Notices
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)

Check Engine Light comes on after fueling?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 2, 2009 | 02:59 PM
  #1  
northtide's Avatar
northtide
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default Check Engine Light comes on after fueling?

The check engine light comes on after fueling? Is this a serious problem? I just tuned-up the car, sent it to a trusted mechanic who said there is nothing wrong with it.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2009 | 03:03 PM
  #2  
6SOARER's Avatar
6SOARER
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Default

is it pre 95 or 96 or later model? If its OBD2(96 or later), you may have a bad gas cap.. This will throw a EVAP code, check for any DTC's if any.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2009 | 03:15 PM
  #3  
northtide's Avatar
northtide
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default

Its a 1993 sc400.I replaced the orginal gas cap with one with a key. Should I return to the original gas cap. When I bought the car, the fuel door was missing, thats why I bought a keyed gas cap.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2009 | 03:28 PM
  #4  
6SOARER's Avatar
6SOARER
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Default

no, if its a pre 95 it shouldnt matter. Only the 96 or later models will set the CEL if your missing or have a bad gas cap. Next thing I would do is to pull the DTC's diagnostic trouble codes that is setting your check engine light off.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2009 | 03:53 PM
  #5  
6SOARER's Avatar
6SOARER
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Default

Theres 2 ways to check for DTCs. Theres a DataLinkConnector in the engine bay and the other is located under the left side of instrument compartment.. I use the one in the engine bay cause its easier to access.

-Get a jumper wire or paper clip and jump E1 and TE1 together.
-To retreive code, turn ignition on but Do not start the car

The check engine light should blink. Count the number of flashes, if theres a 1.5-2.0 sec delay it maybe a 2 digit code. Example: If the light blinks 1-1 delay 1-1-1 then this is a 23 Code and so on..

Once you've pulled the code(s) this will give you an idea where to start troubleshooting.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2009 | 10:15 AM
  #6  
Spooled's Avatar
Spooled
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 532
Likes: 2
From: AZ
Default

Originally Posted by eyeSOARER6
Theres 2 ways to check for DTCs. Theres a DataLinkConnector in the engine bay and the other is located under the left side of instrument compartment.. I use the one in the engine bay cause its easier to access.

-Get a jumper wire or paper clip and jump E1 and TE1 together.
-To retreive code, turn ignition on but Do not start the car

The check engine light should blink. Count the number of flashes, if theres a 1.5-2.0 sec delay it maybe a 2 digit code. Example: If the light blinks 1-1 delay 1-1-1 then this is a 23 Code and so on..

Once you've pulled the code(s) this will give you an idea where to start troubleshooting.
Autozone will pull it for free w/o jumping pins.

When you fueled up, did you top it off and overfill the tank? Overfilling the tank will cause the evap system to pull raw fuel into the canister instead of vapors. this will throw some evap codes. But do the obvious checks, pop you hood and check for vacuum hoses loose, around the intake, etc.

But typically its the cap, just check the tension on the cap first, you can obviously tighten it, but how easy is it for the cap to be loosened? if it twists off with almost no effort, you need a new cap. It should take as much force to remove the cap as it did tightening it down. and always crank the cap down... its ok if it makes that racheting noise, give it over a ½ turn.

First things first though, get the codes pulled.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Maxxxx
IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present)
8
Oct 24, 2018 05:43 AM
bentleymp2
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
20
Sep 22, 2012 10:20 AM
RQBuckman
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
3
Jul 6, 2012 07:44 AM
brock125
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
3
Apr 18, 2009 01:32 PM
Antphilli
ES - 1st to 6th Gen (1990-2018)
3
Aug 20, 2008 10:42 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:17 PM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE