The ‘check engine’ light comes on when the engine control unit or the transmission control unit has detected a fault in the engine or transmission system. But if the reason lies in check engine light gas cap, you are salvaged. Check the dipstick in the oil compartment of your engine to make sure it is inserted properly in the tube. Not necessarily!! This incident can happen for many reasons. If the dipstick is not in tight it may cause the car to idle funny. X Research source Warning: Once the OBD system resets (which occurs after a few drive cycles or a certain number of miles, depending on the vehicle), the light will come back on if the problem has not been fixed. But it's true! Again, it might take a little while after tightening the dipstick before the light … Again, the vehicle started just fine. What could be the cause? When something goes wrong in this complex collection of components and sensors, it triggers this light. Pay attention to the dashboard after the check engine light experience. The Check Engine Light, also called the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a warning light (sometimes called a tell-tale) that indicates a malfunction with your vehicle (as detected by your car’s computerised engine-management system).. A gas cap can cause a check engine light? The check engine light should go off after you drive for several minutes if the light was caused by a loose gas cap. Why Check Engine Light Due To Gas Cap Happens. There are numerous reasons why it might be going bad like internal leaks, using fuel with higher ethanol concentrations or burning oil. Sometimes I restart the car but it still won't go off. The party is broken, the fun is spoiled already. Any time I notice it whiles driving, I park and close the fuel tank well but the light doesn't go off. If the light goes off, we assume things are okay. Third attempt to start the car and the light remained on. If your ‘check engine’ light is ON, the easiest way to diagnose this problem is to check your trouble code memory with an OBD2 scanner. Knowing if we should continue driving or stop right now is difficult. If your check engine light comes on, it’s best to take your vehicle to a mechanic to get it professionally diagnosed and repaired. 1. Sounds like one of those superstitions or myths, doesn't it? Second time starting the car (only minutes later) resulted in the Check Engine Light to come on. Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor. Check out these four common check engine light issues! To clear the confusion, we need a basic understanding of what the check engine light is trying to tell us. If your vehicles’ oxygen sensor is failing, the check engine light will most likely turn on. Overall, the news isn't good for owners. Now you think you have to go to a mechanic. My car has 137531 miles. 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