Stupid Check Engine Light!!!!!!

[MercNasty]

So my check engine light came on yesterday while on my way to work. I stopped by autozone and had them check the code. These are possibilities for the light coming on:

-EVAP small leak detected
-The ECM has detected a large leak in the EVAP
-Defective, loose or missing fuel cap
-EVAP canister brokem hose cracked or not connected
-Purge or vent solenoid defective
-Vacuum leak at engine

After 2 hours of checking all this stuff, i was unable to find a problem. Anybody have an idea of what the problem could be or has anyone had these codes pop up before?

[RF Overlord]

What were the actual codes?

[SC Cheesehead]

If your fuel cap wasn't on properly, you'll get a code, but it'll take a while to clear after removing and properly retightening (usually 2 -3 driving cycles).

Disconnect the battery for 10 -15 minutes, then reconnect and start up the car. That should clear the codes, and if there are no other issues they won't reappear.

If they do, post up the actual code numbers, it'll help with diagnosis.

[RacerX]

Check your vacuum lines under the hood too. I had that recently with a pinched vacuum hose.

[Comin' in Hot]

subscribing.... I keep getting p0455 almost daily and every once in a while p0457, but I've tried 3 different caps and I still get it.


P0455 FORD - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected Gross Leak

P0457 - EVAP Control System Leak Detected Fuel Filler Cap Loose/Off

[Mike M]

Gross leak is usually the cap. Go to dealer and buy new gas cap, yes dealer!

That will probably fix your problem for about $15.00


Next step is to have system checked with a smoke machine, my shop charges $95.00 so you know about what to pay.

[Comin' in Hot]

im at the smoke machine, because i used oem caps

[RF Overlord]

Could also be a problem with the Canister Vent Solenoid... in the evap tray (under the trunk).

[MercNasty]

Ok thanks guys, ill mess around with the MM some more tomorrow. Hopefully it is just the gas cap.

[MercNasty]

Ok ive done everything mentioned in this thread except for the smoke test and a new gas cap. I disconnected the battery and the light is off for now but before i did that I plugged in my tuner and got the actual codes. The 2 codes were P1000 OBD Systems and P0456 Evaporative Emissions small leak. Has anyone had these 2 codes pop up? If so, what was the fix?

[Mike M]

P1000 just means engine computer was not fully reset. You really need to use a scanner to reset it or leave battery unplugged for a longer period.

So you haven't done a factory gas cap or had the smoke test done???

What have you done?

[vegasmarauder]

P1000 is the PCM has not had enough successful key starts and time in closed loop since the trouble codes were cleared. It is put there to keep people from clearing the codes and running down and getting a smog test and passing. It needs a few key starts and 20 mins of continious closed loop driving to clear the P1000.

Every time you go in and clear any codes it sets the P1000 code.

[MercNasty]

checked all hoses, checked the canister in the evap tray, tightened the gas cap and then disconnected the battery. The light is off now and no codes codes are showing up when i plug up the tuner. So hopefully the light doesnt come back.






P1000 just means engine computer was not fully reset. You really need to use a scanner to reset it or leave battery unplugged for a longer period.

So you haven't done a factory gas cap or had the smoke test done???

What have you done?

[MercNasty]

thanks vegas, i didnt know that. I was wondering what the hell that code meant.



P1000 is the PCM has not had enough successful key starts and time in closed loop since the trouble codes were cleared. It is put there to keep people from clearing the codes and running down and getting a smog test and passing. It needs a few key starts and 20 mins of continious closed loop driving to clear the P1000.

Every time you go in and clear any codes it sets the P1000 code.

[Muddflapp]

I've had those EVAP codes a few times. I went to the Lincoln/Mercury dealer when Mercury was still around and bought a new cap. Eventually the same codes you get I would get again. I went out an bought a locking cap. Eventually the same codes came up again (in short order) My fix is to take a new clean microfiber towel an run it around the rim of the filler tube. It's been about a year since I've seen those EVAP codes come up. (it's probably time to clean the rim and cap seal soon). All this time, I never got a "check fuel cap" light which does exist. Now I have 2 original caps shoved in 1 box that I bought for 20.00 plus tax on 9/02/06, one month after I bought the car.