I just got my Ford Focus ZX3 2001 back from the Ford dealership (I had to get the fuel pump replaced as well as a spark plug [note: From what I learned at the dealership, a bad line and spark plug can cause similar symptoms to that of a bad fuel pump]). Anyway, 2 days ago, the Check Fuel Cap light came on. I removed the cap and put it back on securely (though it was secure beforehand). The light still has not left and the Check Engine Light came on. I know these two lights work in tandem with one another so I'm not alarmed. If in approximately 100 miles the Check Fuel Cap light doesn't go off, I'm going to replace the cap with one from a Ford dealership. However, my only question is merely this: In some instances can this light be triggered by something other than the fuel cap itself? Perhaps any lines, etc, that may not be attached securely?
There's a little round thingie on the firewall right in front of the passenger in the engine bay. It has a little green cap on it and a couple tubes running to it. Its the purge cylinder for the charcoal canister. If a tube is off, it'll trigger both lights. Usually the check engine light first, then the gas cap light a while later. Check it. If its messed up. Plug the tubes back in and unplug your battery for a couple minutes. Then hook it back up.
Captain J wrote: There's a little round thingie on the firewall right in front of the passenger in the engine bay. It has a little green cap on it and a couple tubes running to it. Its the purge cylinder for the charcoal canister. If a tube is off, it'll trigger both lights. Usually the check engine light first, then the gas cap light a while later. Check it. If its messed up. Plug the tubes back in and unplug your battery for a couple minutes. Then hook it back up.
Excellent idea here Captain, i've only heard of this being an issue on another car once, but thanks for posting it.
I would most def check this and try as Mr. V mentioned to let it run a little longer.
If both do not resolve, take your car in w/ the CEL light on to AutoZone and they will run a diagnostic for free for you. Take the findings to your Ford dealer if you're not certain what to do next. If they did work they need to make 100% certain your issues are resolved and that they haven't created new ones. Don't wait too long!!! Dealers can be a pain to deal w/ sometimes.
____________________ Get in, Sit down, Shut up and HANG ON!
I knocked the vacuum line for the evap system off once while doing an oil change, and it triggered both lights.
Just an FYI.
____________________ Project FocusFast
'06 ZX3- Intake, exhaust, mount
'01 ZX3- Salvaged, SOLD
'01 ZX3- Repo'd several years ago
'80 RX7 SA- Where the f*** did THAT come from?
