Can a loose gas cap cause the check engine light to come on?

Yes, a loose, cracked, or missing gas cap is one of the most common reasons a check engine light comes on. The gas cap seals your fuel system, and when it does not seal properly, fuel vapors escape and the EVAP system detects the leak, triggering the light. The first thing to try is tightening the cap until it clicks, then driving for a day or two to see if the light clears on its own. If it does not clear, the cap may be worn out and need replacing, or the EVAP leak may be elsewhere in the system. A computerized diagnostic scan confirms whether the gas cap is truly the source. At Motoro Cars in Miami, our ASE-certified, AAA-approved team can verify the cause quickly. Call Wynwood at (786) 634-2002 or Doral at (786) 633-3220 if your light stays on.