Dear Drive Guys;
My daughter has a 2005 Hyundai and her seat belt light comes on a lot. Even her service engine light came on after putting gas in her car. Why are they so sensitive and come on so often?
Thanks – Pat C.
Ed:
On some vehicles the check engine light can come on very easily. You mentioned that your daughter’s MIL (Check engine light) comes on after putting gas in the vehicle. On many cars this can be caused by filling the vehicle with the engine running; the vehicle may be going through the fuel tank integrity check, looking for a leak. It can also be caused by getting the tether for the gas cap caught underneath or not turning the cap until it clicks several times indicating it is tight. The computer in the car will check the gas tank for large or small leaks that would allow the gasoline fumes to escape into the atmosphere. If it sees this situation, it turns on the check engine light.
Jeff:
Anytime the check engine light comes on after a fuel stop you should check the cap to make sure it is tight and sealed. As Ed said, this is an emission control device designed to keep excess fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.
