Check Engine Light

[Kendal]

I need to come clean at the start:

A. I did something stupid.
B. I'm now very aware that it was stupid.

What did I do? I tried to siphon fuel from my 2008 Mazda 5. I slid the siphon hose through the flap at the top of the tube with no problem. A couple feet later, I hit an obstruction. I couldn't get the hose to go any further, so I gave up. But not soon enough. Now the CEL is on. (See A above.)

I took it to AutoZone to get the CEL codes: P0442 & P0455. Both have to do with Evap leaks. I'm guessing there's another flap down farther in the fuel pipe, and I must've boogered it up. (See B above.)

I figure I need to take it in to the dealer (50 miles away).

What I'm wondering is:
1. Is my assumption right about why the CEL is on? Is there another flap or sensor of some kind in the fuel pipe?
2. Anyone have a guess as to what it will take to fix? Am I looking at a new gas tank?

Thanks.

 

[CaptainSpalding]

When you took it to Auto Zone, did they reset the light? And then did it come back on? First thing I'd do is reset it and see if the CE light comes on again.

 

[Kendal]

I asked if they could reset it and he said no. I thought that meant they weren't able to. Sounds like he just didn't want to.

Does the CEL stay on once it's triggered, even if the problem goes away?

So if I can reset the CEL, and it stays off, then I'm okay?


Thanks so much for your help.

 

[CaptainSpalding]

In most cases the CEL stays on until it's reset. Depending on the car's software sometimes if a problem goes away the CEL will reset itself.

The question is did the light come on because the gas cap was off too long or because there was some damage caused by the syphoning. My bet is that the former is the case, and that all you need to do is reset the CEL.

Get yourself a code reader. Get the most basic one you can. They can be had for about $30. The dealer would probably charge you twice that to read the code and reset the CEL. I've never seen a code reader that didn't allow resetting the CEL, but better make sure it says on the packaging that it will reset the light before you buy.

Good luck.

 

[Rocket]

Disconnect the battery for 30 minutes or so and it will go away.

 

[justanothermp5]

disconnect battery, pump brakes a couple times, and reconnect battery

 

[Kendal]

reset CEL, but it's back on

Thanks for the advice.

I reset the CEL and it stayed off for a couple weeks. But it's back on. This time it's just one code: P0455 "Evap Emission Control System leak (Large)". The "Large" makes it sound like something I'd better pay attention to.

Is it time to take it to the dealer, or is there something else I should try?

 

[mpvue]

Thanks for the advice.

I reset the CEL and it stayed off for a couple weeks. But it's back on. This time it's just one code: P0455 "Evap Emission Control System leak (Large)". The "Large" makes it sound like something I'd better pay attention to.

Is it time to take it to the dealer, or is there something else I should try?

perhaps you broke a vent tube loose, or the flap is bent and doesn't close properly.