1989 300se check engine light replacement
 

The check engine light will not come on so I took the cluster panel out.
Now I have the light bulb and wire in my hand. I'd like to know how to remove it from the wire. I don't want to rip it.
Should I pull out the bulb grabbing it from the glass or the plastic?
I am in California. Even though the light was out, two years ago it passed the simple smog test.
This time it is the Star smog test and I'm afraid it will fail so I have to replace it. Can anyone tell me how to do it?
Thank you.

Just grab the bulb by the glass and pull straight out. You can buy the little light bulbs at your local auto parts store. The car will not pass a CA smog test unless that light illuminates and then goes out when the engine is started.

Sylvania 2721 or 2721LL will be the bulb you're looking for or you can always purchase it at the dealer.