Getting Check Gas Cap warning
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 33
From: Rotonda West, Florida
Getting Check Gas Cap warning
I've searched the threads and couldn't find an answer. I replaced the original gas cap about five years ago at the dealer for the recall problem (I have an '05). It's always seemed very loose but never a problem. I only put about 4-5k miles on the car a year.
Today when I got in the warning "Check Gas Cap" came on. I went to Auto Zone and bought a cap that didn't seem much tighter than the one I had and drove about 50 miles with many stops to eat and sight see. The warning kept going on (I could touch the reset button and it would go off for about 10 minutes but come back on).
I stopped at a NAPA store and bought another and it is much tighter and feels like a better quality but the light still comes on. I'm not mechanical so don't know what to do but wanting to know if anyone thinks it will go away once cooled down and ran again or do I need to take it to the dealer? I'd like to have some idea of what I'm looking at cost wise before someone takes advantage.
Thank you in advance for any help that can be given.
Rick
Today when I got in the warning "Check Gas Cap" came on. I went to Auto Zone and bought a cap that didn't seem much tighter than the one I had and drove about 50 miles with many stops to eat and sight see. The warning kept going on (I could touch the reset button and it would go off for about 10 minutes but come back on).
I stopped at a NAPA store and bought another and it is much tighter and feels like a better quality but the light still comes on. I'm not mechanical so don't know what to do but wanting to know if anyone thinks it will go away once cooled down and ran again or do I need to take it to the dealer? I'd like to have some idea of what I'm looking at cost wise before someone takes advantage.
Thank you in advance for any help that can be given.
Rick
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 315
From: Bridgewater New Jersey
If it's the gas cap, the car needs to go through a few drive cycles for the code to clear.
You could try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes, as this should clear that code, re-index the power windows afterwards.
If this doesn't help, you need to get the code off the OBD system to narrow down the issue. Sounds like a leak of the gas tank vapor system, as there are more possibilities other than the gas cap. If you don't have a code reader, a parts store could scan the car for codes and usually do it for free.
You could try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes, as this should clear that code, re-index the power windows afterwards.
If this doesn't help, you need to get the code off the OBD system to narrow down the issue. Sounds like a leak of the gas tank vapor system, as there are more possibilities other than the gas cap. If you don't have a code reader, a parts store could scan the car for codes and usually do it for free.
Last edited by extrapilot; Nov 12, 2016 at 05:05 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 253
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
You want to buy a Stant gas cap. That should take car of the loose gas cap permantly. I know that NAPA sells Stant gas caps. Hopefully that is was you got when you bought the gas cap from them. Like others have said, it will take a few starts and drive cycles to clear the code. Can also clear the code by disconnecting your battery for 5-10 minutes. I went through this problem when I had my 2007 base vert. Replaced the factory gas cap with a Stant and never had the problem again.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 627
Likes: 110
There are a bunch of parts that can cause a evap system code. Just throwing parts at it will not fix it because these systems test for leaks down to .020. A gas cap is a possibility a cheap try. If that doesn't work you will need someone with a scanner and a smoke machine to properly diagnose. Fuel tank, lines/hoses , filler neck/cap, vent valve, purge valve, canister, and wiring can all cause a evap code.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,139
Likes: 1,910
From: Missouri City, TX
In my past experiences, about 12 drive cycles for the CEL to clear on its own after a fault is remedied. Don't expect the CEL to turn off immediately on its own with a new fuel fill cap.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
Don't tell anyone, but I've seen the Stant cap at (perish the thought) Walmart. If you drive the Vette there, don't tell the forum as some think the Vette shouldn't be seen in a Walmart parking lot. One thing to remember with the cap is to not push it inwards as you turn it...just turn it till it clicks a couple of times.
Last edited by cclive; Nov 13, 2016 at 10:24 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer