I Had A Customer Who Traveled To NJ, Where They Don't Let You Pump Your Own Gas. Every Time They Came Back Home, They Would Stop By With a Check Engine Light Warning, Says Mechanic About a Simple 2013 Toyota Prius Check Engine Light Fix

One common reason why refueling in New Jersey could cause your Toyota to flash a check engine light warning.

Imagine a real-life scenario where, shortly after having your car refueled, you notice a check engine light warning on the dashboard or display screen. According to a recent Toyota Maintenance YouTube channel episode, some check engine light warnings are not the fault of the car but the fault of the person who last filled the tank with fuel.

In the video, the host discusses a scenario in which if you connect a scan tool to your OBD2 port, the ECU will often provide a troubleshooting code of P0455, which indicates a significant leak in your car's evaporative emission (EVAP) system.

If you are fortunate, the tripped code tells you that your gas tank cap is not on tight enough. If you are not fortunate, the problem lies elsewhere in your Toyota and will require servicing to pinpoint the source of the EVAP system leak.

Related article: Three Common Causes of This Check Engine Light Warning OR How Car Rental Agencies Encourage You to Damage Their Vehicles

Comments Show This Is an Easy DIY Check Engine Light Problem Fix

Multiple comments below the video show that this is a common problem that is easily fixed by those in the know.

I've had this happen on my Toyota Camry a couple of times. After the check engine light comes on―about two minutes after you left the gas station―and then tighten the cap the check light will go out after maybe ten or fifteen minutes of driving ―@toma5153

That happened to my grandson driving from New York to Ohio. He called me, and I asked when he got gasoline, and bingo―he didn't tighten cap. Thanks for the info ―@EricGrayw9c

In fact, one comment from a mechanic in New Jersey states he has experienced multiple instances of check engine light codes from one customer who had a habit of turning to his garage typically after his car was refueled.

Interestingly, this kind of unexpected vehicle behavior - where something as small as a gas cap triggers a warning light - reminds us just how unusual and delicate modern automotive systems can be. Whether it’s a check engine light caused by human oversight or something more serious like a full-size truck suddenly blowing black smoke, the line between smooth driving and frustrating diagnostics can be surprisingly thin. One Toyota Tundra owner recently shared how his 1794 Edition Platinum model suddenly started showing signs of trouble, prompting a difficult trade-in decision. His story offers a different but equally revealing look at how unlikely issues can derail even premium models - and it's well worth reading if you’ve ever faced a vehicle behaving out of character.

Gas Pump Policy May Change in New Jersey

Since 1949, New Jersey has been the only state in the U.S. to outlaw gas refueling by car owners. Only attendants at the station are allowed to do this for car owners.

However, that may change.

A recent CBS Philadelphia news report states, "Talk of gas-pumping in Garden State can really bring out the passions in people, especially when it comes to people pumping their gas."

New Jersey Proposed Bill Would Allow Drivers To Pump Own Gas If They Want To

Check Your Toyota Gas Cap for Instructions

If you look carefully at the lower edge of your Toyota model's gas cap you will likely see instructions stating, "Tighten Until 1 Click or (check engine light image) May Come On."

However, if your gas cap's rubber seal is worn out or damaged, tightening to one click (or as far as the cap will allow) in a clockwise direction can still result in a check engine light message. In this case, an OEM replacement part is recommended due to known problems with leaky aftermarket gas caps.

For more about this simple DIY diagnosis and fix, the Toyota Maintenance YouTube video is provided for your convenience:

Toyota Prius P0455 P0441 EVAP Codes

For relatively recent articles related to the Toyota Prius, here are two for your consideration:

1. I'm Considering Buying a 2015 Prius With 68k Miles. At The Dealership, I Insisted That The Service Staff Check On The Battery Fan Filter. It Was Pretty Dirty. The Owner Hadn't Cleaned It In 10 Years. Is This a Red Flag In a 2015 Prius?
2. I Bought a 2017 Toyota Prius with 69k Miles For $14,500, It Was an Exceptionally Good Bargain, But There Ended Up Being A Catch

COMING UP NEXT: I Break Down The Real Cost Of Tesla Cybertruck Ownership Over 5 Years—Be Prepared to Be Scared. It's Way Worse Than What Tesla Wants You To Believe

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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