2006 Honda Element EX I had to replace the fuel filter/pump assembly and now I have a fuel cap warning on the odometer. Yes the gasket and fuel pump "clicked" into place. The gasket went in nice and smooth and is aligned correctly. I opened it all back up and tightened the lock nut some more. I did not mark its location prior to removing it. I could not get the new lock nut to work and the old one was not cracked or damaged. The fuel cap and fuel cap seal also are crack free. The lock nut won't tighten any more..... is there a way to clear the code? I cant smell gas in the car or outside the car, but I dont want to risk fumigating myself!
There is a leak somewhere in the pressurized fuel system. 90% of the time, it's the gas cap. If not, there is a leak in the EVAP system. Closely examine your gas cap o ring for any deterioration then check all the connections between the filler nozzle and the tank itself for tightness.
If everything checks OK, try resetting the warning light with a scan tool. If there is a problem the warning will come back on. Often a warning will reset after the car has completed 3 or 4 normal drive cycles. Check your owner's manual for more information on the fuel cap warning light. Good luck.
When I owned an 2007 Acura TL, 3.2L V6, one time it started to show 'tighten fuel cap' messages. I researched the alert on Acura owners web sites before taking it to a shop. I found some posts that said the issue could possibly be caused by a faulty purge valve. Since your Element is a Honda product like my Acura and a only year older, the emission design might be similar. I did buy a new OEM purge valve and replaced the old one, problem went away. Good luck.
