For the last month or so I've been periodically getting a "check fuel cap" prompt. Then without warning, my check engine light came on yesterday morning. Most sources say that you should assess your fuel cap first. Mine is neither cracked nor loose. Perhaps the seal is worn and it's just not apparent. I was thinking of buying a new fuel cap and seeing if that resolves the problem. I'm not hearing or seeing anything unusual from the engine. Would I know if this light indicated a critical issue?

 

Get a ScanGauge and you can read the code, then research it. Some of the auto stores will read the code for you.

 

Generally, if the CEL burns steady, it's not something that needs to be tended to immediately, but if it's flashing it's more serious. A serious problem can be something like lack of spark in a cylinder, allowing raw fuel to dump into the catalyst and ruin it.

 

most of them are emissions related. just take the car to your local autoparts store and dey can pull the code and let u know wat dtc it is (diagnostic trouble code). if ur car drives fine, chances are ur gas cap mightve not been tight or something silly. more serious would be 02 sensors and cats going bad, misfire, etc.

 

Odds are you are due for coil packs, plugs and valve adjust...