This article was co-authored by Charley Helvy
and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising
. Charley Helvy is an Automotive & Diesel Expert based in Avondale, Arizona. He is the founder of Charley’s Garage, an educational YouTube channel focusing on simple videos for automotive and truck enthusiasts. He has over 31 years of experience in the automotive world. He is a Diesel Instructor at the Universal Technical Institute and is a certified ASE Master Heavy Truck Technician. He offers training on gas and diesel engines on his YouTube channel, along with other DIY and explanation videos for beginners and enthusiasts alike. In 2024, he published a complete guide on Emissions Systems in Automotive and Diesel Vehicles.
There are 14 references
cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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If your Honda Accord has a Check Fuel Cap light on the dashboard, it may mean there’s an issue with the EVAP emissions system. While the most common culprit is a loose fuel cap, other damaged parts may cause the error. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through what’s making the Check Fuel Cap message appear and how you can fix it on your own.
Things You Should Know
- Turn off your car and open the fuel door. Screw the fuel cap on tightly and start your vehicle to make the light turn off.
- Check the purge valve connected to the engine to see if it’s stuck open, and replace it with a new part if it’s damaged.
- Inspect the vent valve connected to the gas tank on your Honda Accord, and replace it with a new one if it’s clogged or broken.
Steps
Causes for “Check Fuel Cap” Message
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1Loose or broken fuel cap The Check Fuel Cap error on a Honda Accord usually appears when your vehicle’s EVAP system senses a leak near the fuel cap. It could mean the cap wasn’t properly screwed on, the rubber gasket is worn, or there’s damage preventing a tight seal. [1] X Research source
- Other symptoms: strong gas smell, reduced fuel efficiency [2] X Research source
- Diagnosis: Open the fuel door on your Honda Accord and unscrew the fuel cap. Inspect the cap for damage, and check the round rubber gasket for cracks or tears.
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2Faulty purge valve The purge valve (or solenoid) is a cylindrical piece next to your vehicle's engine intake and prevents fuel fumes from escaping into the air when your engine is off. When the purge valve fails, it may get stuck open and trigger a Check Fuel Cap warning. [3] X Research source
- Other symptoms: poor engine performance, rough idling, reduced fuel efficiency, and hard starting after adding fuel [4] X Research source
- Diagnosis: Connect a vacuum pump to the intake on the purge valve and squeeze the handle. If the vacuum pressure goes down after pumping, then the purge valve is leaking. [5] X Research source
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3Stuck vent valve The vent valve is a small cylindrical piece on the side of your vehicle’s fuel tank, and it brings fresh air into the EVAP system while your engine is running. If the vent valve gets stuck open, your Honda may detect a leak and trigger the Check Fuel Cap message. [6] X Research source
- Other symptoms: lit Check Engine light, strong fuel smell, gas pump clicks off when filling up [7] X Research source
- Diagnosis: Disconnect the vent valve from your gas tank and connect the intake to a vacuum pump. If the pressure slowly drops after you squeeze the handle, then the vent valve has a leak. [8] X Research source
Repairing a Check Fuel Cap Light
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1Tighten the fuel cap. Turn off your vehicle and open the fuel door on your Honda Accord. Check that the fuel cap is tight by wiggling it around. Then, unscrew the fuel cap completely and inspect the threadings for damage. Put the fuel cap back on and turn it clockwise until you hear it click and restart your vehicle. [9] X Research source
- After tightening your fuel cap, it may take a few drives for the warning message to turn off. If you still see the message after 2 days, then there may be another issue.
- If you notice any dirt or dust built up on the fuel cap or where it connects to the gas tank, wipe it off with a clean lint-free cloth. The dirt or dust may have been preventing a tight seal. [10] X Research source
- If your fuel cap is damaged or missing, then get a replacement cap . Typically, they only cost $10–15 USD, and you can install the gas cap on your own.
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2Change the purge valve if it’s defective. Locate the cylindrical purge valve on the side of your engine near the fuel intake. Disconnect the electric connector and the hoses from the old valve, and unscrew the bolts to remove it. Install a replacement purge valve in its place and reconnect the hoses and wires. [11] X Research source
- Purge valves typically cost $15–30 USD.
- You may be able to clean the purge valve with mass air flow cleaner instead of replacing the part.
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3Replace the vent valve if it’s broken. Locate the vent valve underneath your vehicle connected to the side of the gas tank. Unplug the electrical connector and pry out the vent valve with a screwdriver. Slide the replacement vent valve into the port and screw it back on tightly. Reconnect the cord to finish your repair. [12] X Research source
- Vent valves typically cost $20–50 USD.
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4Take your vehicle to a mechanic if the light remains on. Typically, it takes a couple of days or drives for the EVAP system to reset. If the Check Fuel Cap message turns off within 1–2 days, then you’ve solved the issue. If it stays on, take your vehicle to a mechanic to check for other leaks or issues.
FAQ
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1Can I drive with a “Check Fuel Cap” light on? While you may burn through fuel a bit faster, you can still safely drive your Honda Accord. The EVAP system won’t damage your engine or release harmful fumes in your car. [13] X Research source
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2Can I drive without a fuel cap? It’s okay to drive without a fuel cap for the short term, but it will burn more fuel and cause warning lights to appear on your dashboard. If you need to have your vehicle tested for emissions, you’ll also need a working gas cap. [14] X Research source
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
- If the Check Fuel Cap light stays on after repairs, reset the fuses to your EVAP and diagnostic systems by unplugging them from the fuse box. Reinsert them after 30 seconds to turn off the warning message. If it appears again, take your vehicle to a mechanic because there may be a larger issue.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/LMYOR5TPzJw?t=49
- ↑ https://youtu.be/QXnh2DTlEok?t=25
- ↑ https://youtu.be/Tf8mTAQEmPU?t=66
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8wjG5KV3dTE?t=67
- ↑ https://youtu.be/4xqIsmVIqU8?t=203
- ↑ https://youtu.be/Dl9Bi_kuWkY?t=144
- ↑ https://youtu.be/FjrwLrdq5_E?t=18
- ↑ https://youtu.be/dGfxpjGZsRI?t=288
- ↑ https://youtu.be/4xqIsmVIqU8?t=150