So I've been aware of this problem for just around a year now, but I now have to do something about it so my Vibe (05, 2wd, base) will pass inspection (which means the Check Engine Light needs to go off).
Some time around a year ago an animal (I like to think it was something fun like a coyote, but it was probably a squirrel) ate a few little holes into one of the plastic tubes that goes into the fuel tank. This caused the CEL to come on (the code I don't remember, but it was something like "emissions system less efficient than it should be").
I took it to the shop and asked them to run a smoke test; they didn't even need to, as once they raised the car up, they saw the gnaw marks on the hose (the vent hose for the fuel tank - which goes between the gas cap and the fuel tank) and told me to get one. Now, the funny thing is, neither GM nor Toyota sell this part separately - they want me to buy the entire fuel tank, for >$600, just to get a replacement for this flimsy little plastic tube (which, it turns out, is not just a regular fuel line with a standard clamp ending). Since it leaks only a drop or two of fuel each time I fill up, I've been in no hurry to get it replaced.
I took it to the parts store and the guy told me it was a vent hose that needed replaced, but no auto parts stores around here carry the part. So the problem I'm having is this: I will buy the part online (and save a lot of money doing so), but I'm having trouble identifying the part I need from the schematic of the fuel system located on gmpartseast.com (or a few other GM/Toyota parts websites), and "vent hose" isn't on the list (so it must be called something else). I'm hoping that one of you folks will be able to tell me which part it is that I need to order. What I know is that there seem to be two main hoses that come down from the gas cap: a thick tube and a thin tube. It's the thin tube I need.
Here is the link to the parts listing:
http://www.gmpartseast.com/Page_Product ... =26S&Year=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
and here is the link to the picture of the fuel system:
http://www.gmpartseast.com/diagrams/lar ... 303401.png" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If I had to guess, I'd guess it's part #21 on this drawing, but I'm really not sure. If I can't find the part, I guess I can go to the junkyard, but I'd prefer not to have to do that. Do any of you have a guess? Thanks for any help!
Wildlife-induced check engine light - a parts question
Re: Wildlife-induced check engine light - a parts question
If you can see the damage, you should be able to wrap electrical tape around it to get past the emissions test. You'll need a code reader to reset the engine light. If you are you REALLY afraid of the Junk Yard, don't go in the dark! 
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beemerphile1
- Posts: 505
- Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:12 am
- Location: NE Ohio
Re: Wildlife-induced check engine light - a parts question
I would suggest silicone rescue tape if you go that route. Vinyl (electrical) tape will be a temporary fix. Silicone rescue tape should be permanent and will hold up to gasoline. Ultimately the best repair would be to find and install the correct part but I can't help with that.Chiadog wrote:If you can see the damage, you should be able to wrap electrical tape around it to get past the emissions test. You'll need a code reader to reset the engine light. If you are you REALLY afraid of the Junk Yard, don't go in the dark!
NE Ohio - home to the most successful Pontiac drag racing team in history - Bill Knafel's "Tin Indian" and also home to Summit Auto Racing.
2009 Vibe base 1.8L auto towing 2009 Aliner Sport hardsided pop-up
2009 Vibe base 1.8L auto towing 2009 Aliner Sport hardsided pop-up
Re: Wildlife-induced check engine light - a parts question
My first thought was definitely duct tape, although I don't want any gunk getting in the system. I may try that silicone rescue tape if I can't quickly figure out which part this is for sure. Thanks for your replies!
Re: Wildlife-induced check engine light - a parts question
I had never heard of silicone rescue tape. thanks for the tip, beemer!beemerphile1 wrote: I would suggest silicone rescue tape if you go that route. Vinyl (electrical) tape will be a temporary fix. Silicone rescue tape should be permanent and will hold up to gasoline. Ultimately the best repair would be to find and install the correct part but I can't help with that.
Re: Wildlife-induced check engine light - a parts question
beemerphile1 wrote:I would suggest silicone rescue tape if you go that route. Vinyl (electrical) tape will be a temporary fix. Silicone rescue tape should be permanent and will hold up to gasoline. Ultimately the best repair would be to find and install the correct part but I can't help with that.
I need to say thanks to you; 500 miles later and the silicone tape seems to have corrected the problem, and I've saved considerable money and time. This stuff works wonders!