[JoeMack]

This has been bugging me for a while now. For about a year I have intermittently been getting the CEL light coming on, often after filling up with gas. I was able to tighten the gas cap and start the engine three times to get it to go away for a while.

Then I got a new gas cap from the dealer a few weeks ago and I didn't get a CEL for awhile. I thought I had licked the problem.

However, recently, I got a CEL and went to Autozone to get the codes read. It returned multiple codes:
P0463 (Fuel level sensor circuit high input)
P0447 (Evaporative emission system-purge vent solenoid Circuit condition)
P1400 (Fuel tank pressure control solenoid low input)
After re-setting the codes, the CEL came on immediately.

I searched online about the codes and am concerned that it might be a connector issue behind the wheels. I looked up the service procedure for checking it and it seemed challenging (remove back seat, etc) for someone who doesn't work on cars regularly -- i.e. me.

About a week ago, the CEL went out without me doing anything and it is still out. But I'm going on a long trip soon (headed to Colorado) and I don't want any issues during the trip.

I have had the battery checked at two places (Autozone and Les Schwab) and it checked out fine at both places. It's the OEM battery and I have 66.7K miles on the car.

Any other suggestions to try before I begin taking out the back seat and digging for wires and connectors?

Thanks in advance...

 

[JoeMack]

Plain OM,
Thanks for your thoughtful response.
Some answers:

If the CEL came on immediately after, were the codes read again to see which one or ones caused the immediate re-appearance of the CEL?

No, the clerk had gone back in to the store as I was pulling out. I think your observation about getting a code reader and reading them immediately is the right approach.

The P0463 can be caused by a bad connection to the fuel level sensors in the tank, but if that were to happen, I would think the fuel gauge would also malfunction. Was there any evidence of this, e.g., gauge at full or empty end when it shouldn't be, or the Low Fuel light being on?

The initial time I had a CEL come on the gas gauge did malfunction and the low fuel indicator came on with the needle at "E". That hasn't happened since.

I am starting my search for a code reader now. Thanks

 

[JoeMack]

I pulled the trigger and purchased the code reader (Autel MaxiScan) recommended in this thread.

Replace the Battery.

Then check the alternator output with the new battery.

Cardoc,
after the gas cap, the battery going bad was my next assumption. However, I had it tested at two places and both gave it a passing grade.

I'd prefer not to replace unless needed, but perhaps I should bite the bullet since it is 6 years old.

 

[JoeMack]

Thought I'd update this thread since it's a few months old...

I bought a code reader and have been getting the same three codes occasionally and have become adept at doing the re-set.

Since the problem wasn't going away, I finally decided to buy a new battery, as had been suggested. I wasn't having any other battery issues, but decided since the OEM battery was 6+ years old, it was about time.

I'll provide an update if I see any CEL codes.

 

[JoeMack]

Sounds like mice or a water problem that is causing connectivity issue in that harness.

Tom

If I keep getting the codes, that will be my next area of investigation. I have had mice issues before in the cabin air filter, so it wouldn't surprise me too much if they were the culprits.

 

[JoeMack]

My saga continues. I replaced the battery, but lately have been getting the CEL light again. P0447 is the code, so I'm going to start troubleshooting the associated harness as recommended in other P0447 threads.