CEL on maybe gas cap

[zigstarre]

Hello New user here. Its a 2000 Solara. Lost gas cap and drove it a few days with plastic bag secured by rubber band whilst awaiting mail order gas cap. CEL popped up (scary) and we noticed the plastic bag while still in place was kinda sucked in. Once the new gas cap was put on we thought the CEL would disappear. No, its still on. Has anyone had a problem like this? going to my mechanic tomorrow but he is expensive. No, I would rather not explore auto parts store checking the code. I have no idea how to go about that. Any other suggestions???
thank you so much !!

[Yuko]

It's might take two or three drive cycles for the code to clear. Crive for a few days or disconnect the battery for 30 sec to "clear" the codes.

Even thou you don't want too; retrieving the OBD2 codes from Autozone is the best way to know where to start. With the DTC, it can tell you if it's related to the fuel cap or not. Without the codes, it's like going to Walgreen to buy medicine without knowing what you're sick with.

[zigstarre]

thanks for your reply Yuko. yes we drove it around quite a bit after the gas cap was replaced.... light stayed on. But it seems so likely to be the gas cap because of driving with the plastic for a while. It needs an oil chg anyway, will have the mechanic check the code, hoping he doesn't chg too much. Is it possible I should have bought the toyota gas cap instead of the Stant brand???

[Yuko]

For items such as radiator cap, thermostat, PCV, and fuel cap; we do recommend going with Toyota OEM. But the Stant brand should work fine as long as the rubber gasket is not torn and holds pressure.