[rayzer59]

Oh woe is me.

Could it possibly be that I have cursed myself?

Filled up Friday afternoon after work. Around 1100 miles, been getting appx. 33 mpg almost all city driving, nothing to complain about. Ran around a little bit yesterday in between yard work. Did raise tire pressure to 38 psi after seeing the max inflation was over 50 psi, just to see what the effect would be for a tank or two.

Got up this morning early, went to Wally World for some steaks and what-not to cook dinner for my dad on Father's Day (is this just an American Holiday? Prolly so since I remember reading about a mother's day and then a combined parent's day somewhere else, like Japan).

Cranked to leave Wal-Mart, and my check gas cap message came on.

I've been driving 50 miles since I filled up on Friday, and I ALWAYS GET SIX CLICKS ON THE CAP - BEEN DOING THAT OVER TEN YEARS. However, I did leave my vehicle unattended in the parking lot. So, like a dutiful owner, I pulled over to the side of the road, turned the key off, and went back and gave the cap a twist. Cranked up, message still on. Hit reset button, message off. Got home and took the cap off to inspect it. This is the first time I've noticed the extra little bit on the side opposite the strap. Could this have gotten tucked under and caused a leak after 50 miles? Highly unlikely, but back with the cap and cranked up. Message still on.

My Fit think's it has/or actually has a leak (don't know the system, could be pressure or vacuum) so Monday I will call the closest dealer and make arrangements to let them take a look. Having worked on cars for 12 years, I hate to leave it in the hands of someone else. I've seen what stupid things poorly trained or uncaring techs can do to a vehicle. And with our present climate in the industry that tends to run off good techs and fill the holes with warm bodies, all I can do is try to protect myself.

So, here is what I am going to do:

The most likely problems are with a sensor (may be under the hood, may be in or near the fuel tank), or a module that intreprets the sensor's inputs. There could also be an actual leak in a evaporative emissions pipe, or in the fuel cap.

I will take pictures of the car, all over the outside to document the condition of the body - don't want it back scratched up - and the interior. Then I will take a number of photos of the engine compartment (did they put everything back like they found it) and I will raise it on a lift where I work and take pictures of the underside (lord forbid they need to access the fuel tank).

I will be sure and keep this topic up to date with reports of my adventure.