We don’t typically think of gas caps as being a source of problems for our cars. But, in reality, these parts are crucial for our vehicles in more ways than one. Not only do they prevent outside contaminants, like water, dirt, and various particles, from entering our gas tanks, but they also help stop us from losing fuel via evaporation or even sloshes and spills as we drive. That’s not all gas caps do, though. Those same functions also help protect the environment from fuel vapors and help prevent fires and explosions. Because of this, our cars’ gas caps are tied into our vehicles’ emissions control systems. If you drive away from the gas pump without securing your gas cap, you’ll likely notice a check engine light (CEL) quickly appears on your dash. That’s because the system detects an EVAP leak — in other words, the system knows that fuel fumes are leaking somewhere, and it’s warning you to address the issue before you try to pass your next smog inspection.
2006 Pontiac Vibes are notorious for issues with their gas caps, leading to the presence of a pesky CEL. Dozens upon dozens of Vibe owners report experiencing recurring problems with their gas caps. Most of these issues appear to be due to a faulty seal on the cap itself. Generally, the best way to fix this problem is to purchase a new gas cap. It’s a relatively cheap solution and shouldn’t cost more than $20, provided you purchase and install the cap yourself. If you pay a professional to repair the issue, you should expect to pay more, but even then, it should be around $100.
