ethanol causing false check engine lights?

[Car Doc]

The light is off because you cleared the code it has nothing to do with the original reason the ECU flagged the small leak in the evap system. (least thats the code I assume it was when you said the gas cap)

If there is a leak in the tank/evap system the light will come back. OBD2 is 100% about the fuel vapors getting out of the tank and the cat working.

With that said I run across erroneous codes when the conditions stack up and can cause an error code that is a byproduct of circumstances if that was the case for you the code may not come back but dont hold your breath.

I am an expert driveabillity tech btw I am an ASE Master Tech and L1 certified and have been for over 25 years I do this every day for a living and I am very good at it.

Dont waste time and money at the zone or the guy who has a code reader they are a dime a dozen get a pro.

 

[2manyrocks]

The last time I took one of our cars to a mechanic, it came away more messed up than when I took it in. I don't want to be a mechanic, but it's helpful to me to understand what might be causing the trouble so maybe I can sort out the truth from the other stuff if I end up going to someone with this.

 

[Car Doc]

The last time I took one of our cars to a mechanic, it came away more messed up than when I took it in. I don't want to be a mechanic, but it's helpful to me to understand what might be causing the trouble so maybe I can sort out the truth from the other stuff if I end up going to someone with this.

I completely understand your point of view its a common mind set and problem as bad as I hate to say that about my profession thats why I said what I did.

I wont ever lead anyone astray I have built a reputation of saying it like is and being able to back it up before I open my mouth.

The problem is this stuff is almost rocket science there is over 7 miles of wiring in the average car there are hydraulic systems of all types, HVAC automatic climate controls, electrical systems that rivel a space craft and there are hundreds of models to know all there is to know its impossible to be that good at everything, thats why its always best to get a specialist whether its a car of your wife's shoulder.

hth and good luck!

 

[MyJoBota]

2manyrocks the problems with your vehicles are not something the average backyard wrench will be able to solve due to knowledge and tools required but the average automobile repair center should have the tools, technicians, and training to properly diagnose and repair them. I suggest you find a garage you can trust and rely on and stick with them. I have a family owned and operated auto repair garage that we see multi generations of our customers because we do what we do very well and we take great care of our customers.

 

[2manyrocks]

I'm going to have to ask my former mechanic (the one that sold out) if he can recommend another mechanic. The check engine light started blinking today and the car was shuttering at lower speeds and not wanting to accelerate. So it is parked until I can get this corrected.

 

[crazyal]

I'm not sure if you got it right but in your original post you said a shop you talked to said you could have a leak in a fuel hose. If they said fuel hose I would find someone else. Fuel injected cars deliver fuel at about 100 psi. If there was a leak then gas would be spraying everywhere. Secondly a leaky fuel line would not cause a warning for a lean condition.

A simple check would be to pull a spark plug or two. If your engine is running lean then your plugs should show it. Secondly how does the engine idle, does it idle high or is it normal? So far I have found that with a little bit of work I can find auto troubleshooting answers in car forums.

Most cars have parts that are weak links and usually fail first. On my old Saturn it was the intake gasket, on my GF's Santa Fe it was the crank sensor, etc. I was able to find out all I needed to know and even pictures on forums. I personally try to never use a garage to repair anything.

 

[2manyrocks]

What would a lean plug look like?

The idle seems normal until I come to a stop light after driving, and then it is a low and irregular idle.

 

[Skyco]

I've had idle problems on Fords that was fixed by cleaning the air bypass valve, thats what controls the idle speed. Had a 92 F150 with the 5.0L that I had to do it every 10,000 miles or so....

 

[MyJoBota]

crazyal I suggest you stick to what you know because giving auto repair advice is obviously not your strong suit.:thumbsup:

 

[Car Doc]

What would a lean plug look like?

The idle seems normal until I come to a stop light after driving, and then it is a low and irregular idle.

Almost impossible to tell a lean plug with af ratios on obd2 cars being forced at 14.7 to 15.5 to 1 they burn clean.

Now a rich or oil or antifreeze fouled plug is a dead giveaway there will be something on it.

Your idle problem is something else the only thing the idle would have to do with evap codes or causing an idle problem is if the purge hose from manifold vacuum to the purge solenoid is off or cracked or solenoid is leaking constantly purging the canister at an idle, that code would indicate a purge valve problem not a leak at the tank etc. good luck