Emissions light

Tiny
TRISHA PATTERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 RENAULT CLIO
  • 1.4L
  • MANUAL
  • 89,500 MILES
I have recently acquired my car runs and drives brilliant. On Monday the emission light came on but no problems driving the car. Should I take it to garage to find out what is causing this? I don't want to break down and be stuck.
Thursday, May 9th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

If the light is on and it is still running properly, most likely there is a leak in the evaporative emissions system (EVAP). This can be caused by something as simple as not tightening the fuel cap after refueling, a bad fuel cap, or leak in one of the EVAP lines.

With that in mind, what needs done is first, confirm the fuel cap is tight and properly installed. If it is, you need to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes stored in the system. Here is a quick video showing how that is done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Here is a link that discusses the most common causes of a check engine light:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/check-engine-light-top-ten-reasons

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/check-engine-light-is-it-safe-to-drive

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a parts store will do it for free or lend/rent a scanner to you. If you could, have that done first and let me know the trouble codes that are found.

Take care and I will watch for your reply.

Joe
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Thursday, May 9th, 2019 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
TRISHA PATTERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ah, thank you so much. It's funny I filled the car with petrol for the first time and it was later that day light came on. I will check the cap and look at your links and keep you posted.
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Thursday, May 9th, 2019 AT 9:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Sounds like a plan. Also, make sure when you fill the tank, stop filling when the pump turns off the first time. Overfilling can cause problems with the EVAP system.

Let me know what you find or if I can help.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, May 10th, 2019 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
TRISHA PATTERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Joe, thanks again. I checked the cap it is okay, but it could over been overfill, oops. I did carry on a bit when it clicked. Light still on but as absolutely no driving issues. I am going to nip to local garage to get the readings done on Monday. I will let you know.
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Saturday, May 11th, 2019 AT 2:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Sounds like a plan. Let me know the results.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, May 11th, 2019 AT 8:01 PM

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