2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Check Engine light came on

Tiny
FAYENITABLUE
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 177,000 MILES
When driving the light did not come on when it came on was when I stop for gas put gas in it. Cranked up and that's when the engine symbol for the check engine light came and it stayed on got home let it sit awhile I check the gas cap to see if it was tight. It tight. I notice the steering wheel shakes
Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 3:59 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Did you tighten your gas cap fully when you got gas? If not, your computer noticed an evap leak, and that triggered your check engine light. You will need to get it cleared, or wait approximately 40 ignition cycles. I suggest you have it scanned, and let us know the codes. As far as the shake, thats a different issue, and would not cause your CEL to come on.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 5:08 PM
Tiny
FAYENITABLUE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
So to clear it would I need to open it again and tighten it. Or waiting about 40 ignition cycles, How would I do that
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Go to your local parts store. Advance auto, auto zone, etc. Have them scan your vehicle. If the code is anything evap leak detected, clear it, and tighten your gas cap.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
FAYENITABLUE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Will it hurt anything, because after you said to make sure the cap tighten, I went out there and took the cap off and made sure that the cap was on.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Other than pollute the atmosphere? No, it wont hurt your car. Your evap system is to keep gas fumes from escaping your vehicle into the air we breathe. If your vehicle runs its normal tests, and acknowledges a leak, it will set a check engine light. Having this, if your vehicle is due for emissions testing, it will fail. Just because the CEL is on.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
FAYENITABLUE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for your answer to my question. Have a good night. Thanks again
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 8:05 PM

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