Air rushes into my gas tank?

Question

I just bought a 98 maxima with high miles. The "service engine soon" wasn't on when i bought it. Drove it about 1000 miles and the light comes on. When I take the gas cap off, air rushes into my gas tank. The car suggest 91 octane and I put in 93(super). Could any of this be the reason of the light? The car drives perfect. Nothing has changed in my driving habits. Could it be a bad cap, or is it a bigger issue? I usually keep my tank under 1/2. Is that bad also? I took it to autozone to get it checked electronically and they said they said they weren't quite sure but most likely an issue with the gas tank.

Answer 1

The service engine soon light just means that scheduled maintenance is required, I.E. oil change. IT IS NOT a check engine light.



Why do you put 93 octane in? It does absolutely no good. As a matter of fact, and to be blunt, it is stupid.

Answer 2

Could be a blocked breather pipe in the gas tank which allows air in the tank to escape. If it is possible to do, a quick fix is to drill a small hole in the petrol cap so the air in the tank can escape that way. It can also be that it is not the right fuel cap for the car, as some cars have a fuel cap with a built in breather in th absence of a breather pipe in the fuel tank.

Answer 3

Absolutely! You can even see it if you look really close. To avoid the possibility of a "gas glare" which can occur from a flash of light, you may have to use either a lit match or a cigarette lighter but you can actually see it too, as well as hear it and feel it. Instead of using a flahlight, just ignite a match or a lighter and hold it close to the gas tank when you remove the cap . . . Pay close attention to the opening there. It's fun. I have done it several times before . . .

Answer 4

There is a Small Vent Hole in the Gas Cap that is clogged, Replace cap and Check Vent Tube on the Tank near the Sending Unit.

Answer 5

The air rushing into the gas tank is normal. The EVAP system of the car pulls a small vaccuum on the tank under certain conditions to prevent fuel vapor from escaping into the atmosphere. Have someone pull a DTC out of it and post it on here. It will have a number and description. Usually Advanced, Autozone, or a shop will do it.

Answer 6

no Its normal because the cpu checks the evap system and it does it by a neg pressure in the tank and if it raises (press in militers) the check engine light will come on. so the ans to your question when you take your gas cap off and you hear that its good as for the light what kind of light and if check engine have it checked by a repair shop that you trust it still could be an evap small leak detected

Answer 7

Fuel injection problem?