I just bought a 2015 smart fortwo pure used. It last had its service B done in July 2017 at 16k miles, so even though it's only at 23.5k miles I decided to take it to dealer straight away for an oil change (the check engine light was on). The guy at the dealership said it would cost $175 to diagnose the check engine light in addition to the servicing fee. This morning he got back to me saying the check engine light was because the fuel cap is loose. The thing is, I only stopped for gas once between when I bought the car and when I took it to the dealer, and I'm 100% sure the cap was tight. I specifically got out of the car to remove and put the cap back because I didn't hear the clicking sound when the attendant closed it after he was done. My question is, is it possible they made a mistake in diagnosing why the check engine light was on? Is there anything else I should ask them to check?
check engine light caused by loose gas cap
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Yes . When you talk to your service person , ask what code did it show and what components are suspect in that situation . If they are reputable they will answer your question. IF it puts another code out , be sure to pressure them to be up front in diagnosis and not just say “we fixed it” . Auto repairs are not cheap , getting a detailed work order and invoice is professional courtesy.
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A loose gas cap, is usually the culprit. Just remove it, and tighten it back on. The lamp should go off. You can also take your car to any auto supply store. They can pull your code free. Reset the code. If it’s just a gas cap. I had a bad Evap canister.
Got my car back the night before last. The service rep (at the manhattan dealership) said they did a bunch of tests and everything seemed ok, so their guess was that fuel cap was loose at some point. They made it sound like it didn't necessarily have to be loose on that last fill-up, the light could have gotten turned on because it was left loose at some point in the past. So far the light has stayed off, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed it stays that way.
next time instead to pay $175 buy this toy, it will help you to understand better that the mechanic said FOXWELL NT630 Plus SRS Automotive OBD2 Scan OBD II ABS Bleeding Diagnostic Scanners Air Bag Engine Light Reset Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072VGJ7S8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IKaBCb20Y4MN0
I had negative experience with Manhattan service, they replaced suspension part and still have the rattle noises...
I had negative experience with Manhattan service, they replaced suspension part and still have the rattle noises...
Did you find a better place to get your car serviced? If yes, please share.
I have returned after 3 weeks to Manhattan Service, had a drive test whit one of their mechanic and finally they have changed the right parts, strut bushings both sides, now is running like new...
my warranty is expire next year in Nov, so I do have to go on the dealer for maintenance, after that I will perform myself different repairs...
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Gas cap error will reset itself once the problem is fixed, but it will take a few car starts and shutoffs to do this. Much easier to buy a generic code reader/ reseting tool and do it yourself. the reader needs to be able to handle a canbus setup, I have found them as cheap as $20 that will work on most codes, but will not read anything more than engine codes.
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