Stolen Gas Cap....
 

1999 E430

Yesterday morning I walk out to my car and notice that my fuel filler door has been pried open, my gas cap is missing, and my tank has been siphoned empty (same story for the cars on the left and right of me.)

I ordered a new cap from fastline and filled my tank using only a rag until the new cap arrives.

Tonight while driving home from work I noticed that my low fuel warning lamp on the gauge was blinking and the check engine light was on. Got out and fiddled with the gas rag and the light quit blinking but Check Engine remains on. Am I correct in assuming that the Check Engine light is a result of no filler cap? The new one should be arriving any day now.

Thanks,
Cliff

Almost certainly - I think the purge sensor on modern OBD or OBD-like cars will not detect a vacuum in the tank and you will get the light.

Any ideas on how to reset the check engine light? A quick search of the forum left me empty handed. I will look again.

You need an OBDII diagnostic meter. They run the range in cost. You can get small, cheap units for $60 or so, big units for a few thousand dollars. Mine was about $200 and it'll read out trouble codes with their english translation, do live performance capture and store it so I can download to my computer, and let me reset the check engine light.

Usually the check engine light will go away after a few starts when it comes on due to a loose or missing gas cap. If it doesn't, then go to an Autozone or Advance Auto parts store and have them reset it.

Hit an Autozone, they will clear the code for you for free.

Will Autozone know where to put the tester in a W140?

When I took my SLK230 to Autozone, I removed the cover and showed the guy where to plug in.

I hate gas thiefs~ sorry to hear about that...I have lock on my cap, but I mean after the damage with the vacume lock broke (I have replaced them-not easy) they should be caught and tourtured...I know that is harsh...but the dis respect of how people vandalize cars...especially without knowing how expensive it is for any little MB part to replace...

They sell gas caps with a lock in them, i would get one to prevent this from happening again

Where is the diagnostic plug in at on my w210? If I don't know, I can guarantee those lump heads at my local Autozone haven't a clue.

I hope they didn't bend your fuel filler door all up in the process.

They did.......

You are still lucky, where I work they just punch two 3/8" drill holes in gas tank rather than take the time to remove the cap and siphon. After one 5 gal pail of fuel they run and leave the rest to drain in the gutter.

lol that sucks