Is The Check Engine Light A Bulb or LED on 2003 Pathfinder

[umvaia]

I've been told that I have to replace the instrument cluster on my Pathfinder because of a burnt out check engine light which you know is "out of this world" expensive. I have a 4WD 2003 and will pull the cluster and check it out but if I know it's a bulb, I know it should be a snap rather than finding the LED on the board and soldering in a replacement.

Carfax is showing a previous problem with emissions and the prev owner may have done something to disable the light before he sold it so if you have any ideas there, it would be helpful.

Anyone have a check engine light burn out on a 2003?

Thanks

Michael

[Buzzman]

When you turn the key, before engaging the starter, does the check engine light come on?
All the warning lights on the dash should come on momentarily before starting. Sort of a self check process.
If the light doesn't come on, then I suspect the previous owner disabled it as a cheat. Nice guy.
I've never heard of one burning out.
If there's a junk yard near you, maybe they have a Pathy that you can steal the bulb from.
I'd also suggest scanning the truck for codes with an OBDII reader.

[sjordan2000]

Nissan couldn't answer that for my 04 xterra. Took apart dash, (disconnected neg on battery first) but before you dismantle the whole thing, lift the faceplate and see if there is something blocking the light from coming through. In our case, some idiot covered the SMS spot with 2 pcs of electrical tape. I also plugged in just the board (already in pieces), turned the key one click and the bulb was fine. Literally found that out a few minutes ago after my techno brother asked me if the bulb was colored or white. Held the panel to the sun... And nothing. I was quoted over $300 to replace. In CT, so no ses is an automatic emissions fail. *SES not SMS above. Btw, mine takes 3mm standard leds and there is asymbol stamped on the board that tells you polarity. Good luck! And I vehemently shake my fist at all the cheaters in the world. Jerks!