Car Failed Smog Need Help

[slybydesignq45t]

I went to have the car smogged and it failed do to the fact the check engine light wont come on. It passed every other test associated with smogging a car. I am kinda disappointed.

So I have to fix this problem before it can pass. The guy said it was simple, he said all I have to do is figure out why the check engine light wont come on when the key is in position 2. Another thing I noticed was that the Cruise Control and High Beam Light and I think one other won't turn on when in position 2. All other lights turn on. But when I turn on my high beams the high beam light comes on just fine. I've never used cruise control and frankly I don't think it will engage until I get the front suspension worked on.

Are these 3 or 4 lights connected to a particular fuse that may be blown. Or is it something where I have to take the console apart and fix. Or am I over my head on this one? Thanks in advance for the help.

[qship96]

High beam and cruise lamps do not illuminate with key in position 2, or any other position as a bulb check{they only light if you have the highbeams ON or the cruise control ON and SET} in otherwords, you do not have any problems other than your check engine lamp not illuminating{bulb test} when turning the key......could be just a burned out bulb.

[slybydesignq45t]

High beam and cruise lamps do not illuminate with key in position 2, or any other position as a bulb check{they only light if you have the highbeams ON or the cruise control ON and SET} in otherwords, you do not have any problems other than your check engine lamp not illuminating{bulb test} when turning the key......could be just a burned out bulb.

Cool thanks, I guess this means pulling the dash apart and checking. Thank you for your reply.

[3Q Jay]

easier to remove kickpanel and check ecu directly before pulling dash apart.

[goody90q45]

The guy said it was simple, he said all I have to do is figure out why the check engine light wont come on when the key is in position 2.

Stupid question but I've got to ask. Does the smog mechanic understand that the engine icon doesn't light up but the yellow light above it illuminates?

[3Q Jay]

good point, dat.

[slybydesignq45t]

Stupid question but I've got to ask. Does the smog mechanic understand that the engine icon doesn't light up but the yellow light above it illuminates?

Wow, I guess not. You mean to tell me I didn't fail smog. The engine light doesn't come on when you turn the key? Because I've never seen the light come on, but every other light in the dash comes on. I found it odd that every other light works except that one.

When ya'll turn your key to position 1 - 2 - or 3 does it come on even for a second. And if it doesn't come on how can I prove to him that the light doesn't come on in normal testing conditions.

[maxnix]

You mean to tell me I didn't fail smog. The engine light doesn't come on when you turn the key? Because I've never seen the light come on, but every other light in the dash comes on. I found it odd that every other light works except that one.

Does the smog mechanic understand that the engine icon doesn't light up but the yellow light above it illuminates?

[Q45tech]

OBD II [96 and later] has a proceedure where smog computer checks MIL Light for function, I don't believe 90-95Q can be forced to have the check engine light turned on.

You may have to go to a special California Emission Referee Station to find knowledgable technicans concerning this matter.

http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARRe....html

[slybydesignq45t]

OBD II [96 and later] has a proceedure where smog computer checks MIL Light for function, I don't believe 90-95Q can be forced to have the check engine light turned on.

You may have to go to a special California Emission Referee Station to find knowledgable technicans concerning this matter.

http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARRe....html

Thanks Q45Tech.

I just had to move my car out of its two hour spot and decided to test the first 2 positions and the yellow light above the check engine light didn't come on. I guess he may have been right in the fact that its not working. I am also afraid that some one may have tampered with it so as not to have to repair it. I have heard of people doing this when they are selling cars. I hope this isn't the case but you never know. For this to be the only light not working in odd in my prospective. In any event I guess I have to figure this out ASAP.

[goody90q45]

When ya'll turn your key to position 1 - 2 - or 3 does it come on even for a second. And if it doesn't come on how can I prove to him that the light doesn't come on in normal testing conditions.

None of the icons, with the exception of the brake light, illuminate when there is a problem. It's either a bar above or a bar below that lights up. In the case of the CEL it is a yellow bar above the engine icon that comes on. You can prove it to the mechanic by bringing him the pages out of the FSM that show how to manually check ECU codes. The first step in pulling codes is to check the function of the warning lights in the corner of the speedo cluster.

Don't feel bad. I had a smog mechanic try and fail me when he noticed that the 1" long hose on top of the EGR solenoid was plugged. I referred him to the schematic imbedded in the hood which shows it being the stock setup. I passed.

EDIT>>>I posted at the same time as you. Your next step is to pull the ECU codes. It's easy to do and the instructions are at the Tech Help section at Q45.org. If you get codes you're going to have to pull the speedo cluster. Again, another simple job that only requires a few phillips screwdriders.

[slybydesignq45t]

Thanks good by, but the yellow light above the CEL won't come on. I guessing thats what he's talking about. I have a big book I guess this is the FSM. I will look at it later today. I just don't want to pull anything apart, and heck, I don't mind an engine light not coming because I've been down that road way to many times in the past.

[slybydesignq45t]

I read your name wrong sorry. Its Goody. In any event thank you. I am gonna grab the book right now.

[maxnix]

I don't mind an engine light not coming because I've been down that road way to many times in the past.

It's all but irrelevant if you aggressively maintain your car with preventative maintenance.

[qship96]

It's all but irrelevant if you aggressively maintain your car with preventative maintenance.

Totally agree- even with triggerhappy obd2, my CEL has illuminated only TWICE in 216,000 miles....once for a disconnected vacuum hose{thanks Byron}and once for a bad throttle position sensor....very troublefree system in my experience!

[slybydesignq45t]

It's all but irrelevant if you aggressively maintain your car with preventative maintenance.

Seeing as this car is still some what new to me, I've done a list of things to bring her back, all of which has been documented on this forum. I do plan on other things, but it seems this car was so poorly neglected by previous owner that I am left to first fix the most urgent of things like suspension, hoses, belts, brakes, MAF cleaning, and the list continues. As I don't have cash on hand to just drop it off and say "No matter the cost" I have to tend to things as they present them selves. But I am good with dealing with things from an Urgent, Safety first point of view. I all ways appreciate forums for all that they offer. I am part of two other ones, just so I can help out other people who don't know that a forum in many cases is as good as having a tow truck follow you every where you go.

[slybydesignq45t]

Goody the bulbs showed up today. I may have time this weekend to start on the dash. Your super cool for helping me out like this. I will keep you posted as to the progress once I dive into it.

[craigztoyz]

I

OBD II [96 and later] has a proceedure where smog computer checks MIL Light for function, I don't believe 90-95Q can be forced to have the check engine light turned on.

You may have to go to a special California Emission Referee Station to find knowledgable technicans concerning this matter.

http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARRe....html

he hs to see it work, wire a relay in to it, to trigger it, temporarly. I know someone who just did that to help his car to get a sticker this weekend.