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TXRedDevil
08-23-2023, 09:38 AM
Silly me drove off without securing my gas cap after refueling. The drive was from the gas station to my home, about a 2-3 mile drive. The CEL turned on. Crap. I got out and that was the first thing I checked. Went back to the gas station, must've been tossed out or someone kept it. In any case I ordered a new cap from FCP and installed it a week ago: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mini-fuel-tank-cap-cooper-16117222391.

Now, I've read many posts in various forums where people claimed that buying a new gas cap solved their problems. But this hasn't worked for me. Yes, I've clicked it shut. I've inspected the seal and its fine (it's brand new). I did find this procedure below from e46fanatics.com and tried it out over the weekend to no avail:


LEAK DIAGNOSIS TEST PRECONDITIONS
The ECM only initiates a leak diagnosis test every second time the criteria are met. The criteria is as follows:
***8226; Engine OFF with ignition switched OFF.
***8226; Engine Control Module still in active state or what is known as "follow up mode" (Main
Relay energized, control module and DME components online for extended period after
key off).
***8226; Prior to Engine/Ignition switch OFF condition, vehicle must have been driven for a minimum
of 20 minutes.
***8226; Prior to minimum 20 minute drive, the vehicle must have been OFF for a minimum of 5
hours.
***8226; Fuel Tank Capacity must be between 15 and 85% (safe approximation between 1/4 -
3/4 of a tank).
***8226; Ambient Air Temperature between -7OC & 35OC (20OF & 95OF )
***8226; Altitude < 2500m (8,202 feet).
***8226; Battery Voltage between 11.5 and 14.5 Volts

When these criteria are satisfied every second time, the ECM will start the Fuel System Leak Diagnosis Test. The test will typically be carried out once a day i.e. once after driving to work in the morning, when driving home in the evening, the criteria are once again met but the test is not initiated. The following morning, the test will run again.


Any advice to clear this would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Bob

fredo
08-23-2023, 10:09 AM
Hello, Bob. Did you try to reset the Check Engine light? You can go to Auto Zone if you dont have a scanner.

TXRedDevil
08-23-2023, 02:00 PM
Fredo,

Yeah I don't have a scanner yet. I'll see if AZ can do it, thanks for the tip!

Bob

fredo
08-23-2023, 02:22 PM
I bought this scanner on Amazon a couple weeks ago, $35.44 with tax. I like it because it will check the emissions monitor's status. It's very convenient if you plan to buy an used car: you will be able to check if the seller did reset codes recently. Green light means all is good. Proceed with caution if you see a yellow or red light.

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-AutoLink-AL329-Upgraded-Diagnostic/dp/B0BLH2T1YQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?hvadid=267942737902&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9028312&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6526022068426258418&hvtargid=kwd-447210848073&hydadcr=7479_9586275&keywords=autel+al329&qid=1692829167&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

This is a pic of my ZHP readings.

39941

GeorgeH
08-24-2023, 04:14 AM
Yes as Fredo said, clear the fault and call it a day.

TXRedDevil
08-24-2023, 06:48 AM
Thanks, Fredo for the link!

TXRedDevil
08-24-2023, 03:13 PM
Gents, got a code reader and cleared the code. Yes, definitely easier than following the factory procedure. Lesson learned: put that cap end in that cap holder thing next time I tank up!

fredo
08-24-2023, 03:19 PM
:like