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-   3G TL Problems & Fixes (https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/)
-   -   A-130: DIY to fix "Tighten Fuel Cap" message (https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/130-diy-fix-tighten-fuel-cap-message-915682/)

truonghthe 04-15-2015 01:51 PM

I replaced mine about late last year and until now I don't see the message at all.

jdw1 04-15-2015 02:01 PM

I needed this, wondered if it was actually my cap.

Acura-OC 04-15-2015 04:28 PM


Originally Posted by loganva (Post 15403614)
I replaced the EVAP canister purge valve 3 days ago and the message still hasn't gone away. Only shows on the MID, no CEL. I have a hard time believing its the gas cap but I'll try replacing that next. Anyone know if it will pass a OBD emissions test with this message?

It depends on the volume of fuel in your tank. Computer runs test only when it is between 3/4 and 1/4 of the fuel in the tank. Computer doesn't run test on full tank and on empty.

parasitius 06-13-2015 07:51 AM

Shit was a little bit harder than it looked. Photos don't show there's a bunch of stuff in the way. It's scary for a newbie. I couldn't take the bottom nut off, unless I unhooked a hose to whatever was right there in the way. A bit of blue liquid started leaking, but, since it only dripped like 15 times I'm praying that it is just a few drops of something there is a whole tank of somewhere?

Anyway lost the bottom flat round metal plate that goes between the bolt and the nut, but I didn't lose the upper one. So I hope it's not going to cause problems... should I go to the hardware store and try to find one?

Thanks 100000x to op, I would have had to put up with the message the rest of my life because I just couldn't justify $300 for an annoyance, considering already have to put up with Japanese bullshit like the beeping noise at start up of the engine (Japanese are impervious to noises that weren't caused by other humans, while they freak out if a human causes a super tiny noise that annoys them, just as an example in the electronics store Yamada Denki they have an advertisement play on loop LOUD over and over the whole HOUR you might be in the store and no one freaks out. -- So in case you wondered why your car makes beeping that is so annoying and almost feels like punishment, and WOULD be considered punishment by a UI/UX design expert (they don't even have the discipline in Japan, worst UI/UX in the world across the board))

jbbenni 03-16-2016 04:01 PM


Originally Posted by Relentless84 (Post 15403032)
Thanks for the write-up!

Ditto. Update since your post?

jbbenni 03-17-2016 04:13 PM

Same issue. The replacement was easy, still getting message. Advice?

thoiboi 03-17-2016 04:26 PM


Originally Posted by jbbenni
Same issue. The replacement was easy, still getting message. Advice?

Did you unplug battery to reset it?

Scotten 03-18-2016 09:31 PM

I didn't have the cojones or time to do this myself, so I bought the unit and had my mechanic swap it out. I only had a few "Loose gas cap" messages over the winter (I'm in Chicago) but I haven't had any since it was replaced.

I agree, 10,000x thanks to the OP and others who came up with this fix.

RxWorld 03-19-2016 12:07 PM


Originally Posted by Scotten (Post 15706537)
I didn't have the cojones or time to do this myself, so I bought the unit and had my mechanic swap it out. I only had a few "Loose gas cap" messages over the winter (I'm in Chicago) but I haven't had any since it was replaced.

I agree, 10,000x thanks to the OP and others who came up with this fix.



You're welcome :) No issues to date since I changed my mine in August 2014!

LivewireRacing 05-03-2016 04:58 PM

Thanks, RxWorld for the good write up and pics.

Pinhook 05-03-2016 07:16 PM

I ordered part from Amazon and installed this weekend.

Very easy and the write up was handy to have.

LivewireRacing 05-05-2016 04:28 PM

Thank you.
 
Thanks for the clear write up and the pics with the red "look here" circles. Part arrives tomorrow. You've saved me a lot of time and money.


Originally Posted by RxWorld (Post 15110538)
There’s a lot on azine about this already and it's fairly straightforward but I thought I’d put together a formal step by step DIY because I was a bit confused when it first started happening!

Symptom: The “tighten fuel cap” message displays on your MID repeatedly. You are sure your fuel cap is tight to 3 clicks (or whatever is says) but the message still pops up intermittently then goes away randomly. This happens periodically (and for me the frequency it happened increased with time)

Fix: In the 07-08 models this is a known problem. Here is the official release from Acura. Essentially, a sensor that talks to your car’s computer is faulty. The sensor is part of the EVAP canister purge valve. To fix it you need to replace the EVAP canister purge valve.

