My wife's 02 Tarus suddenly has a warning light in the dash, indicating a problem with the gas cap. We bought a new cap and installed it. The manual says that the light should go out after a few miles of normal driving, but after about 15 miles it's still there, along with a strong smell of gas.


Maybe it will clear up, but does anyone have any thoughts about other things to look for on this? Are there any vapor collection canisters or anything of the sort to take care of?


We would appreciate any help.


Tom

 

This may or may not apply, but if anyone is in the habit of not stopping filling the tank with gasoline when the nozzle first shuts off it can create problems like this. Folks try to get as much fuel into the tank as possible when refueling and that is not a good practice because it can cause the charcoal canister to load up with liquid gas and then it will have to be replaced because it is only supposed to store vapors.
It might be a good idea to look under the vehicle and in the engine compartment for any hose(s) off or broken.

 

OK, thanks, Hanky. I just checked with my wife, and sure enough, she always fills it to overflowing.


That would do it. I'll get the canister replaced.


Thanks again.


Tom