[misspigeon]

Hey friends -

Someone pilfered my gas cap over the weekend (as a souvenir after realizing I had no gas for pilfering?) and it was about three days before I was about to get a replacement. The check engine light has been on, which I know is usual for a loose/missing gas cap, but I’m wondering if it’ll ever go off on its own or will I need someone to reset it? Or is there a change this has actually done something to cause a real check engine light issue?

Thanks! 🚙

 

[jmartinsmart]

Never had this on a smart, but on other vehicles I have owned, it cleared itself after replacing the cap and driving for a period of time. I was on a trip at the time and drove for a few hundred miles, but I don't remember when it actually turned off.

Just my $.02
Jim

 

[vadsoom]

Jim is correct, the code should clear in a few driving cycles. If it bothers you, one of the local auto parts places (AutoZone, Advance, O’Riley’s…) are often able to clear it using an OBD2 code reader.

The code happens because at startup, the catalytic converter is not hot enough to burn off some of the gasses produces when the car starts. The gasses are “stored” using the fuel tank and a few other components. If there is a leak, the system detects a fault in the “evap” system and throws the code.

 

[misspigeon]

Success! After four days, probably at least two dozen starts, and about 70 miles, the check engine light has finally cleared. Thanks for the reassurances, friends!

 

[smark]

That pretty normal if a gas cap is loose, or missing. The check gas lamp with turn on. On our other cars, a message will flash on the instrument panel.