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps82525a07.jpg

What you need:
  1. EVAP canister purge valve (P/N 36162-RDV-J01)
  2. ˝ hour of your time
  3. Flat head screw driver
  4. 10mm socket
  5. Pliers to pinch and move the hose clips.

Step 1: Make sure you didn’t just get out of your car 3 min ago and your engine is still hot. Wait a bit for your engine to cool down!

Step 2: Remove your engine cover. There are 4 contact points for your engine cover to the car. There are 2 clips you need a flat head screw driver to get at (circled in red) and the back two just pop off when you pull on the engine cover.

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/x...psf7ed9b46.jpg

Step 3: Once you locate the EVAP canister purge valve you need to remove 2 nuts (and washers) with a 10mm socket. The bottom nut is tad bit harder to remove because it is in a tight spot so be patient. Take your time so the nuts and washer don’t fall into the engine bay accidentally!

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps32e6c04d.jpg

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps846e31b3.jpg

Step 4: Remove the sensor and the hoses one at a time. I put the hoses directly on new part so I didn't mix them up.

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps130dce00.jpg

Step 5: Put everything back together and give your car a couple miles to reset itself and the “tighten fuel cap” message should go off and hopefully never come back again!


Sik07TLs 08-31-2016 08:35 AM

Thanks for this write up! I just purchased an 07 TL type s and I'm having this exact problem. Its kinda funny how this problem didn't show up when i was taking it out for a test drive.....:beetroot

What's the best place to purchase this part? Acura Parts | OEM Acura Parts | Factory Acura Parts

thoiboi 08-31-2016 08:38 AM


Originally Posted by Sik07TLs (Post 15838312)
Thanks for this write up! I just purchased an 07 TL type s and I'm having this exact problem. Its kinda funny how this problem didn't show up when i was taking it out for a test drive.....:beetroot

What's the best place to purchase this part? Acura Parts | OEM Acura Parts | Factory Acura Parts

:yes: there is good.

s0lace 09-01-2016 11:41 PM

Just wanted to say that I, too, had this error. I followed the service bulletin- and it hasn't come back since. If you're still wondering whether or not it works- it does.

BreezyTL 09-02-2016 08:13 AM

Did mine last night, no warning this morning headed to work. :butthead:

jusdrewit 09-05-2016 04:18 PM

I need help. I just replaced it per the bulletin, reset my battery to clear the cel, and 5 mins later while driving I received the 'tighten fuel cap' message again. Does anyone have any suggestions? My fuel tank is about 4/5's full. I have not replaced the actual fuel cap, but i gone to Autozone who ran the CEL codes and told me it was the canister purge solenid. I have also taken it to Firestone and after hrs of looking at it, they told me to replace the canister purge valve as everything else checked out. Basically all signs point to that being the fix...

Often I get the 'tighten fuel cap' message, and after awhile that disappears the cel comes on. If i reset the battery the process repeats. Any suggestions? I have 2008 Acura TL.

BreezyTL 09-06-2016 08:32 AM

Did you buy new or get a used one?

jusdrewit 09-06-2016 09:24 AM


Originally Posted by BreezyTL (Post 15842410)
Did you buy new or get a used one?

Brand new part. Since yesterday the Tighten fuel cap message has gone away and now only the CEL appears, which is the normal cycle. I'll go to AutoZone today to get reading on CEL again since the new part is has been installed, see if the codes are different.

as21 09-10-2016 02:12 PM

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...89c5c02708.jpgHad this tighten cap message come up every now and then since buying car last year. Just installed new part from oemacuraparts.com. New part is japan part old made in mexico. Message is gone. Never been happier. 🙃

WDPanda 11-17-2016 11:32 PM

I have the tighten cap message come and go in the hot months. After some years it stayed on and then turned to CEL p0457 and p0497
Changed Mexican purge solenoid out for the Japanese and now fixed.

thoiboi 04-21-2017 11:25 AM


Originally Posted by ATLS_666 (Post 15117790)
Garage worthy?


Definitely garage worthy.. Can't believe it hasn't been in there yet.. But that has been fixed :thumbsup:

Hazsun 04-21-2017 02:35 PM

This thing is $100, is it worth replacing? I just hit delete and ignore everytime it went up. I thought it was the fuel cap so I bought one and replaced that, but that wasn't it.

BreezyTL 04-21-2017 02:42 PM

Worth it! Gets annoying seeing it every day.

Hazsun 04-21-2017 03:27 PM


Originally Posted by BreezyTL (Post 16003628)
Worth it! Gets annoying seeing it every day.

I don't mind the annoying pop up as long as it doesn't damage my engine. $100 is not worth for that small stupid thing.

thoiboi 04-21-2017 04:53 PM


Originally Posted by Hazsun (Post 16003651)
I don't mind the annoying pop up as long as it doesn't damage my engine. $100 is not worth for that small stupid thing.

You asked if it was worth it


and then deemed it not worth it :tomato:


So which is it for ya :tongue:?

donaldoo 04-21-2017 09:24 PM

I cleaned the gas cap with degreaser on my brother 05 TL and the message went away ,

satorie 05-07-2017 09:47 AM

Thanks for the very clear directions and all the others' input here!

TypeAcura 05-24-2017 10:22 AM

Very useful DIY, thanks !

Just changed the solenoid over the weekend and no more tighten fuel cap messages.

Just a FYI , you may need to remove a coolant hose right where you see the lower bolt - I couldnt loosen the lower bolt till i unhooked the small coolant hose. Once I did that, the rest was a piece of cake.

Carlsonwa 05-25-2017 10:37 PM

Replaced my EVAP purge sensor under the hood, just as instructed. Picked up a part on Ebay for $45 shipped. Worked great! The new part was made in Japan, the old original part was made in Mexico. Been driving for a week now with the new part, not a single error message about the fuel cap !

https://i723.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8sgtjhpp.jpg

nanxun 05-26-2017 04:03 PM

Some thoughts and additional tips for this:
1. Very easy and straight-forward job that even a complete non-wrenching person like myself was able to complete--although it did take me 90 min., 3x what it should have according to RxWorld's estimate.

2. The main problem I encountered was access to that bottom nut/washer. To make this easier, I'd also suggest:
a) removing the panel/cover with "BRAKE FLUID" and "CLUTCH FLUID" on it (circled in blue in photo) as well as
b) unbolting the fuse box assembly --loosen 2 bolts and unclip one plastic mount (circled in green in photo). This will allow you to move the fuse box and gain better access to that bottom nut/washer.

Both of these sit right in front of the driver's side of the engine bay, on either side of the strut bar--see photos below.

3. An additional tool that would've been incredibly helpful is a magnetic tipped screwdriver or retrieval/pick-up tool since it's sometimes difficult--esp. if you have large fingers--to keep the bottom nut and washer from falling into the engine bay.

4. To remove the heavy rubber bushings from the old EVAP purge valve, use a screwdriver to pry out the inner metal plugs, which give the rubber bushings/washers their stiffness. Then pull out the rubber bushings/washers and press them into place in the new EVAP purge valve and replace the cylindrical metal plugs.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...84cd9cccee.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...863f36e714.jpg

Also, my old/original EVAP purge valve also had "DENSO Mexico" stamped on it.... Hmmmmm.....

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...551a575d71.jpg

nanxun 05-26-2017 04:23 PM

4. To remove the heavy rubber bushings from the old EVAP purge valve, use a screwdriver to pry out the inner metal plugs (circled in light blue), which give the rubber bushings/washers (circled in orange) their stiffness. Then pull out the rubber bushings/washers and press them into place in the new EVAP purge valve and replace the cylindrical metal plugs.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...794e0fce32.jpg

Head06TL 07-24-2017 11:44 AM

Received a P0443 July 1st, replaced the EVAP Purge valve & Gas cap (extra measure) July 8th, cleared codes and drove about 1000 miles. The past week i started getting tighten fuel cap and this morning P0443, P0497, & P0457 (Fuel cap loose/off).

Why me?! :(

nanxun 07-24-2017 11:48 AM

Sorry to hear about this, esp. since you went the extra mile and replaced your gas cap, too. What a drag. Wish I had more ideas about what it could be.

Perhaps you should post to the 3G TL Problems & Fixes thread?



It's been about 2 months since I replaced my EVAP purge valve (didn't do the gas cap), and happy to report that the "Tighten Fuel Cap" light has not returned.

