I know there's been numerous discussions of the problem of CEL coming on. My problem is that the CEL does not light up on the dash at start up. I realize that this will automatically fail a CA smog test. Does anyone have a clue where to start debugging this?

Thanks.

CP

 

did the p.o. mess w/ it? or did it "go on" so much that it finally burned out?

some would consider the later a blessing. re: the smog check... couldn't you just re-set the sys. & take it in for smog?

 

Don't know that answer. The car just arrived from Germany on Friday. I'll have my local mechanic look into it on Monday. I'm hoping to give him some suggestions as to where to start.

Thanks.

CP

 

CP,

Some mechanics remove the bulb, and some ECUs can be programmed to leave the CEL off. When you were here we should have hooked up my laptop to see the systems readiness, and the code status.

 

Cp - for a quick DIY check take a look at the bulb. Maybe switch it with on that is working and then check again to see if it lights up. Then you'll know if it is the bulb. If it isn't the bulb, I would have no idea where to start.

Good Luck,

-Skip

 

Hi Bob,

It was great meeting you on Saturday. Unfortunately we were all in a rush then. If you have all the necassary tools, you may see me pitching a tent on your front yard very soon.

BTW, was that Sharkster and his wife arriving when Pin and I left yesterday?

Thanks.

CP

 

CP,

I have an OBD Tool to plug into the ECU and see if the systems are ready (they must be in a ready state for smog testing) and if there are any codes that have been thrown.

No that wasn't Sharky. It was the parents of one of my sons friends. He had a sleep over last night.

Take care,

 

Ho Bob,

That's great news. You suuposed I could drop by and impose at your convenience? After reading how some members got a lot of grief trying to smog their car, I'm a little worried about that myself, knowing this car has never been smoged.

Thanks.

CP

 

CP,

Sure you can stop by. I was going to Laguna today, but with the weather I decided not to go. So I'll probably just be hanging around the house, and working on Alex's car. Stop by later today if you have time and we can check it out. It only take a few minutes.

I would also recommend taking the car to a referree station before trying to get an actual smog check. The results are not transmitted to Sacramento so they are not part of the cars record.