First CEL Ever!

Thought id spread the word, got in my truck to go home nothing special yet wait for it.....

Check engine light, traction control light on


Took to dealer, was told Gas Cap was bad, might save you a couple bucks if you just change yours before going and paying diag fee.

Btw, 102543mi 4.0 v6 2011

 

CEL does not only mean Gas Cap is bad. You can read your CEL codes with an inexpensive OBD bluetooth(or wifi) adapter and save some money over the dealership. Then do some research on the code, search here, and then post up here asking for some advise.

Also I see you are fairly new, welcome.

 

True, but a bad gas cap can cause a CEL

 

That's crazy lol

 

a lot of things can cause CEL... did the dealership's diagnostic fee pinpoint the error code, and the solution was replace the gas cap, or did the tech "hope" that cleared up the CEL?

there's a few details missing from this OP post.

for one knowing what code the CEL actually was, and has the CEL light remained off since resetting codes, and replacing gas cap.

 

Yep happened to me when i tried to put on a locking gas cap. CEL came on the next day. I havent seen an aftermarket that wont make the light come on

 

I have had a Stant locking gas cap on all my vehicles and never had a CEL because of them.

 

How does a gas cap go bad (gasket)? I was always under the assumption that a CEL pointing to a gas cap, was most liking not turning until you hear a click, so as not keeping it pressurized.

 

Sandman614, i agree, unfortunately there is no diagnostic method im comfertable with except for the dealership trained mechanics.

And Thank you

Tacoma909sport, im not sure, i was a waiting customer, thier garage doesnt allow me to talk to the mechanic. I also trust thier methods dont rely on trust, or hope mainly because i will not accept an unresolved issue after leaving. What else other than mileage, engine, and model do you need, btw the light is off, and be assured if it returns they will take care of it, ive purchased now my 4th vehicle from them, i personally deal with gm, i worked for the owners starting buisness a honda motorcycle dealership for 8 years and developed a working relationship with him.

 

Markcal, thats a great question, might have been the rubber gasket got stiff over 7yrs of use

 

$30 bluetooth/WiFi OBDII plug-in and download the Torque App on your phone for $5...never have to pay for a dealership diagnostic fee again.

Also AutoZone or any auto parts store will read a code for you for free.

Sometimes that evap code will pop up if the gas cap is just loose (not screwed on completely), but if it is bad make sure you get an OEM cap and not an aftermarket one....aftermarket ones are known to cause CEL's

 

Do you remember turning the gas cap till you hear a click, I'm OCD about always doing that for that very reason?

 

Sounds good eon blue

I do markcal, ive got some expierence on obd2 vehicles from working at a ford dealership and after seeing what a loose gas cap can cause im absolutely positive it clicked, what i never checked was the integrity of the rubber that seals, oh well, 150.00 over 7yrs to the dealership that has always taken care of me is not a big deal. Would i rather put that money into argon for my tig welder, sure, but worrying about it wont change what happened

 

Part number?

 

My wife had a 2001 camry that the CEL light would constantly come of due to gas cap. This isn't exactly a new issue Replaced caps a few times, finally just did like the jeepers and lived with the CEL light on. Still driving on the road with over 300k miles....but that gas cap is still upset.

 

Fajitas21, i could live with lots, god knows i already do working in the transit industry but cel on would make me nutz

 

Locking gas cap: Stant PN 10509 for 2005-2008; 10504 for 2009-2015.