Head06TL 07-24-2017 11:57 AM


Originally Posted by nanxun (Post 16063847)
Sorry to hear about this...

I plan to either do a proper diagnosis or take it to the dealer. I just figured instead of paying the dealer the ~$80 for diagnosis' i would just pay that to replace the EVAP Purge Valve and take my chances.

Words of Advice for those with this issue - Do a proper Diagnosis if possible. (My contribution to this thread) :)

jimmyfu 07-24-2017 09:52 PM


Originally Posted by Head06TL (Post 16063852)
I plan to either do a proper diagnosis or take it to the dealer. I just figured instead of paying the dealer the ~$80 for diagnosis' i would just pay that to replace the EVAP Purge Valve and take my chances.

Words of Advice for those with this issue - Do a proper Diagnosis if possible. (My contribution to this thread) :)

Good luck! Just an FYI, the dealers don't always get it right the first try. This is just my own experience (and not TL related), but I had an '09 Nissan Altima with a push-start button. One day the car won't start; I'm stranded. I tow it to the dealer, they say it's a $600 brake lock check or something. I pay to get it fixed. 3 days later - same problem. I tow it to a different dealer, they tell me that it was a steering rack lock issue (can't remember anymore, but it def wasn't the first part replaced). That part, was under warranty. I call up the 1st dealer and tell them what happened, and they tell me I'm S.O.L. because the old part is gone now and they can't verify it.

fishin412c 08-16-2017 10:54 PM

It seems some of us have gas cap light go right away, but some of us have it show right back up?

I did mine yesterday and 3 miles later, CEL was on :cuss:. I gassed up and reset the CEL light; now I got the tighten gas cap message again :cuss:!!!

Any suggestions?
Read in a relate thread that it can take a few drive cycles for the tighten gas cap message to go away and stay??? But this is the 1st time the CEL has come on EVER...
('07 Base, only owner)

GhostTL09 09-08-2017 02:19 PM

ordered mine today so we'll see in about a week how it goes

GhostTL09 09-14-2017 12:08 PM


Originally Posted by nanxun (Post 16026673)
Some thoughts and additional tips for this:
1. Very easy and straight-forward job that even a complete non-wrenching person like myself was able to complete--although it did take me 90 min., 3x what it should have according to RxWorld's estimate.

2. The main problem I encountered was access to that bottom nut/washer. To make this easier, I'd also suggest:
a) removing the panel/cover with "BRAKE FLUID" and "CLUTCH FLUID" on it (circled in blue in photo) as well as
b) unbolting the fuse box assembly --loosen 2 bolts and unclip one plastic mount (circled in green in photo). This will allow you to move the fuse box and gain better access to that bottom nut/washer.

Both of these sit right in front of the driver's side of the engine bay, on either side of the strut bar--see photos below.

3. An additional tool that would've been incredibly helpful is a magnetic tipped screwdriver or retrieval/pick-up tool since it's sometimes difficult--esp. if you have large fingers--to keep the bottom nut and washer from falling into the engine bay.

4. To remove the heavy rubber bushings from the old EVAP purge valve, use a screwdriver to pry out the inner metal plugs, which give the rubber bushings/washers their stiffness. Then pull out the rubber bushings/washers and press them into place in the new EVAP purge valve and replace the cylindrical metal plugs.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...84cd9cccee.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...863f36e714.jpg

Also, my old/original EVAP purge valve also had "DENSO Mexico" stamped on it.... Hmmmmm.....

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...551a575d71.jpg

Just got mine in......https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...75ea276d77.jpgJap

GhostTL09 09-14-2017 09:27 PM

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b32eae41bf.jpgThere for those that haven't attempted repair is the 2nd underneath bolt on solenoid. Mine was stuck to screw. Not good
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...3d2717a6c3.jpgRemoving hoses
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...47ac77aad4.jpgPushing out carefully with screwdriver, because nut never came off screw. Whole piece unscrewed from block. No leakage of anything.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...a2ac302d42.jpgIf you encounter this issue dont strip your thread. Carfully remove
And insert in new solenoid

R​​​​e install in reverse order. Finger screw to start so you reduce risk of dropping nut in engine bay using ratchet. Dropped mine, but lucky went through to the ground.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...0963dcdbff.jpg
After all put back together you must drink for good luck.

Hope these pictures added some clarity to the process.


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