Gas Cap Problems

[Calvin]

After about 8 months I experienced my first "check engine" light. I took it in and service told me I have a bad gas filler cap. They have experienced a few of the 4.6s and 3.8s with faulty fuel filler caps. The caps rachet down correctly but they are not sealing very well and this is sending false signals to the computer since the tank is venting thru the cap and not the charcoal canister. I'm surprised the problem did not surface earlier but maybe it had to do with the recent high heat I experienced during a trip to central Florida.

 

[Calvin]

Update: the code for the problem was P0456 (SMALL EVAP LEAK DETECTED)

 

[mcginnpm]

TSB 09-FL-009, which was issued in August, probably applies to your vehicle based on how long you've been driving it (applicable vehicle production date range: July 18, 2008 to September 24, 2008).

The PDF was a tad too big to attach. I can be viewed at www.hmaservice.com.

It's basically an ECM update.

 

[Calvin]

Thanks for the update on the TSB. My manuf. date was in late Oct 08 so just outside the TSB date. They replaced the fuel filler cap and I have not had any problems since. The new cap does feel tighter. The old cap may have just been faulty. Thanks again for the TSB update!

 

[jasonsw]

Thanks for the update on the TSB. My manuf. date was in late Oct 08 so just outside the TSB date. They replaced the fuel filler cap and I have not had any problems since. The new cap does feel tighter. The old cap may have just been faulty. Thanks again for the TSB update!

I also had this issue too. usually when i put in gas in my car the check engine light would come and go... i initially thought it was the indicator for ENGINE OIL CHANGE.

this svc mgr recommended me to just 'tighten' the gas cap and the problem went away. Not so sure if it was the 'defective' cap but i know that i stopped when the cap made that CLICK noise once or twice. he told me to go beyond that and turn it farther in to securely lock it (multiple clicks).

i guess u could say that i learned my 'lesson'

BTW, my car was made in late OCT 2008... odd...

 

[Richard Ft. Lauderdale]

I also had this issue too. usually when i put in gas in my car the check engine light would come and go... i initially thought it was the indicator for ENGINE OIL CHANGE.

this svc mgr recommended me to just 'tighten' the gas cap and the problem went away. Not so sure if it was the 'defective' cap but i know that i stopped when the cap made that CLICK noise once or twice. he told me to go beyond that and turn it farther in to securely lock it (multiple clicks).

i guess u could say that i learned my 'lesson'

BTW, my car was made in late OCT 2008... odd...

I hope you not waiting for the indicator to tell you when to get an oil change. There isn't one.

 

[Sayantsi]

In general, you have to make sure you get three clicks to ensure the fuel system is sealed. Some car manuals even state that you need at least three clicks.

 

[jasonsw]

I hope you not waiting for the indicator to tell you when to get an oil change. There isn't one.

NO WAY! haha. who do you take me for? haha.

I go every 3000 miles... It may be too frequent unless you are stuck in stop and go traffic, but I commute 20 miles each way during rush hour here in LA on 110 freeway, so...



BTW, 3 clicks for gas caps? I usually did one or two clicks... Being my first new car, I wanted to be 'gentle' with everything... shame on me... lol.

now i go for 3-5 clicks for fuel cap to close.