service engine soon light

FORD ESCORT
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NICKAKENDALL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I recently bought I 1998 escort zx2. The car seems to run great but every time I put gas in the car the chek engine light comes on. I went down to autozone the first time it happened and they told me that the error was my car running to lean. He told me that it wasnt that big of a deal. He reset the light and it was fine until next time I put gas in the vehicle. Like I said the car seems to run good but its really annoying for the light to always come on. Any ideas of what is causing this problem. Thank you any help will be apreciated.
Feb 4, 2006 at 4:25 AM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
fuel cap
Feb 4, 2006 at 11:03 AM
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NICKAKENDALL
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  • 2 POSTS
I had heard the same thing but I am always sure to tighten it all the way is it possible I just need to get a new one?
Feb 4, 2006 at 11:23 AM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
yes
Feb 4, 2006 at 1:08 PM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
The fuel caps hold pressure in the tank and if the relief valve in the cap is bad it release ozone destroying fumes. It's cheap enough and worth a try. I'm not sure if parts stores can test them or not.
Feb 4, 2006 at 1:22 PM
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KELLY
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  • 4 POSTS
You'll sometimes get the message when your air filter is dirty and in dire need of a good clean.
Feb 21, 2006 at 2:23 PM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the fuel cap. A faulty cap or relief valve can fail to hold tank pressure and trigger a lean-condition check engine light after refueling. It is inexpensive and worth trying; parts stores may or may not be able to test the old cap.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Escort ZX2 reported that the check engine light comes on every time the car is refueled. A parts-store scan indicated a lean condition, and resetting the light only helped until the next fill-up. The car otherwise ran well. An expert identified a faulty fuel cap as the likely cause and confirmed that a new cap is worth trying because a bad relief valve can release tank pressure. Another comment suggested a dirty air filter can sometimes cause a similar message.

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