What causes a warning light to come on saying check gas cap on a 03 Mazda tribute?

Answer 1

the check gas cap is a separate, specific dummy light from the check engine light, although the two may be related. I've found that the gas cap on the 03 tribute is different than any other on cars I've owned. It is pressurized, and you only turn it 1/8 of a turn to open it (counter clockwise) and 1/8 of a turn to close it (clockwise, pushing down on it a little, and turning it until it clicks). I did not install in properly the first couple of times I put gas in it, and I got the gas cap dummy light the first time, and a check engine light the next (not having the gas cap installed correctly messes with the emissions system - which is what the check engine light indicates). Both cleared once I figured out how to use the gas cap properly.