Gas cap notification and check engine light came on after getting gas. Car started to sputter and stall out.
Within minutes after getting gas, my car began to sputter and stall. The next day when I started my car , I got a gas cap notification on the dashboard. After that my check engine light came on. When I checked the gas cap I noticed it was not tightly secured which could have prompted the gas cap notification. I tightened the gas cap but I still have the notification on my dash and the check engine light is still on.
My car has 140100 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. When the fuel cap is not securely fastened to the tank, it can create vacuum issues inside the tank; which triggers the error code to be stored in the ECU. The error will then trigger the check engine light until that code is reset by a professional digital scanner. If you’re still having sputtering or stalling issues, you should contact a professional mechanic to complete an engine sputtering inspection. This will allow them to diagnose what’s causing this problem and reset any error codes to hopefully correct the issue your Chrysler 300 is experiencing.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Pay attention to the dashboard after the check engine light experience. If you find that the light keeps coming on, and goes off again once you tighten the gas cap, then your gas cap is too loose. If you realized that your gas cap is faulty or loose, it is simple to order a replacement gas cap.
A loose gas cap will not only let in grime and dirt, but it can allow fuel vapors to escape the fuel tank. These vapors can produce an error in the emissions system, which could cause the check engine light to illuminate.
Once the gas cap has been tightened, the check engine light will reset after several minutes, so drive for five to ten miles to see it reset. It will take some time (5 to 10 miles) for the gas cap to reset after you tighten it or replace a damaged one.
Bad Gas, What are the Symptoms? If you`ve inspected the gas cap, the problems you are having may be due to contaminated fuel. If a car, truck, or SUV has trouble starting, will not accelerate, or just is not running smoothly, then it`s possible you just have a contaminated tank of gas.
Code P0457 indicates the PCM has detected an EVAP leak, most likely caused by the gas cap.
Many manufacturers recommend tightening the fuel cap until it clicks three times, which is just a random number to make sure the cap is tight. At this point — even though the engine will run fine — it would be best to bring the car into have it looked at.
P0440 – This code stems from an EVAP system malfunction. More specifically, a leak. Common problems that can trigger this code (and your Check Engine LIght) are a loose or faulty gas cap, a leaking fuel evaporative canister, or a bad purge control valve.
The O2 sensor lets the computer know if the fuel mix is burning rich (not enough oxygen) or lean (too much oxygen). Knowing the ratio of fuel to air allows your vehicle`s engine to make any necessary changes to ensure that your car runs like it should.
The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.
Will your check engine light turn off by itself? In most cases, successfully repairing the issue that caused your light to come on will cause the check engine light to turn off automatically—but only after 10 to 20 “cycles”.
A loose gas cap will not only let fuel vapors escape, but it can also let in dirt and grime. These vapors can cause an error in the emissions system, which could light up the check engine light. Grime that gets into the fuel tank can also damage the fuel injectors over time.
How often should you replace your gas cap? In general, they last for about 50,000 miles but may need an early replacement if they get damaged.
An EVAP leak can cause a variety of issues, including a decrease in fuel efficiency, an increase in emissions, and a decrease in engine performance. If left unchecked, an EVAP leak can also cause damage to the catalytic converter, which can be expensive to repair.
The P0420 code signals a low catalyst system efficiency. This code suggests that the oxygen levels are below the desired threshold (Bank 1), which most often results from problems with your car`s exhaust or fuel systems.
Error Code P0440 indicates a malfunction with a vehicle`s EVAP system. This means that the vehicle`s engine control module (ECM) has detected a leak in the fuel tank vapor system or that a vapor pressure sensor has malfunctioned.
When the Check Fuel Cap Light comes on in the dashboard, this may indicate that the fuel cap has not been affixed onto the fuel tank filler tube properly, the fuel cap is missing from the fuel tank filler tube, or that the fuel cap is damaged in some way.
Traditional V6 and V8 have three oxygen sensors including a left bank and right bank sensor upstream and a downstream O2 sensor. 4 cylinder transverse has an upstream and a downstream O2 sensor.
Sensors should be located near the floor for gases or vapors three or four times heavier than air. They should be installed near the ceiling or roof to detect lighter-than-air gases.
While it`s often assumed that the check engine light (CEL) is an indication of a major mechanical issue, this isn`t always the case. In fact, according to many professional mechanics, a warning light can be caused by a minor electrical glitch.
So, what does it mean when you can`t find any codes? Check engine light flashing but no codes usually happen when you use the wrong OBD II scanner or one that`s incompatible with your car model. A blown fuse or electrical short in the car system could also cause the light to come on for no reason.
A steady check engine light indicates a non-emergency issue, such as a loose gas cap. Flashing check engine lights warn of severe situations requiring immediate attention. Standardized diagnostic codes help identify the trouble.
This happens because of clogged injectors, dirty fuel filters, or a defective fuel pump. The fuel delivery system comprises many parts that deliver fuel to the engine. If one of these parts is not functioning correctly, it can trigger the check engine light to flash. The engine chomps more fuel whenever you accelerate.
