Service Engine Light - Poorly Sealed Gas Cap

[daschtick]

Here's a little tip that I just figured out that I thought I'd share. Recently, my Service Engine Soon light came on, but before going to the stealer to have it read (for a nominal fee of $95!), I thought I'd try to read it myself using the Shop Manual.

So I followed the procedure listed on pages EC-64 and 65 of the manual, and read out code "0455", which translated into "EVAP control system gross leak detected", which translated means "EVAP control system has a very large leak such as fuel filler cap fell off, EVAP control system does not operate properly".

The first thing that came to mind was the cheapo "Stant" locking gas cap that I have had for 2 years, one of my very few non-OEM parts. I have noticed that in the past several months that it has become increasingly difficult to take off and screw on, almost like it is binding up. So this evening, I took it off, and got the idea to lubricate the seal to see if that would help eliminate a possible leak. I placed a light coating of marine grease (conveniently leaking out of my grease gun) all along the rubber seal on the cap, and screwed the cap back on. Immediately, I could tell that it screwed on further, and I was able to easily turn through 3 clicks. I then unlocked it, and was able to easily unscrew the cap with one finger and my thumb, where I previously had to use my entire hand. I then followed the procedure to reset my ECU, and I no longer have the SES light.

So, if any of you are having Service Engine faults, or if your gas cap seams to be getting increasingly difficult to use, you might want to give this a shot.