OK, an interesting update:

Took the car to 2 different dealerships for a quotation on the missing check engine light. First dealership (located in the downtown area) wanted $250 to look at the problem. And that's not including any work they might need to do once they found the problem. Second dealership gave a flat quote of $120 to check the problem, and the service advisor gave a detailed description of what they'll do: take off the steering wheel, remove the instrument cluster, and check n see if the bulb has burnt out.

Left it at the 2nd dealership, and the car was repaired next day with a working check engine light. And this time, the light went off after the car started!!

Yeepee!! Took it to the smog station and had them promptly retest the darn car. This time it passed with flying colors. The dreaded egr problem didn't even bother to show up this time.

Looks like i'll be able to certify this old gizzler for another 2 years!

Peace out!

Mars