Engine Codes--Resetting Leaves a Trail?

I had posted this in "Technical Chat," but I really need more responses. I want to put a locking fuel cap on my truck:

I've only got about 340 miles on my 2010, but I installed a locking gas cap (CST, from AutoZone). Apparently, it threw a couple codes--CEL along with a slip indicator.

AutoZone checked the codes for me, and there was an emissions leak--likely the gas cap. They gave me a non-vented CST gas cap, but I didn't have them reset the codes so that I could get the slip indicator checked out a the dealer.

I was worried about the slip indicator, but the dealer said there was no problem. Since I had the locking gas cap, a non-sanctioned Toyota product, I was charged a diagnostic fee (1/2 hour of labor) to check out the emissions problem.

I would like to keep the locking gas cap. In fact, I haven't even given the new, non-vented cap a chance to work.

My question: if I buy a code reader and reset the codes myself, will there be a record of codes in the computer that the dealer will see I reset myself? I don't want there to be a warranty issue later, and I also want some security for my gas tank.

**In sum, if I reset the codes, will the codes still be left for the dealer to find later (i.e. months from now).**

 

bump.

Please help, if possible. I'd like to use the locking gas cap.

 

Yea if u erase the code its gone. also if some how the dealer found that ur truck through this code u can just say the gas cap wasn't tight once.

 

what other purpose does a locking gas cap serve?

 

I also got a locking gas cap... Since the gas door doesn't lock, all you can do is hope no ashole dumps something down your gashole.

 

I think that strainer can be punctured pretty easy with a stiff rubber hose.

 

id be careful with locking gas caps. Some people in my town actually had locking gas caps when prices were really high, and the crooks just cut there fuel line and got the gas out. Which costs more to fix then the gas they were protecting.

 

That's actually kind of funny. The thought of someone vandalizing their own vehicle, that is.

 

This is kind of hard to explain, codes don't really disappear though. The CEL won't always come on the first time a code is thrown either. Usually, the ECU sees the code and after 'X' amount of times the problem is encountered, the CEL is illuminated. There is a history associated with each code, where that cut off is depends on the specific code.

 

Once you erase the codes they are gone. Did that with the Subaru I traded in for the Taco. It dropped a cylinder and I erased the code as I pulled into the stealers lot. They had no fricken clue.

 

Great you and gas

 

I think that's the drive cycle you're referring to. Part of the logic of the ECU.

 

Yea, that's it.