Generally gas caps can be used as a closure for the fuel tank.
Gas cap not sealing.
Another symptom of a possible issue with the fuel cap is a fuel smell from the vehicle.
This will cause a decrease in your fuel economy.
What problems can a loose gas cap cause.
A gas cap that is not sealed correctly may cause an engine leak.
This warning light can indicate a wide range of problems some minor and others much more serious.
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If you are satisfied that the gas cap is not damaged fully install it into the filler tube.
If the cap does not click or clicks and then pops loose again then that may be a sign that it may need to be replaced.
However if the light comes on right after filling up it probably indicates that the gas cap is loose.
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Fuel smell from the vehicle.
If so a simple gas cap replacement may be able to solve your problem.
It is a good idea to inspect the seal that is between the gas cap and the filler tube for any tears or cracking that could cause a vapor leak.
Then tighten the gas cap with your hand until you hear the cap click in place.
When a gas cap is broken or improperly sealed fuel vapors escape from the gas tank.
Almost every car owner that has ever filled up a gas tank has encountered a check engine light that comes on when the gas cap has not been closed properly.
One of the most common symptoms of an issue with the gas cap is a cap that does not tighten properly.
If the seal is damaged or the cap cannot properly seal the tank the lights will glow continuously.
On newer cars the emission control has an engine light which turns on when there is a leakage.
If the gas cap is loose it could cost you up to 30 extra gallons of gas in a year.