2006-07-24 15:03:06 · 16 answers · asked by jessnclh 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It can, but lets see why this is possible. Lets start with why you need a gas cap. The fuel tank carries gasoline in both a liquid and a gas form. It is the gas form that the EPA cares about. Without a tightly sealed gas cap, gasoline vapors are free to vent into the atmosphere. This is one of the ongoing battles to clean up the "nasty" byproducts automobiles produce.
So the EPA has set laws that newer (mostly 96 and newer) vehicles have to maintain a certain lid on this problem. They do that by having the vehicles "computer" test to see if the gas vapors can spill out. This is done by pumping air into the gasoline tank (imagine blowing air into a balloon). If the tank maintains a certain air pressure, then it thinks everything is fine. If to much pressure exist then it thinks that the cap is missing or there is a hole in the tank. So, the computer will then in turn tell you this by turning on the service engine light.
To ensure against this annoyance make sure you have a cap on and that it is tightly sealed ( minimum 3 clicks).
2006-07-24 15:19:48 · answer #1 · answered by mstang 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes the code will be for an evaporative emissions leak test "large leak detected". this code will set and turn on the "check engine" light any time the car is running and the gas cap is removed, such as leaving the car running while fueling up in the winter so you can keep the heater going, soon as you open that cap while its running it'll set the light. Also you will have to have the code erased by someone with a scan-tool which will turn off the "check eng." light
2006-07-24 15:24:58 · answer #2 · answered by mark o 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it should be on constantly.
A missing gas cap emits more pollution than a running motor.
Get an OBD-II code reader to find out. They are about $90. Some auto parts stores will let you borrow one for free. They will tell you the code(s) that caused the problem and clear the light.
2006-07-24 15:25:31 · answer #3 · answered by RedwoodLife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and even not having the cap properly screwed on can cause the engine light to go on.
2006-07-24 15:13:48 · answer #4 · answered by woman of faith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely it will.And the code in the computer will be emission system "large leak detected". Newer cars are required to not only monitor tailpipe emissions but also hydrocarbon emissions(I.E.gasoline vapors) and a loose or malfunctioning gas cap will turn the "check engine" light. Just make sure your cap is tight and that the rubber seal is in place and not damaged and if it is then you will have to replace it.
2006-07-24 15:13:30 · answer #5 · answered by Iknowthisone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need anti freeze in your gas anymore they add ethanol to gasoline now. on a car that old a fuel pump is a reasonable suspect. could be a wiring or cpu issue. You cant get good codes from a damaged cpu. Honestly the car probably sat there for 2 days and was looked at for an hour. Try another garage is my advice. Bring to a buick or any GM dealer. If its high miles your catalytic converters could be clogged.
2016-03-27 05:41:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yep and I'd get the cap from the dealer... seen too many of the aftermarket ones cause check engine lights after beign installed (espciall the people who install locking caps and we would tell them the new gas cap is why we are charging a $50+ check out fee for and proved it to them)
2006-07-24 15:27:42 · answer #7 · answered by gearbox 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On some modern vehicles yes. A new cap should solve the light issue.
2006-07-24 15:08:52 · answer #8 · answered by AK 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. System operates properly when closed. Get a cap.
2006-07-24 15:07:11 · answer #9 · answered by DR_NC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if it didn't (which it does). Why would you want to drive around without a gas cap?
2006-07-24 15:15:49 · answer #10 · answered by Jason z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