I'm at a loss (CEL indicates gas cap, but that doesn't fix it)
03-29-2004, 12:26 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Muskegon MI
Posts: 311
Car Info: Silver 02 WRX
I'm at a loss, HELP ME
I love my WRX but I have one nagging problem. I keep getting this check engine light triggered by the what the OBDII checker is saying is a loose gas cap. I get it checked at AutoZone and they look at me like a moron and tell me to tighten my gas cap and they reset the light. I drive for 3 or 4 days and it comes on again. I get it checked again and they tell me the same thing. I go buy a new gas cap and it is still doing it. It dosent seem to effect performance in anyway but the light is annoying and I'm getting sick of people getting in my car and going "do you know you have a check engine light on". I-club genius unite and please help me figure out what the %$@# is the deal with this.
03-29-2004, 01:07 PM
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Trying to figure out something creative to put her
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Car Info: 2005 CGM WRX Wagon
I have this EXACT same problem! I'm glad to hear that it's not just me. I don't know what to do about it either. My light just came on again last week, so I need to take it in have have them actually fix the problem instead of just clearing the code.
My suspension is completely stock.
I'm very interested to see if someone can shed some light on the situation.
My suspension is completely stock.
I'm very interested to see if someone can shed some light on the situation.
03-29-2004, 01:16 PM
#5
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 9,016
Car Info: 2009 wrx & 2000 4runner
i have had that problem for a year now and taken it in about 4 times specifically for that
basically subaru just tries to blame it on other things instead of taking the time to figure out what the problem is. my light is still on.
i just assumed i am going to live with this problem forever
basically subaru just tries to blame it on other things instead of taking the time to figure out what the problem is. my light is still on.
i just assumed i am going to live with this problem forever
03-29-2004, 09:54 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Muskegon MI
Posts: 311
Car Info: Silver 02 WRX
i would be happy to take it to a dealer except its $85 a pop just to plug it into the same thing that AutoZone has. My warrenty is WAY past expired so thats out.
My car is 100% stock EXCEPT for a Progress rear sway bar but it was doing this before that.
It's nice to see I'm not the freak here also. My Grandma has a 03 impreza outback and she had a faulty gas tank (when they made it there was a bunch of metal shavings in the tube that prevented here from fiulling the gas tank in any time less than 15min) so Subaru isn't inocent of matters pertaining to this. I really hope someone can figure this out.
My car is 100% stock EXCEPT for a Progress rear sway bar but it was doing this before that.
It's nice to see I'm not the freak here also. My Grandma has a 03 impreza outback and she had a faulty gas tank (when they made it there was a bunch of metal shavings in the tube that prevented here from fiulling the gas tank in any time less than 15min) so Subaru isn't inocent of matters pertaining to this. I really hope someone can figure this out.
03-30-2004, 04:12 AM
#8
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,646
Car Info: 02 WRX WRB
It would help to post the actual numerical code you are getting.
There isn't really a specific "gas cap" code. The ECU regularly tests the fuel tank and evaporative emission system for integrity and ability to hold pressure, if any leaks or malfunctions are detected a code will be set. There are many different codes related to the evap system. A loose gas cap will prevent the fuel tank from being properly pressurized so it will result in a code being set, however the ECU doesn't know whether the leak is from the gas cap or something else, all it sees is a leak someplace.
It's possible you have a leak or faulty component elsewhere in the system and the gas cap has nothing to do with it. The code can help narrow it down, but a number of things may need to be checked- hoses, vent valves, solenoids, fuel tank seals etc.
There isn't really a specific "gas cap" code. The ECU regularly tests the fuel tank and evaporative emission system for integrity and ability to hold pressure, if any leaks or malfunctions are detected a code will be set. There are many different codes related to the evap system. A loose gas cap will prevent the fuel tank from being properly pressurized so it will result in a code being set, however the ECU doesn't know whether the leak is from the gas cap or something else, all it sees is a leak someplace.
It's possible you have a leak or faulty component elsewhere in the system and the gas cap has nothing to do with it. The code can help narrow it down, but a number of things may need to be checked- hoses, vent valves, solenoids, fuel tank seals etc.
03-30-2004, 12:09 PM
#13
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Location: Trying to figure out something creative to put her
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Car Info: 2005 CGM WRX Wagon
Originally posted by wrx ish
i'll tell you what it is
its p0457
evap system leak in the filler neck (loose gas cap)
i'll tell you what it is
its p0457
evap system leak in the filler neck (loose gas cap)
03-30-2004, 03:52 PM
#14
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: US
Posts: 49
Car Info: WRX
I had this problem and got it fixed. First time dealer told me to make sure I put the cap on right. 
Next time it happened I took it to a dealer in Nashville and they replaced the gas cap. Third try I took it back to Nashville and they did a compression test on the emissions system, found a leak in a hose and replaced it. +300 miles and several weeks later the problem seems gone.
Take your car to the dealer and tell them the problem. They should do a compression test on the emissions system. I can't remember and I'm too lazy to get the paper work right now but I think I remember something about a purge solenoid.
Next time it happened I took it to a dealer in Nashville and they replaced the gas cap. Third try I took it back to Nashville and they did a compression test on the emissions system, found a leak in a hose and replaced it. +300 miles and several weeks later the problem seems gone.Take your car to the dealer and tell them the problem. They should do a compression test on the emissions system. I can't remember and I'm too lazy to get the paper work right now but I think I remember something about a purge solenoid.