When I refueled last week, I didn't notice when putting the cap back on that the little strap that holds it had come between the seal and the cap. The next day I noticed the Engine light and panicked (my cars warranty has recently expired) I checked the gas cap and discovered the aforementioned issue. A week later and the light is still on. I have heard it could take weeks before the light goes out as a result of this issue. Anyone else experience this issue ?

Thanks

 

I haven't experienced this particular scenario, but....a "check engine light on" issue will require the ECM (engine control module) to run a series of monitors to reset the light. The ECM may only need to run the evaporative emission portion, but the evap monitor requires pretty specific conditions to run sometimes. Like the fuel level needs to be between 20% and 80%, the ambient temperature needs to be within a certain range, etc. I also have seen that some European cars can take forever to run the evap monitor. I would check the rubber seal on the gas cap, make sure it isn't deformed from the strap thingy being trapped in there, then just drive it for another tank or so, see if the ECM clears itself. Other than that, you could try to clear the codes with a scan tool or code reader. I would also say that disconnecting the negative battery cable for 30 seconds or so then re-connecting MIGHT work, but these newer cars sometimes don't like losing voltage (or the voltage spike that can happen when re-connecting), and I wouldn't want you to screw any electronics up by trying this method.

 

It usually needs a drive cycle to reset.
Are you driving short distances?
A 30 minute drive should do it.

 

Really? 🤔
It’s been a week.
I’ve heard others say it could take up to a month.
Now I’m concerned.

 

get a code reader or go to someone that can.
erase the code see if it comes back.

What you’ve heard is the readiness monitor in the CPU taking forever to reset. Fords are like that.
Smog tests out here now allow evaporative readiness to be ignored due to gas caps causing codes.

 

… after 17 days.

 

it is POSSIBLE you 'nicked' the rubber at the cap when you first had the issue .....

if the rubber was 'bent' it could have been a leak for a time until <now> when it regained enuf original shape to register a seal . .

GUESSING