I have a warning light that came on today, looks like an engine but is lit solid not flashing, I checked the fuel cap and it is fine, should I stop driving it?

• P0340 - Camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction.
  
• P0457 - Evaporative emission control system leak detected (fuel filler cap loose/off)
  
  There is a bulletin #0398 posted on 05/12/2003 for P0457 - Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.

I'd suggest checking with your local dealer, as it may be a fix that is covered by the dealer.

a flashing check engine light (CEL) is a warning to stop driving-one that is on steady (not blinking) means something is wrong, but blinking is BAD-make sure it is completely cooled down, and fill the overflow/surge tank, start it up (use 50/50 antifreeze) and let it idle until the engine temp is all the way up-this can take 10-15 minutes, make sure the heater is on high temp setting and the fan is on-look at the temp gauge if it has one to see if it looks normal. If all looks good, fill the tank to the FULL mark (or a hair above it) and put the tank cap on tight. Drive the car for about 10 minutes, and pay attention to the temp gauge-if it looks good, and the engine is alright, the CEL probably with either not light or will go off by itself.

It is possible you did damage driving it with a flashing CEL, however-if so look for leaks, smoke out of the exhaust, poor running/performance, or more ominous signs of trouble like air bubbles in the overflow tank, oil in the antifreeze of antifreeze in the oil-aluminum engines do NOT tolerate overheating, if you ever see a high temp gauge and/or a flashing CEL-STOP and get it checked out, you will save yourself a lot of money being prudent.

Why Is My Check Engine Light Flashing? Location

1. The check-engine light may be a graphic of an engine or similar icon, or it may contain the words "check engine" or "service engine." In some vehicles, a red check-engine light means the car needs absolute immediate attention while a yellow check-engine light means you need to make an appointment soon. Either way, you should know the location of the light and periodically glance at it to ensure its status. The light is used to indicate power train problems that are associated with your vehicle's emissions system. (The power train is the engine, transmission and other power parts of your vehicle.)

Flashing Light

1. Typically, a flashing light is more serious than a solid check-engine light. The flashing light is meant to alert you that you may have a misfire in your engine that will cause catalytic converter damage if you leave the problem unresolved. Replacing a catalytic converter can be costly, so have the engine checked as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.

Cause

1. A flashing check-engine light generally indicates that there is a failure in the emission control system. The emission control system contains an array of sensors that work to reduce the amount of pollution released into the air. An oxygen sensor reads the air and fuel mixture and lights up when it is out of range. The acceptable range is between 50 mill volts and 800 mV. If the check-engine light is flashing, you should visit your mechanic or dealer as soon as possible.

Loose Gas Cap

1. A gas cap that isn't twisted on tight enough may cause the check engine light to illuminate, but it won't flash. Try tightening the gas cap and watch the light. In many cases, it will turn off because the problem has been corrected. If the light stays on for more than a day or two, have your mechanic run an on-board diagnostic (OBD) to see if there is a code in the system indicating a serious problem. Your mechanic can reset the light to off if the problem was a loose gas cap.

Spark Plug Wires

1. As spark plug wires age, they can become brittle and crack, causing an electrical misfire. Your check engine light might turn on and stay lit. If this happens, go home as soon as possible, turn off your engine, and inspect the wires. If the wires are brittle and cracked, you need to replace them. If your check engine light stays on after the wires are replaced, have your mechanic run an OBD.

When the CEL is lit the TRAC (tion control) system is often switched off and the warning light is lit to remind you of that fact; this may also involve the ABS (anti lock braking system). The CEL light can come on if you leave your fuel filler cap on loose, the Engine Control Unit (ECU - power control module) sees the loose cap as problem in the fuel vapour evaporative control system and switches on the CEL. Even if the cap is put on firmly it takes some time for the ECU to reset itself. Disconnecting the negative lead to the battery for five minutes is usually enough for the ECU to rest itself and remove the stored error codes.

Have someone help you,, open the oil cap and look with a flash light to see if the cam is moving,

It sounds like it could be the timing belt,

If the top end is ok, check fuse for fuel pump and ignition,, there should also be a relay for the pump check to see if its clicking when key is first turned on.

Check for gas and spark,

If the car appears to be running ok then you should be fine till tomorrow.And yes the gas cap could be the problem:)

service engine lite

Best thing to do in your case is take it to a mechanic and put it on a computer scanner to bring up a code # to detect the faulty part. The Check Engine Light usually represents a problem in the emissions system.

An orange check engine light means there is an electronic failure in the engine control system. It could be anything from a loose fuel cap, to a bad sensor on the engine. It is not an emergency, but you should get it checked out. A red engine light is an emergency and requires you to immediately stop the car. Yellow is a warning.