Question about Check Engine light

My wife's Elantra had the Check Engine light on for several days. Three days
ago, at my suggestion, she removed and retightened the gas cap and the Check
Engine light went out this afternoon. Can the code still be retrieved by the
dealer even though the light no longer is on?

Thanks,

Ghislain

 

What's the point? It seems that you found the problem, which is a pretty
common one.

 

Spot on, if it aint broke dont fix it

 

I obviously don't want to fix it if it ain't broken. I may not have
formulated my question properly, but all I wanted to know was "Does a 2002
Hyundai Elantra retain the last error code, even if the Check Engine light
went out on its own".

 

Yes, for a period of time. Eventually, it'll delete that, too, but it'll
take much longer than killing the lamp.

 

Thanks,

Ghislain

 

The check engine light came back on today and the issue apparently is the
right front wheel speed sensor. A quick seach on the net seems to indicate
that this is a fairly common issue with these cars. How difficult is that
sensor to replace? Special tools needed?

Thanks.

 

There's certainly nothing complicated about replacing the sensor, but
sometimes they're quite difficult to work with. Often, the sensor will
seize in the steering knuckle and won't come out. Otherwise, it's a
simple matter of removing the wheel and fender liner and
unbolting/unclipping the wire and sensor, and disconnecting it.

Beware, though, a DTC indicating a problem with the wheel speed sensor
signal doesn't necessarily mean the sensor itself is the culprit. The
tone wheel on the axle could be cracked or damaged. Or the wiring could
be cut or chewed. I've seen each of these more frequently than wheel
speed sensor failures.

 

I'll simply let the dealer fix it.

Thanks,

Ghislain