Drive out moisture from flooded engines. From tractors to cars to lawnmowers, WD-40® Multi-Use Product can displace excess moisture from flooded engines. Make sure your engine is turned off, then spray the original WD-40 formula into the carburetor before re-starting the engine.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Gas cap notification and check engine light came on after getting gas. Car started to sputter and stall out.
ANSWER : Hi there. When the fuel cap is not securely fastened to the tank, it can create vacuum issues inside the tank; which triggers the error code to be stored in the ECU. The error will then trigger the check engine light until that code is reset by a professional digital scanner. If you’re still having sputtering or stalling issues, you should contact a professional mechanic to complete an engine sputtering inspection. This will allow them to diagnose what’s causing this problem and reset any error codes to hopefully correct the issue your Chrysler 300 is experiencing.
Car started to slow down and then the check engine light, battery, and engine oil light came on. What could cause this?
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that the battery cable came loose or the wires to the oil pressure sensor has came loose or failed. Check the battery cables and make sure that the terminals are tight and clean. Check the wires to the oil pressure sensor and make sure that they are connected and not broken. If everything looks good, then the oil pressure sensor may have failed. Plus, check the computer for codes and see what is stored. This will lead you to the part that could have failed. I recommend replacing the oil pressure sensor then checking to see if the lights will go out. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you with the warning lights that came on.
Car won’t start. The check engine light, battery light, and oil change light are coming on. I tried jumping the car and nothing happened. Why won’t my car start?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.
Can an open gas cap which causes the Check Engine Light to come on cause the car to not start and the ECM to appear bad?
ANSWER : Yes, there are a lot of things a bad gas cap or open gas cap can affect. If you don’t have a gas cap then you may be experiencing issues with debris getting into your tank or fuel filter and affecting the drive performance. Since the ECM is a costly repair, you may want to have another independent technician diagnose the vehicle’s loss of power. They will be able to confirm the cause of the issue or advise you on another fix.
Idle problems when stopped. Car stops running. 4WD and Check engine lights on and solid. Gas cap tightened to verify
ANSWER : What you are describing sounds like a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. This sensor relays vital information to the ECM which uses this to make adjustments to fuel supply to the motor. A dirty or faulty sensor can cause an imbalanced air/fuel load to be supplied to the motor which results in an over fueling or under fueling situation depending on the conditions. This type of inconsistent fuel supply to the motor may cause a hesitation, loss of power, a jerking reaction, potentially a bit of black exhaust smoke and typically a strong smell of fuel when this sensor is malfunctioning. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
Out of the blue when I started car, the engine and gas was fine when cranked but the car did not fully start. The engine oil pressure light came on.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the engine oil level. If the oil level is low, then top off and recheck the symptoms. If the engine oil is full and the oil pressure light is lit up on the dash, then either the oil pressure sensor has failed or the oil pump has failed. Take a look at the oil pressure sensor and see if the contacts are loose or damaged. If the oil pressure sensor seems to be intact, then I recommend removing the sensor and putting in a test gauge and checking the oil pressure as the engine is cranked. If there is oil pressure of 25 psi or greater, then the oil pressure sensor needs replaced. If there is no oil pressure, then the oil pump needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your warning lights being on for the engine oil, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Battery light goes on when I start car then turns off, if I rev engine light comes back until rpms go down. Abs goes comes on/off
ANSWER : Batteries can die due to faults in the charging system so ideally a suspected "faulty" battery should be load tested before a decision is made to condemn it. The only exception to this rule is if the battery is already clearly "old" (greater than 5 years) but even then once you put a new battery in, as a replacement for a "dead" battery, you have to comprehensively check out the charging system. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0460 will result in disruption of the dashboard fuel gauge’s ability to accurately report your tank’s fuel levels. The fuel gauge readings may be erratic, or read somewhere off scale. Vehicles equipped with a low fuel warning light feature may also suffer from erratic low fuel warnings in the event of a code P0460. Unless the P0460 code has been reported alongside other trouble code, all of the vehicle’s essential systems should otherwise function normally. I would recommend that you request a check engine light diagnostic to first resolve the fault causing the P0460 code to set. The check gas cap light warning light could be due a faulty gas cap and/or small leaks in the EVAP system.
Was driving on the expressway and my car started shaking, check engine light turned on, oil light turned on and off
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Shaking and vibrating typically comes from a misfire, or poor engine performance. A lack of oil will absolutely contribute to these symptoms and amplify them, if not cause them to begin with. You want to turn your attention to the cause of the oil leak. If external (you can see the leaking oil), then you will want to trace the leak to the component which has failed. If the leak is internal (or the engine is consuming oil), the leak will be harder to find. It will also explain the poor engine performance due to excess oil in the combustion chamber. A head gasket is one of the main components that will fail and cause these issues. It is however not common for a vehicle this age to have these kinds of problems. You will also want to scan the computer, and see what codes are triggering your check engine light. These diagnostic tools will help you determine what system(s) is to blame for the malfunction. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
