Hello, Im very new to this, but Im panicing something is wrong with my Explorer.

[Jkeys00]

I have a 98 Ford Explorer, my gas cap broke a few months ago and I have been driving without a gas cap. I didnt know if this could do any damage to my car.

Sometimes when I would walk around my car, I thought I smelled gasoline. Last night my check engine light came on and my stepdad put the code thing in there, it pulled up code 0445...Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)

Please tell me if this is serious?? What should I do, Im freaking out because I finally got a job, but now my car is messed up and I cant get there, is it drivable still? Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Crunchy]

Just go to a junk yard and get one for $2. Thats what I did when I forgot mine at the gas station. Beats paying up the arse at the dealer.

That light is probably cause your missing the cap. It happens on my ranger, no cap = check engine light.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[99ex22]

gas caps are cheap. go to napa or any other auto parts store. I got mine new for 5.00

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You shouldn't drive without the gas cap. Dirt, rain, or other things could get inside. Gas evaporates too. Go to any auto parts store, and get a new cap.

 

[Maniak]

And Yes that code is problably from no Gas cap.. The PCM can tell when your don't put the gas cap on (or have some other evap/fuel system leak). Some newer cars actually give you a Gas Cap light instead of the normal CEL when you leave the gas cap off.

 

[bobneu]

The vehicle is fine the gas smell is from evaporating, and the check engine is from no gas cap all of the previous replies are correct replace cap clear codes good luck on new job and enjoy the explorer

 

[fixxxer]

After you get a new gas cap, disconnect the neg battery terminal and leave it off for about 15 min. This will clear the codes. After you reconnect it, your truck will probably have a strange idle for a few minutes but that is just the computer relearning it's default idle settings. You can either let it run in your driveway for a few minutes or go ahead and drive it. it will soon settle down.