Is the spring plate under the gas lid to keep pressure on the gas cap -- evap code --

[alwayscode390]

I took the spring plate off from under the gas lid to fit a locking gas cap on my 2001 GTS while it was parked outside for awhile.

I started throwing the p0442 (small evap leak) / p0445 (large evap leak) codes.

I put my stock gas cap back on and it was still throwing codes.

I then realized the spring plate must be there to put pressure on the gas cap to keep it from throwing codes?!

Why was this designed like that?

Just throwing this out there in case anyone was thinking of taking theirs off.

I now actually have a piece of rubber under the gas lid putting pressure on the locking gas cap to see if it will keep it from throwing the code. I want to keep a locking gas cap on it if possible. If it doesnt work I'll put the spring plate and stock gas cap back on since the car isnt outside much anymore.

Thanks for your input ---