Loose fuel cap by gas station attendant
 

Hi guys,

I filled up at a Chevron in Richmond two days ago and yesterday, the Malfunction indicator came on. I took my car to the dealorship, and we found the fuel cap was very loose (not tightened at all). To fix this, they said they will need to scan the ECU for the bug and wipe it, all of which will cost me about an hour worth of their labour. Or, I will have to drive with the malfunction indicator always on. Do you guys think it is worthwhile to go back to that gas station and speak to the manager?
I find it ridiculous that the onus would be on me to double check the tightness of my fuel cap after I visit a "Full Service" gas station.

This is why I fill up myself (Even though I have pos)

Which Chevron?
I fill up at Cambie / Garden City they were pretty nice.
Shell on Lansdowne / Garden City is not bad too
Esso on Westmin / Garden City is horrible, I went home, parked, saw my gas door was 3/4 closed, and for fuel cap, they tend to just place on top. All other gas attendant would tight the cap when you can hear the click sound once or twice

I always fill up myself too near my house in coquitlam which is much cheaper than Richmond, but didn't have enough gas to make it home that time.

i always check if they close it properly...

I assume this is at 3 and blundell?

I usually go to 5 and Steveston and they're pretty nice

Just drive with the CEL on. It should go away by itself after a couple of full driving cycles.

Disconnect battery, wait, then reconnect battery. It should clear it.

I'm not sure if this will work on your car specifically, but usually if you disconnect the negative battery terminal for a minute it will clear all ECU codes.

Edit: Posted at same time as RCubed.

OP do you still have the receipt for the gas you purchased? If you do, take it to the gas station and have a talk with the manager. Hopefully u still remember the dude who filled up your tank! best of luck!

Not all cars are equal. Nissan's require about 20 minutes with the battery unplugged. If it is a Honda, it doesn't take too long.

OP, it's really not a big deal. Just tighten the cap and drive the car with the CEL light on. After 3 cycles, the light will turn off by itself if there isn't any other faults.

Alright, thanks for the advice guys.

I will try unplugging the batteries for a while after I get off work today. If that doesn't work, I will just drive it around for a few more days and hope it goes away.

You could also buy a $30 obd tool online to clear it.. and you have the added bonus of being able to diagnose your own issues without paying dealer fees..

+1 to freakshow

I think you should drive it for a bit and it should go away.

If you really want to you could go back and speak to the manager contingent you can prove you were there.

My dad got his car filled at the petro canada on 3 and williams a year and a half back and they tore off the whole gas cap. I came and spoke with the manager and they agreed to pay for the damage.

On some cars, a 5 cent paper clip can read the codes for you.
On Nissan's, there is a pattern with the key and gas pedal that will put the ecu into diagnostics mode.

And with the new smart phones, you can get a BT OBD reader and get info on your phone when you drive. :woot2:

find someone on rs with a reader that can clear it for you. (if the stock and newb meet wasnt cancelled i couldve done it for you there)

if its just a simple gas cap it should go away in a few drive cycles anyway.

:ahwow:
Technologies these days.. thanks for bringing that up!

There are a lot of car retarded people on this car forum....

Not everybody is as automotively awesome as you Doma.

one of the attendants at No.3 and Blundell was hitting on my gf and scribbled his number on the back window (it was dirty). I never go there anymore

Follow this man's advice. A cycle being turn engine on, drive it for a decent amount (ie to/from work), repeat.

pump ur own gas u lazy ppl

richmond is all full serve

i still pump my own gas in richmond.

they never argue