96 sunfire ETS off and Check engine on

[96sunfireowner]

My wife recently purchased a 1996 Sunfire with 125,000Km on it. It drives very well, but last week she lost her gas cap somehow, and within 4 days the ETS off light and check engine light came on. I took it to the garage and tlod them about the lights and read here(thanks) about it possibly being the missisn gas cap. After paying $20.00 for a gas cap and money $48.00 to reset the lights, about 3 blocks later both came back on. She has only had the car for 32 days. Can anyone give us a clue before it costs too much for too many things that aren't wrong?
Confused......

[ChemMan]

You're going to need to take the car to a shop with a high end code scanner to retrieve the trouble codes set by whatever is wrong. Chances are that a GM dealer will only have the necessary equipment to retrieve codes due to traction control, but I could be wrong. Once you have done that, come back here and let us know what the actual codes numbers are. Unfortunately, that is pretty much your only option.

[96sunfireowner]

Thanks Cheman,

My mechanic took it to a friend of his to try the same thing and the code was still a gas sensor code. He said to run it and see what happens. My wife is gone to shop with it now. Not sure what is the more costly...
Jim

[ChemMan]

Exactly what code is coming up (the alphanumeric code, not the "name")? Off the top of my head, there are two codes that come up with the EVAP system. One is set by a small leak in the system(this is the one know as the "gas cap code"), and can be caused by any small leak in the system, not just a loose gas cap. The other is set by a major leak and is usually the result of a broken hose, something major like that. What I'm trying to say is that it would really help to have the ACTUAL code, not just what your friend says it is. Either way, a missing gas cap should not effect the traction control system. So more is going on here than you mechanics seem to realize.

[jbea1111]

i also have a 1995 pontiac sunfire gt. its a quad 4. had a remanufactured engine put in and it ran fine then one day would not start. i put new plugs, new battery, ignition control module, crank shaft sensor and car still wouldnt turn over sent the car to a shop they put in a few sensors and a couple weeks later the ets and engine light is on and car is running rough..checked codes and it was p0133 and p0507. what could be causing this? thanks

[ratwing]

I know this is an old issue here, but I was wondering if anyone knows anything to resolve this problem.

I just bought a used 97 Sunbird and the ETS OFF light and CHECK ENGINE light both came on at the same time...Anyone have any idea why?

thanks...