[Dennis The Menace]

So, maybe the honeymoon is over. :crybaby2:

Have had this vehicle for 3 weeks, and the check engine light came on today. Gas cap is tight, restarted truck multiple times, per the manual. Have 3/4 tank of fuel, so not out of gas either.

So...what kind of problems might it be, and will this require a trip to the shop to determine the cause of the light, and possible repairs? I suspect I already know the answer.

Anything simple it could be, that I have not checked?

DtM

 

[43sqd]

You had better purchase a cheap scanner to read codes and display data. This is the only way to find out what is wrong with the truck now, and in the future.

 

[Dennis The Menace]

Yeah, good idea. What type scanner does '04 require? OBDII or something else?

Also, the truck drives/rides fine, no limp home or other performance issues. Runs like it did before the CEL lit up.

DtM

 

[43sqd]

There are a myriad of choices out there. I have only owned a Snap-On scanner so it is hard for me to recommend any other, but you should consider spending a few hundred or so and it will be able to fill all your needs.

 

[Dennis The Menace]

I will pick one up this evening and take a look at it. Wish these things were simple like my Harley. lol

Thank you, 43

Dennis

 

[falconnian]

Yeah, good idea. What type scanner does '04 require? OBDII or something else?

Also, the truck drives/rides fine, no limp home or other performance issues. Runs like it did before the CEL lit up.

DtM

They all take OBDII scanners. If it runs the same, you're in luck, not 100% urgent. Definitely invest in a reader for your truck and any other car, it will pay for itself.

Does it sound the same or anything weird noises? Might just be an O2 sensor (mine had that problem before) which is a quick sub-100$ and some elbow grease DIY fix. But we cant really help until you get the codes

 

[Dennis The Menace]

Code = P0442

 

[falconnian]

Code = P0442

check your gas cap. I know you said you did it already, but thats part of what that code is, it can be a simple fix, might as well try again.

 

[Witek_M]

Code = P0442

Search broken?

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1342479-check-engine-light-evap.html?highlight=P0442

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w16...gine-light-due-loose-gas.html?highlight=P0442

 

[Dennis The Menace]

Search is fine. Wish I could say it yielded conclusive results; however it only points me in multiple directions. So the fun begins.

DtM

 

[FAR888]

hello Dennis,

If, as you say, the gas cap is on tightly/securely it may be worthwhile inspecting the rubbers around the gas cap and the entrance to the fuel tank to see whether they are okay.

Just a hunch.

 

[Dennis The Menace]

The rubber seal on the cap itself is a little worn. Took it off and cleaned and replaced, but I will get a new cap when I go to the dealer. They ordered a new key for me, should be in tommorrow, so will pick up the cap then.

The code cleared, but I havent driven yet. I read on another forum that if you top off the tank, the fuel can get into the evap canister, and cause issues with the venting system.

One person had the problem everything he filled up, but the light came on a few days after fill up. Mine came on 2 days after fill up too.

And, I accidentally topped it off, which isnt good for vehicles these days. Old habit I need to change! I am hoping the new cap and not topping off will fix this, we will see and I will report back.

DtM

 

[Loudgoldwing]

Quoth the Great One: "Code P0442 means that the Evaporative System has detected a small leak somewhere in its' plumbing, which runs the full length of the truck. Gregs210 is correect in that it could have been an improperly tightened gas cap. I also agree that the code should be cleared and see if it reappears. If it does, you will have to find a reputable mechanic that has a "smoke machine". This machine is connected to the evap. hose plumbing and smoke is pumped in, which shows where the leak is. Here is an idea of what it look like...

eBay Motors: Vacutec EVAP-Approved Smoke Machine Model EVAPRO2000E (item 170154672713 end time Oct-10-07 12:57:25 PDT)

A visual inspection would be a good idea. Open the hood and look for the light green cap with a light green tag attached to it. This is the start of the evap. system and as I said before, runs the full length of the truck to a vapor cannister in the rear near the gas tank. At the green cap look for soft or broken vacuum hoses. If you are due for inspection (Jersey is every 2yrs. I think) find the problem quickly."

I believe that this explanation (by 43sqd) is what Witek was referring to when he was breaking your balls about the search...

 

[Dennis The Menace]

Loud, I gotcha. I didnt take it as a ball busting, especially since I posted to the site befor I had the code. I was a good idea to buy a scanner, as I needed one on my last Chevy and didnt have one. I suppose it should be as common as my wrench sets now. lol

There are a lot of components that can go bad on this system, and the detailed info on that was actually found on a E350 forum, not W163. But, there is good info here too. I jsut ddint have teh code when I posted, so was flying blind...and hoping it was as easy as a gas cap only. But, looks like it could be a lot of things, and I will have to see if I can re-create the (erased now) code. If so, more fun to be had.

DtM

 

[Witek_M]

Search is fine. Wish I could say it yielded conclusive results; however it only points me in multiple directions. So the fun begins.

DtM

Micro leak will be hard to find without smoke.

 

[Dennis The Menace]

Update: replaced gas cap, cleared code, drove 300+ miles and still no code or CEL.

Local dealer installed cap no charge (and setup my new key for free too!). Saw no codes or issues. (Except I need a new battery soon...next week I am calling Roadside.)

So, for now, no smoke test. HOWEVER, if CEL comes on again, I will do the test.

Thank you to everyone here for your help.

Dennis

 

[Dennis The Menace]

An update:
The CEL tripped again over the weekend. I would like to blame it on the fact that my better half was driving, but tis not to be.

The dealer told me that the fuel in Denver in winter will trip the CEL on our cars because of the ethanol content is not consistent. They didnt think that given how infrequently the CEL light has tripped that is is an issue.

Personally, I think a smoke test would give me a warm fuzzy and put to rest if I have a problem or not. So....

What can I expect to pay for a smoke test--diagnostics only--not fix? Assume I were to just run the test. What is a ballpark estimate for this, MB dealer or indy.

And no, Loud, I am not goin to buy a smoke machine and DIY. I only buy expensive tools for my Harley, whether needed or not. lol

TIA, gents.

Dennis

 

[43sqd]

Search is fine. Wish I could say it yielded conclusive results; however it only points me in multiple directions. So the fun begins.

DtM

I don't know what the procedures are in Colorado, but I would check to see when your inspection expires. With that CEL on you will not receive one.

 

[Dennis The Menace]

Hey 43, lucky for me (I guess) is I had to get it inspected when I bought it and transferred the title. I wont have to reinspect it for about 3-4 years when it reaches 10 years old. So no problem there.

I just want to be sure its not a bigger problem.

Dennis

 

[Unhofliche_Gesundheit]

rather than ' blowing smoke' would it not be possible to inject a little low air pressure and search for the hissing leak? possibly using a soap solution like looking for a pinhole leak on an inner tube?