97 pathfinder 3.3L V6_ check engine light not working

[Jasmine]

Please help
The check engine light on my pathfinder doesn't come on when I start the car. I checked the bulb and even switched it with a light next to it that worked for sure. No luck. I've checked all of my fuses and they're ok. My next step I think is wiring but electronics aren't really my thing but need to figure this out to pass inspection. Trying to do it without spending hundreds of dollars. Please if any one has any input it is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Jasmine

[NismoPick]

What?

The check engine isn't supposed to be on unless there is a problem. Having no check engine light doesn't stop it from passing inspection...

[Jasmine]

It should come on when I start the car and it is not

[Chuck Tribolet]

Jasmine is mostly correct, the CEL should come on briefly when you first turn on the ignition. This is a lamp check.

Chucj

[Jasmine]

Yeah I know but does anyone know how I can fix the problem?

[Leo1998]

Have you installed anything new like a radio, or any accessories? cut into any wires?

Either the cluster is bad and the connection for the bulb in the cluster is not working OR there's a break/cut in the wire from ECM to the cluster, OR you have a bad ECM not sending the ground signal (The ECM makes the ground to turn on the light.)

[Leo1998]

Here's your schematic, and the wire from the ECM to the "malfunction indicator lamp" is Orange. You can find the wire at the ECM and follow it toward the instrument cluster, find a spot to cut it and then ground the end going to the cluster, if the bulb lights up when you turn the key on, then its a bad ECM because it's not sending the ground signal to tell it to turn on. If it doesn't light up then you have a cut/break in the wire between the ECM and Instrument cluster(maybe at the pin) OR if it doesn't light up then it could be a bad connection for THAT bulb in the cluster and wouldn't matter if you put a new bulb in or not.

Make sense?

Page 98
www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Pathfinder/1997_Pathfinder/el.pdf

[goody90q45]

My experience with Q45's is that if the screw on the back of the ECU is not returned to the correct position (fully CW or CCW, not sure which on the QX4) then the CEL will not operate. Have you pulled codes recently using this screw and counting flashes on the red light in the back of the ECU? If so, go pull them again and follow the instructions on the label next to the screw.