As I was driving to work, the check engine light came on, when I arrived to work I wanted to make sure that the simplest thing was at least looked at so I opened the gas tank and realized that the gas cap was loose. Does anyone know if this was the problem does it take a while to reset (miles driven) the check engine light? But on the other hand, I also understand that it might be something more serious than just the gas cap.

 

try unhooking the battery and let it sit for 15 mins then plug it back up. if its more than the loose gas cap it will come back on. PLEASE SEARCH NEXT TIME TOO. this exact problem has been covered like 8 times

 

you don't have to unhook the battery. Just drive around and it will go off after 5-10 miles

 

some vehicles CEL's have to be manually cleared because the ecu stores the diagnostic trouble codes. if driving around for awhile doesnt work although it very well may, autozone can clear them for you for free if all else fails.

 

If I were you, I would go scan the codes. Instead of guessing.

 

It's possible that its the gas cap. I own a mechanic shop, and in some cases, the lights do come on because of the gas cap. Theres a leak, thats why the cel came on.

 

get a cheap scanner. you can get one for 30 bux. im sure it will be useful in the long run

 

The light was on the whole way home, and when I arrived I unhooked the battery for about 40 minutes or so. I then connected the battery and the check engine light was gone. Thanks for all the help, I will refine my search next time.

 

2x
I run with a ScanGaugeII

 

mine didnt. but cleared when i reset ecu after unhooking the battery

 

or just stop by an autozone and have them scan and clear the light for free....

 

Definitely get it scanned. Better safe than sorry!