Check Engine Light
 

Hi, can anyone help me with my check engine light? I went to the smog shop the other day (here in California) and the first thing the guy said was that I would fail the smog test because my check engine light was not coming on. How can this be remedied? Unfortunately, here in California, it is required by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) that this light is functional. PLEASE HELP!

1995 C280

Could be as simple as the bulb for the check engine lamp burnt out.

What have you done?

re: Check Engine Light
 

Thanks for the response! I have yet to check the bulb. Hopefully that is just the case. My immediate reaction was to automatically believe the smog tech however, I should have thought of the burned out light bulb. I will try this and let you know what happens. Do I have to remove the whole dash or just go underneath and check it that way? Please advise.

No, you don't have to remove the whole dash, but you do have to pull the instrument cluster out to get at any of the bulbs in your instrument panel. Check archives here; lots of threads and how-to info on pulling the cluster.

If replacing the bulb doesn't fix it, and you don't particularly care if the light genuinely functions, you could wire it to another bulb such as ABS or some lamp that comes on briefly with the ignition. Then at least you'll pass the test.

most cars when you turn the key on without starting the car all dash lights will light up. try that first.

Are you sure you have a check engine light my 93 400E does not have one as the manual says my year is not CA missions compliant as it was a midwest vehicle.

All '95/ 202.028 chassis have CE and Emmissions DM modules.