Now I know why lot of people complain about MIL in their A4s.<p>http://cbs.marketwatch.com/news/current/toyoy.htx?source=htx/http2_mw<p>Pips<ul><li><a href="http://cbs.marketwatch.com/news/current/toyoy.htx?source=htx/http2_mw">emission control recall</a></li></ul>

Basically, Toyota doesn't want the "MIL" or check engine light coming on all the time, doesn't want their customers to have to come to the dealer for something as minor as a loose gas cap, and doesn't want to have irritated customers. At least that's what it looks like is going on. So, they apparently set their vapor leak detection system at a very insensitive level (if it works at all - I don't know).<p>Other automakers are taking the other approach in trying to comply with the regulations, even if the regs. are stupid or at least misguided. And if their customers have to come in every other week for this dash light, then so be it.<p>Of course, it seems like another approach would be to have a system that would actually tell the customer what the specific problem was. Like a light that would give a code indicating the vapor recovery system isn't closed, indicating "check gas cap." That would seem to be a customer-friendly solution that would eliminate lots of dealer visits and irritation. The computer knows what the problem is, but the automakers and/or gov't in their wisdom have decided that this information isn't for customers to know (unless they are willing to fork over lots of money for specialized diagnostic equipment).

That is a really good set of points. Take GM for instance. You can get a MIL for changing your tires! A friend that works for GM tells me about the incredible sensitivity of their MILs. <p>Toyota is an outstanding world class organization and I hope they fair well in the case. I don't think any auto manufacturer in the world to include Audi makes products as reliable or durable (still don't want a Toyota though).<p>Regards,<br>Searl

I can testify first hand that Toyota (I have a '98 Corolla) is absolutely the WORST organization I have ever dealt with, both at a dealer level and sadly, even more so at a national level. This will be the only Toyota product I ever purchase.