CEL light does not er... light?

[alxtronics]

Hi

I have a stock explorer 1994 xlt. I note that the CEL never lights up. Not even when starting the truck.

There are other lights that turn on briefly, including the ABS one, but the CEL does not.

Is there something i need to worry about? A guide somewhere on how to replace the bulb in case it is burned out or deliberately taken out?

Thanks in advance

Alex

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! It sounds like the bulb is burned out.

 

[TedJ]

Yea I'd second that the bulb is probably out. Its not that difficult to change.

You have to take the dash pannel out, which involves first removing the radio. If you have an original radio, you will need a din tool (get it at the auto store for like $5) that fits in those little holes on the sides to pull it out. The wiring just unplugs from the back after sliding it out. Then take the ashtray out by opening it and removing the two screws on the bottom. Then you can unplug the wiring and put that aside. Now put on a pair of gloves and pull out around the edges, starting by the radio/ashtray section. The pannel is held in by snap in clips that will not be damaged as long as you do it carefully. You will probably have to put the truck in 1st and the wheel in the full tilt down position. Make sure the wheels are chocked and e-brake is set so the truck dosent roll. Then you can kinda wiggle and slip the pannnel out enough to unplug the wiring from the rear defrost and wiper switches. Then the pannel will be free.

Now you can see the bulbs that light up the indicator lamps. To change them, you will have to take out the few screws that hold the cluster in place and shift it around so you can put you hand in the back to remove the bulb, which is the twist in type. Before you put it back together, make sure that the clear plastic over the gauges is clean, its much easier to clean at that point. Everything else is basically the opposite of disassembly. The panel tends to be a pita to get in between the column and the dash, but just keep angling and moving it, force is not the way to go. Patience is key with any interior trim.

-Ted

 

[alxtronics]

Thanks Ted

It seems that this is going to be my weekend chore!

Cheers

Alex