And I have no idea why. My car isn't making any odd noises and although I think it has a leak somewhere that causes me to have to refill anti-freeze every month, it has no serious problems. I'm talking about a Chevy Malibu here, an older one, like 8 years. However, my boyfriend drove off without the gas cap the other day and he said that his mechanic told him that the check engine lights in Malibus are super sensitve and will come on when there are excess fumes or something? Is there any truth to that and if so, do you think getting a new gascap would fix the problem? What does the check engine light usually signify? And do I need to worry about my car just breaking down on me?
2007-03-28 15:17:24 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I know what it means to YOU okay, I'm asking on the offchance that a mechanic of someone experienced can shed a little more light on the problem...not everyone can just drop the money to get their car checked but thanks for the sarcasm, a'hole.
2007-03-28 15:25:26 · update #1
The check engine light in a GM car (which Chevy is) can be triggered by a sensor that checks the fuel system for a vacuum effect. What this means is that if your gas cap is not tightened all the way, it can sense that and will turn the light on so you have it checked out. That is why you should not even fill the car with gas while the car is still on. So if your bf got gas & drove with the cap OFF, that definitely is what turned the check engine light on. I would call a mechanic & see how much it'd cost to reset the sensor, & if u can't afford it, just drive on. It usually is 1 hour labor at the dealership (about $90).
I've been in the car business for 10 years, and know people that drive cars like that for years and tens of thousands of miles with no worries. The only danger is that if something more serious comes up that'd make the light go on, you're not going to know, and it would get worse. So try to get it reset when u can.
2007-03-28 15:27:38 · answer #1 · answered by royride 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gas cap could be your problem my moms car 96 pontiac grand prix did the same thing gm dealer told her to replace the gas cap and it was fine never pump the gas with the car running this can do the same thing the fuel system is presureized so to little or to much pressure can cause this also if there is a auto zone parts store near you they will check your car for free as long as the check engine light is on hope this helps you.
2007-03-29 05:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by cool chick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can go to Autozone and they will read the code for free. If the code comes back evap leak small or large then have them reset it and drive it for awhile making sure to leave the car off while fueling and putting the cap back on when done. If no code comes back then it was just from leaving the cap off. If the evap code come back then you have a leak somewhere. A shop with a smoke machine can detect where. If it's some other code then you'll need to ask another question.
2007-03-28 15:26:36 · answer #3 · answered by eightup23 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing to do with fluids. Flashing way you're misfiring and that is whatever that can be severe. A experiment of the code at this factor will simply let you know what cylinder is misfiring and I wager there is a couple of. Did you set scale back grade gasoline? That and the warmness would purpose this. It would even be a nasty gasoline filter out, dangerous spark plugs or dangerous injectors. Happens plenty as the elements begins to get sizzling out. I could cross have the automobile looked at considering the fact that there are lots of feasible reasons and it would get high priced changing components that won't repair the challenge. You would get fortunate however it is pleasant to have it sorted and quit riding if it keeps as misfiring can harm the engine comfortably.
2016-09-05 19:53:17 · answer #4 · answered by picone 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes your gas cap has to be on the car if not your check engine light will come on and when you do that take it to a good auto shop to have the light cut off and when they hook up the computer to your car have them see what engine codes are there one reason you also might be losing coolant is the your intake gasket is leaking if your car has a 3.1 or if is a 2.3 engine it might be a head gasket
2007-03-28 15:30:10 · answer #5 · answered by steven z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents have the same car and this also happened to my Mom a few years ago. My dad couldn't figure out what the problem was and when he took it to get tested they found out the gas cap wasn't closed tight enough. The test cost them 85 bucks. That might be it.
2007-03-28 15:26:39 · answer #6 · answered by smartazboy7 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when you screw the gas cap down make sure u get it to make that grinding sort of noise for about a 1/2 turn. that will make you check engine light come on. if the light just stays on it is nothing serious its only when they blink that something is wrong. i would get that antifreeze leak looked at.
2007-03-28 15:27:37 · answer #7 · answered by Zack K 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its a very common problem.When you leave the gas cap loose,the check eng. light will come on.Go to autozone and have them check the code stored in the cars computer.
2007-03-28 15:23:37 · answer #8 · answered by scott h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it somewhere that can plug into your car's computer and they'll tell you what's wrong. Any chain auto parts store can do it. It could be something silly like an oxygen sensor or something that really needs attention.
2007-03-28 15:32:40 · answer #9 · answered by Jmasters 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes believe it or not if the gas cap is not on tight or missing your check engine light will come on.
2007-03-28 15:27:51 · answer #10 · answered by casperj06 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