the top of the tank?
- Leak where the fill pipe is clamped onto the tank?
- Couple small vent lines alongside the fill pipe?
- Even an actual leak in the top of the fuel tank?

Let the warranty handle it.

 

Guess what, gents? The 'check fuel cap' code stopped. It stopped flashing yesterday. What the...

 

Must've cleared itself!

 

Should I still take it back to the dealer?

 

If the code is gone, no need to worry. It probably was just a loose gas cap or a bad seal between the fill tube and gas cap.