My check engine light is not working.

9hide · 04-21-2010, 01:58 PM

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0 and it won't pass smog because the check engine light does not work. I have checked the bulb and its not the problem, I have also checked the contacts on the instrument panel where the bulb is with a meter and I do not get a reading when the ignition is tuned on. So My question is there a fuse for this bulb ? it the panel bad ? what else can I check or do ?

Thanks
Mike D

**BrooklynBay** · 04-21-2010, 07:49 PM

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section. Trace the wiring back to the PCM, and test it from there.

budwich · 04-21-2010, 08:34 PM

although it is good to check in both "directions" with a meter.... going towards the PCM, looking for voltage coming from there ain't going to happen. The voltage comes from a fuse feed (towards the IP).... so if you aren't getting voltage, you need to go in that direction (ie. towards the fuse panel). Having said that, IF you weren't getting voltage then other instrument panel stuff wouldn't be working correctly...ssssoooooo, unless you have a "measurement issue", your problem is likely somewhere near the light / cluster board.

**Maniak** · 04-21-2010, 09:08 PM

IIRC, the cig. lighter fuse being blown will make the CEL not work and also make it so you can't read the codes.

~Mark

hubs1044 · 03-15-2011, 12:59 PM

my check engine light will not come on therefore will not pass air emission test on my 1997 ford ranger. any thoughts as to the problem

*1AJeremyD* · 03-15-2011, 01:21 PM

Welcome to the forum. I would suggest doing what the previous posters stated and trace the wiring back from the light

*bobflood* · 03-15-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hubs1044

my check engine light will not come on therefore will not pass air emission test on my 1997 ford ranger. any thoughts as to the problem

Very first thing is to check the bulb; that is the most likely issue.

*bobflood* · 03-15-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9hide

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0 and it won't pass smog because the check engine light does not work. I have checked the bulb and its not the problem, I have also checked the contacts on the instrument panel where the bulb is with a meter and I do not get a reading when the ignition is tuned on. So My question is there a fuse for this bulb ? it the panel bad ? what else can I check or do ?

Thanks
Mike D

Remember, the check engine light only lights for a few seconds when you turn the ignition on. That is the only time you would get a voltage reading.

04-21-2010, 01:58 PM	#1
9hide Wannabe Elite Explorer LA California 1997 Ford Exploere 5.0 Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	My check engine light is not working. I have a 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0 and it won't pass smog because the check engine light does not work. I have checked the bulb and its not the problem, I have also checked the contacts on the instrument panel where the bulb is with a meter and I do not get a reading when the ignition is tuned on. So My question is there a fuse for this bulb ? it the panel bad ? what else can I check or do ? Thanks Mike D

04-21-2010, 07:49 PM	#2
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,689 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section. Trace the wiring back to the PCM, and test it from there. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

04-21-2010, 09:08 PM	#4
Maniak Moderator-Stock 91-94 Vail, Arizona 1992 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 10,747 Vehicle Specs	IIRC, the cig. lighter fuse being blown will make the CEL not work and also make it so you can't read the codes. ~Mark __________________ Click HERE to see our Explorer Specs

03-15-2011, 01:21 PM	#6
1AJeremyD EF Vendor Mass 95 XLT 4.0 Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,149 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to the forum. I would suggest doing what the previous posters stated and trace the wiring back from the light __________________ Jeremy 1A Auto 888-844-3393 Shop for Ford Explorer Parts

04-21-2010, 08:34 PM	#3
budwich Wannabe Elite Explorer Ottawa, Ont 96 XL Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,246 Vehicle Specs	although it is good to check in both "directions" with a meter.... going towards the PCM, looking for voltage coming from there ain't going to happen. The voltage comes from a fuse feed (towards the IP).... so if you aren't getting voltage, you need to go in that direction (ie. towards the fuse panel). Having said that, IF you weren't getting voltage then other instrument panel stuff wouldn't be working correctly...ssssoooooo, unless you have a "measurement issue", your problem is likely somewhere near the light / cluster board.

03-15-2011, 12:59 PM	#5
hubs1044 Wannabe Elite Explorer granite city illinois 1997 ford ranger Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	my check engine light will not come on therefore will not pass air emission test on my 1997 ford ranger. any thoughts as to the problem