I just picked up a used 97 Protege on Monday with about 159k miles (). Yesterday, when I went to drive to school, the check engine light was on. I stopped by AutoZone today to get the code pulled and apparently I'm getting a P0455 - large EVAP control system leak. I don't know much (read: anything) about cars, so what can I personally do to diagnose or fix this problem myself or as cheap as possible? I read that it can commonly be a problem with the fuel cap. I hadn't yet filled the car at all when I got the light, and it came on 2 days into ownership, so I kind of doubt it's as simple as the cap being slightly off. I didn't purchase/receive any type of warranty, so I doubt the dealership would feel obligated in the slightest to help (wouldn't **** like this show up in the inspection they supposedly do before selling a car? ), and I'm pretty much broke right now. Any help/suggestions on where to go from here, or just general car care/maintenance resources would be awesome. This is my first car and I would rather put time into it than money.

 

Try replacing the gas tank cap; I had a similar issue with my 6.