check fuel cap light is on…cant figure out why?

Question

i have a 2004 ford focus zts and my check fuel cap light came on last night. i thought maybe it wasnt screwed in all the way but i undid it and re-attached it several times. it made its 4 clicks as i tightened it and it cant be tightened any further yet the light is still on…i checked my manuel and i cant afford to bring it in to be serviced or looked at right now….whats going on with my car?

Johathan Wehner · Accepted Answer

Ok,you could have a bad fuel cap or o-ring on the cap. could be you just didn’t quite get the cap on good enough the last time you got gas so in turn the light comes on. unfortunately these things are so sensitive that the light doesn’t go out even though you have tried taking it off and putting it back on. My advise is, check out your local auto parts stores. such as Autozone, or Advance. Most auto parts stores anymore will hook up a small scanner to your car and can tell you what the problem may be. not as good as a dealers repair shop could tell you,but should be able to let you know if it is nothing serious or could be. if it is something serious then you would of course have to see mechanical help. and if its nothing serious, like the only thing showing up is gas cap not on good,they can clear out the code and your light will go off and your good to go.if it turns out that’s all it was and the code is cleared, and it keeps coming on, you could have a more serious problem and should have a qualified mechanic check it out. if you don’t have an Autozone or Advance near you, just check your local auto parts stores and see if they offer the service of checking your vehicle when lights like this come on. and it should be a FREE service. Autozone and Advance is and most should be. i know this is long, but i hope it helps.

Johathan Wehner · Answer

Cap Light

Johathan Wehner · Answer

Fuel system is pressurized, a bad gas cap can cause warnings. Its a under $10 part that never hurts to replace. Don;t waste your money on a locking gas cap, its a false sense of security. Take your car to Autozone or other local auto parts store, most offer FREE code scans. If a dummy light came on, it set a code in the computer. That code will give you a better idea of what is wrong. After replacing cap or any other fix, reset the computer…aka clear the codes. The scanner tools auto place will use can do that.

Johathan Wehner · Answer

Was the cap on all the way when the light came on? Did you get gas and leave the engine running?The system doesn’t know you put the gas cap back on until it runs a self test again, which may take a few days. Don’t waste money one a gas cap until you’re sure the cap is bad. Also the light could come on for other evap leaks (not just a gas cap) but try to rule out the cap first as thats the most common cause.

Johathan Wehner · Answer

It’s the rubber gasket that fits inside gas cap. It gradually compresses, until eventually it won’t hold a “tight seal”. Once that happens, you have to replace the seal. For most cars, the seal is integral with the gas cap, and so you have to go to the Ford dealer and buy a brand new cap. Cost about $19. Very easy to remove strap (if you have one) holding gas cap to car body (usually the gas cap door). It’s plastic, and pops in and out of a hole; so just use a sharp screwdriver or a table knife and pry it out. Push in new one into vacant hole. If you can’t get it out, just cut it off, you don’t have to have that strap anyway. But you need the new gas cap. I’d use the dealer, as they will have the exact match for you. If code light stays on (it probably will), try disconnecting the negative bat cable at bat terminal for a couple minutes, then put back on. Or, much better if possible: take to an AutoZone store, they’ll read your computer for free, tell you what the problem is (mostl likely the gas cap, very common problem), they’ll usually ask you if you want to “remove the code” (say yes, as you just fixed the problem. Removing the code will turn that light off. It will only remove that one particular code).

Johathan Wehner · Answer

This Site Might Help You.RE:check fuel cap light is on…cant figure out why?i have a 2004 ford focus zts and my check fuel cap light came on last night. i thought maybe it wasnt screwed in all the way but i undid it and re-attached it several times. it made its 4 clicks as i tightened it and it cant be tightened any further yet the light is still on…i checked my manuel…

Johathan Wehner · Answer

I have 2009 Lincoln I have changed fuel cap it should have yellow cap does not work it can use flex fuel I bought it used only 20000 miles on it but had been in wreck don’t know what to do

Johathan Wehner · Answer

The fuel cap might need to be changed. I know on newer cars if it is bad it can make the check engine light come on.

Johathan Wehner · Answer

If the gas cap was left loose after you filled up on gas,then the gas cap lght will come on.At that point even if you tighten the cap the light will stay on.You will need to have the light reset (autozone can reset the light for free)or if the computer does not see the fault again(probably withen 50 car starts,depending on car manufacturer) the light will turn off.Hope this helps answer the question……….

Johathan Wehner · Answer

I have the same issue. Have already replaced the cap and reset the codes but the light has come back on. My mechanic is telling me it is probably a leak in the evap system, and only the dealer has the resources to trace it down. AAARGH!! The car runs great! I just want the stupid light to stay off!

Haylie Ernser DVM

check fuel cap light is on…cant figure out why?

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