13K and a CEL

[bryanthomas]

Hey guys, I'm enjoying my new-to-me Marauder, but the check engine light came on tonite as I was leaving the gym. The car has just over 13,000 miles and everything seems normal. I looked in the shceduled maintenance section to see if there was anything I should check. I did fill it up with gas for the first time today and I wasn't sure if the gas cap was on tight enough. It only clicks once when closed correctly, right?

I'm not an idiot :P I am just trying to see if I can figure out what is going on before I go to the dealer. Will they charger me to pull the CEL code? Remember, I'm new to American cars.

[FordNut]

Could be as simple as the gas cap.

Some parts places such as AutoZone will hook up a scan tool and tell you what's wrong free of charge.

[RF Overlord]

If it IS the gas cap causing the CEL, the owner's manual says it should go out within 3 driving cycles. A driving cycle is defined as a cold start-up followed by mixed city/highway driving.

[rayjay]

Its under warranty, if the CEL doesn't go out, take it in.

[Zack]

Disconnect the battery for a minute and try that.

[ckadiddle]

If you know any local members with an xcalibrator2 tuner, they can read and/or clear the codes for you.

[RoyLPita]

Its under warranty, if the CEL doesn't go out, take it in.

What ^^^^he ^^^^ said.

[SID210SA]

mine came on twice because of the gas cap...I guess the fuel getting on the rubber seal has cracked the seal and thats why the light comes on...have to get a new gas cap

[Hotrauder]

mine came on twice because of the gas cap...I guess the fuel getting on the rubber seal has cracked the seal and thats why the light comes on...have to get a new gas cap

There is a guy on Ebay selling LOCKING gas caps for our cars. I thought it was good insurance against any foriegn material somehow getting into the tank. :nono: They fit and work fine and I feel more secure leaving the car. I decided that was a better answer than installing the locking flap mod for me. Dennis:beer:

[SID210SA]

I agree...I put a locking gas cap on my Taurus after some one poured (what the dealer said) varnish into my tank....$750.00 (dropped tank, cleaned fuel line, and cleaned fuel injectors) spending $18.00 for a locking gas cap was the cheaper route to go...not to mention the rental I had to get also...dealership had it done in one day though. Needless to say I transferred the gas cap to the Marauder when I traded in the Taurus for her.

[hitchhiker]

Hey guys, I'm enjoying my new-to-me Marauder, but the check engine light came on tonite as I was leaving the gym. The car has just over 13,000 miles and everything seems normal. I looked in the shceduled maintenance section to see if there was anything I should check. I did fill it up with gas for the first time today and I wasn't sure if the gas cap was on tight enough. It only clicks once when closed correctly, right?

I'm not an idiot :P I am just trying to see if I can figure out what is going on before I go to the dealer. Will they charger me to pull the CEL code? Remember, I'm new to American cars.

It is trying to tell you to drink beer instead of going to the gym!

:lol:

[Bluerauder]

If it IS the gas cap causing the CEL, the owner's manual says it should go out within 3 driving cycles. A driving cycle is defined as a cold start-up followed by mixed city/highway driving.
Yep, it happened to me once. Must not have put the cap on tight and the CEL light came on. :o Checked the manual, removed and replaced the cap. It took about 3 cycles before the light went out. Has not reoccurred and I am "extra" careful to make sure it is on properly now.

[Marauderjack]

If you decide to disconnect the battery take the negative side off....These computer cars don't like voltage surges and any surge or spark will be to ground!!:beer: I never had a problem but it is simple insurance against a damaged PCM or something else!!:argue:

Marauderjack:cool: