What does it mean when my Honda CRV says check fuel cap?

What does it mean when my Honda CRV says check fuel cap?

Honda CR-V: Check Fuel Cap Message Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system will detect a loose or missing fuel fill cap as an evaporative system leak. If the fuel fill cap was not already tightened, turn the engine off, and check or retighten the fuel fill cap until it clicks at least once.

What does the check fuel cap message mean?

Check Fuel Cap message is basically an EVAP leak error code. Your car is equipped with a pretty sophisticated evap/emissions system that monitors the level of pressure in the gas tank. This is done to detect possible leaks, including a loose gas cap.

Why is there a check fuel cap message on my Honda CRV?

The ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message will appear each time you restart the engine until the system turns the message off. If the system still detects a leak in your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) comes on.

What to do if you leave your fuel cap loose?

If you’ve left the cap loose (or off), the Check Fuel Cap message will show up on your dash. To handle the situation, follow these steps: Turn off the engine. Open the fuel door. Crank the car and drive normally. If it doesn’t go away, the code will need to be checked.

How does a fuel cap work on a car?

Most fuel caps have a rubber O-ring to prevent vapors escaping when the cap is secured. As you drive, your car is able to monitor the system for any possible leaks in the system and display a warning light on the dashboard if a leak is detected.

What is a bad fuel cap?

The most evident sign of a bad gas cap is a pervasive or powerful smell of gasoline. This can be caused by a number of things, one of which is a missing or improperly sealed gas cap. Take the cap off and put it on again, being sure that it is tight and sealed. If the gas smell persists, check for leaks in your gas tank or fuel line.

What are the symptoms of a faulty gas cap?

One of the most common symptoms of an issue with the gas cap is a cap that does not tighten properly. Most gas caps are designed to click once they are tightened sufficiently. 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.

What does a fuel cap do?

A fuel cap prevents fuel contamination and protects the fuel tank. If outside contaminants get into the fuel tank, this may cause clogging of the fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injectors, or the fuel pump itself. This will ultimately prevent the vehicle’s engine from working.

What problems can a loose gas cap cause?

Since the gas cap is removed and replaced each time you put gas in your vehicle, it may need to be replaced in time. A loose gas cap can cause problems ranging from an annoying gas smell to a more serious engine leak.