check engine light still on small leak in evap system?

I know this is an old question but it really wasn’t answered so here goes . Smoking the evap system will take less than an hour or time so depending on the shop rate you have an hour of labor and whatever part need to be replaced . It can be as pricey as a evap valve set that can be 2-3 hundred dollars to a vacuum hose that would probably cost a dollar or less if the mechanic is nice . To the other part of the question will it effect the car the answer is a bit tricky . For the most part no but there is the possibility it can vapor lock the tank which can make the flow of fuel difficult but thats usually when the gas cap is bad . Seeing that you replaced your cap this wouldn’t be an issue other than the annoying MIL light . I would suggest having the codes read occasionally. Seeing how the light will be on all the time you wont know when another issue may occur that could actually be detrimental to the car Hope this helps

Vicki, check the gas cap first. Insure the gasket on the cap is not cracked, and if so, replace the entire cap. Get the cap at Auto Zone, as the dealer price is too high, and an aftermarket cap is very reliable. There are only so many connections in the vapor recovery system, so it should be fairly easy and not too expensive to have the dealer check it out. The EVAP system is a California regulation, and if that check engine light is on when you go to have it SMOG'd, you won't pass.

It usually the charcoal vapor canister. Its supposed to absorb extra gas vapor for emissions reasons. When the charcoal breaks down it no longer absorbs vapors so the computer turns on your check engine light because it is no longer emissions compliant. Its a pricey part at ~$300, however it takes less than 10 minutes to replace.