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Old 01-11-2011, 06:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wwu123 View Post
1. Will the check engine light clear itself eventually? Or do I always have to take it to the dealer?
2. Is there potentially a faulty cap, filler tube, that is the cause and would need to be replaced? I am at 49,000 miles, so want to have them check for any repair parts before the original warranty expires.
3. Could it be likely caused by temporary factors - water in gas, low-grade gas, cold temps, or coming down from high altitude (was in Lake Tahoe the previous week)?
If it is just a loose gas cap, and it is tightened, it can clear itself. If something else is causing it, obviously that needs to be repaired first.

Reading the codes may indicate what component is causing the problem.

It can be a faulty cap that isn't sealing.
It can be a leak in the evaporative emissions control system
It can be a fault in the air pump that creates pressure in the fuel tank and evaporative emissions control system
It can be a sensor in that system.

It is not caused by your gasoline or driving down from higher altitude.

Get the dealer to look at it and read the codes while you are under warranty. Your emissions system warranty may have a different term than your full vehicle warranty though.
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