Solid "Service Engine Soon" light after filling up

[mclasser]

I filled up gas in my 02 I35/Maxima last night and noticed the SES light on this morning. It's a solid light and according to the manual, this means an emissions/fuel cap issue. Car runs and drives fine. I'm pretty sure I tightened the cap past 3 clicks last night but I re-tightened it again this morning. I haven't gotten the codes pulled yet at Auto Zone because I'm hoping it's just the cap and the light goes away after a few drive cycles.

Funny thing is I had a faulty gas cap and check engine light in my Accord last month.

 

[Trav]

I would bet its an evap code P0456 or P0442, its probably the cap.

 

[razel]

Have a 01 I30/Maxima. When the SES is on, it's always solid. You'll need/want to pull the code from Autozone, but as you mentioned if you don't have any other issues, you could just drive it and hope it goes away, especially if you don't have an emissions test coming up.

Chances are though with Maxima's late 90's/early 2000's year, it's often the oxygen sensor.

 

[mclasser]

Originally Posted By: razel
Have a 01 I30/Maxima. When the SES is on, it's always solid.

The manual says there can also be a blinking SES -- indicative of a misfire. It says a solid SES doesn't require towing to the mechanic, leading me to believe it isn't something SO serious that it'll debilitate the vehicle. Not saying this is a license to just ignore the issue and keep driving along like all's well, though.

 

[Trav]

Flashing CEL is a possible cat damaging misfire.

 

[MolaKule]

Take the cap off and re-tighten for at least three clicks.

 

[Eddie]

Clean the cap & mating surfaces before reinstalling the fuel cap.

 

[Wheel]

If I remember correctly, if it is the gas cap, it takes 3 runs up to operating temp before it self-resets.