1) Determine the engine code cause for the Check Engine Light (C.E.L. or CEL)
2) Insert key into ignition
3) turn key to "on" posittion without starting the vehicle
4) VERY VERY quickly turn the key off one click, then on, then off,
then on; cycling for 3 turns of the key (NOTE: you might have to try
this a couple of times to get it just right)
5) leave on, and read the engine diagnostic code(s) that are output in the mileage counter
6) We got Code P0440 (or P 0440 or P-0440) (variations inserted for search engines)
7) A quick search of the web yielded about 3 or 4 usefull details.
8) Diagnostic code P0440 is the Evaporative Emissions Control System
Malfunction (failure) of some type. Details of this type of failure and
what the Evap System does for you:
9) Other web pages indicated it might be as simple as the Gas Cap being seated incorrectly, or not sealing correctly any more
10) I took it off, yes it was seated incorrectly, and reseatted it firmly
11) Now you need to clear the Check Engine Light indicator (it will
clear *eventually* over time if this is TRULY the problem - I recommend
you clear it now - that way is a deeper problem with the EVAP system
exists, it should come on again - giving another clue something else is
amiss
12) One suggestion was to take the Negative (black) cable off the
battery for 10 to 20 seconds -- I did - for 30 seconds to be sure
13) You *must* turn the Engine on and start the vehicle all the way
before the Check Engine Light might clear - if it doesn't try the
following:
14) Turn the ignition on 50 times - yes - 50 times - but be careful,
every time you cycle the ignition on (without starting the vehicle) you
are turning on the Fuel Pump - continuous cycling can theoretically
(according to some posts) cause it to heat up and be damaged - so every
10 times stop and let it rest for a full minute to cool down.
15) After 30 times of doing this (3 sets of 10), turn the engine fully
on - see if the check engine light goes off) if it doesn't, do the
remaining 20 times (2 sets of 10).
16) if it still doesn't go off, you may have a deeper issue that might require attention of the mechanics
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