Hi
I have a 2001 Vanden Plas that I maintain regularly. I am in California where there have been huge 'Wild Fires' recently with heavy ash and debris in the air. My VP was running perfectly until I hosed off heavy ash and I think some water may have gotten into the gas tank as the cap was loose. Car started up fine, and then died about 1/4 mile from home, only to restart just fine again, but engine light went on. Could this just be an air filter issue? Should I add something to the fuel tank in case water got inside? It starts and drives, but I don't want to drive it with the check engine light on and my mechanic retired recently.

 

Start simple- check the air filter. Pole around the engine compartment, maybe a critter got in there to hide. If it's crud on the tank, well at least you know the what and the where. Good luck

 

Welcome to the forums KME,

Even with the cap loose, it would take serious water pressure to get significant water into the tank. I agree with Jerry that air filter is the number one suspect.

Other possibilities for the CEL coming on are a partially discharged battery or water on engine sensor(s). It will require a code reader to determine precisely why the light is on.

Graham

 

I absolutely agree with Jerry and Graham.
With all of that pollution, best change oil and perhaps confirm the good operation of the PCV valve??
But throw a bottle of gasoline antifreeze into the fuel tank as a precaution anyways.