Engine Light Will Not Turn Off

kelliott07 · #1 06-20-2008, 02:11 PM

My wife left the gas cap off for a couple of weeks on my windstar and the engine light came on. I found the problem and put the cap back on but the engine light will not go out. I had the computer checked at the local advance auto and they stated that there were leaks in the gas line. I didn't believe that because of the gas cap.

Does anybody know how I can get this engine light to turn off.

Thanks...

fdunford · #2 06-20-2008, 02:24 PM

If it was indeed only due to the cap being left off, I think that the algorithm will eventually turn the light off on its own.

If you want to force it off then simply disconnect the negative side of the battery and leave it off for about 10 minutes. This will clear all codes stored in the PCM.

kelliott07 · #3 06-20-2008, 02:41 PM

I hope that it is just because of the cap. I have not seen any feul leaking anywhere so I am assuming. Thanks for the info.. I will disconnect the negative cable to get it to turn of..

Thanks...

tripletdaddy · #4 06-22-2008, 03:14 AM

You don't have to have an actual fuel leak to have a code suggesting there is an issue with the fuel system, as you already know, just the fuel cap can create that code. Since the fuel system is pressurized, the evaporated fuel collection system that sends vapors back to the tank, won't work when there is an opening in the system. So, the leak could be in any of the vapor lines and related components, and you wouldn't have a liquid gas leak. But since you already know of the "leak," you probably don't need to worry about that stuff. However, it is possible to have the gas cap fail and no longer hold pressure. If after running the car in hot weather you open the gas cap and hear a whoosh of air, then probably everything is air tight enough including the gas cap.

Next time you get the codes read, insist they give you the numbers and the specific descriptions, so that you can share them with us to help out and better get a picture of your problem. You also want to know if they are codes for an ongoing problem or a past problem. I suspect your codes were not for an active, ongoing problem. They should also clear the codes. If they say they don't do that due to liability or some such nonsense, tell them if there is an ongoing issue, the codes will come right back anyway. You just want to see if they are no longer being set, because you "think the problem is gone." This "policy" of not clearing codes is only enforced on some whim as some AAs DO clear the codes for you. Some here don't like disconnecting the battery for code clearing as the computer will have to relearn how to do its job, making the initial driving "rough." I've not noticed that, but they say fuel economy can be affected.

kelliott07 · #5 06-23-2008, 08:09 AM

Thank you for the insight. I did try to get the codes removed but the person who checked the coded said the machine would not clear the codes. It kept giving an error code.

I will drive the car around this week and see if the engine light goes out. I am having other problem with the brake like coming on so, but that usually goes out when I turn the car off. I probably need to have all the brakes redone????

Anyways, thanks for so much help...

fdunford · #6 06-24-2008, 10:13 AM

For the brakes, check the fluid in the master cylinder. If that is even a little low on mine, then yo light will comeon.

angus10 · #7 06-24-2008, 12:31 PM

Are you saying that the eng. lite stays on even when you turn the vehicle off?

kelliott07 · #8 06-24-2008, 02:54 PM

Is this just refilling the brake fluid or is their a special place that I have to put this fluid?

angus10 · #9 06-24-2008, 03:20 PM

LOL ! OK Don't answer my question. Bye

tripletdaddy · #10 06-28-2008, 06:06 AM

Not knowing what year you have, I will assume yours is like earlier models, where the brake fluid reservoir is jammed under the cowl, wipers and windshield in front of the steering wheel. They are usually semi- clear, creme colored with a black lid on it. If you start with a brand new bottle of fluid, first open it up, pop the foil seal and then put the cap back on. Then, position the lid of the bottle over the reservoir opening and open it. Do be sure to not go over the MAX line.

The check engine light staying on AFTER turning the engine off would be a unique problem, but I doubt that you meant you have that. I assume, Angus 10, that you figured out for yourself the unlikelihood of that happening after you had asked. U lol.

angus10 · #11 06-28-2008, 07:24 AM

Yes, highly unlikely. I know it was just the way it was worded, but , just making sure! lol

garync1 · #12 06-28-2008, 10:40 AM

Seeing how you said the gas cap was off for sometime.It could be possible that the cap seal may be damaged.. I would if the light does not go out replace the cap. I have a 2001 and mine had already needed replacing last year. i went with a locking gas cap. It is however a little bit of a pain to remove at times until you get use to it.

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