Check Gas Cap Light On on 2002 Ford Taurus

It is very possible that you need to go through several “driving cycles” in order for this warning light to turn itself off. A driving cycle consists of starting the engine and then driving x (I don’t recall the exact number) miles before shutting off the engine. In other words, one 45 minute drive is unlikely to turn it off, even if the problem has been corrected.

I suggest that you go through at least 5 drive cycles before you conclude that anything is wrong. If, after 5 drive cycles, the light is still glowing, then I would suggest that you do as Remco suggested, and simply buy a new cap–preferably one from a Ford dealer’s parts dept.