CEL not working
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 6
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From: CA
CEL not working
Hi, everyone. First and foremost, happy New year! So I've already tried researching this for some time now... But as the title states, I've failed California smog because my check engine light DOESN'T light up. I have no errors according to my OBD-II reader or according to the smog test. Besides that not lighting it not lighting up. I've tried switching out all the fuses in the fuse box. I removed the cluster but was clueless on what to look for. It honestly looked like a motherboard or computer like. I know it's difficult to justify without actually seeing the problem, but I was hoping to get pointed in the right direction before paying an actual electrician. Thanks in advanced.
Start the car up, and unplug a sensor. Maybe the MAF sensor easiest to access. If the check engine still doesn't light up. Then maybe a faulty led bulb burned out, or what not in the cluster.
After you do this hook up the scanner for a DTC code. The MAF code should be there in memory.
After you do this hook up the scanner for a DTC code. The MAF code should be there in memory.
Personally I'd start it with coil disconnected vs unplugging something while it is running but that's just me.
Don't quote me on this but if it's not a failed LED in the gauge cluster that is a significant failure if the CAN bus does not toggle on the CEL. I've never went looking on fleabay for used gauge but that may be something to consider.
OP, do you have hand held DVM with diode check option? If so, pull the cluster and physically probe the led while in diode check mode. This will mean some disassembly and you can test others LEDs while there. The meter will supply enough current to turn on the LED when the polarity is correct (50 50 chance with a single element led). If it is bad and you can solder, you're out a buck in parts which could be ordered ahead of time through digikey or mouser.
Don't quote me on this but if it's not a failed LED in the gauge cluster that is a significant failure if the CAN bus does not toggle on the CEL. I've never went looking on fleabay for used gauge but that may be something to consider.
OP, do you have hand held DVM with diode check option? If so, pull the cluster and physically probe the led while in diode check mode. This will mean some disassembly and you can test others LEDs while there. The meter will supply enough current to turn on the LED when the polarity is correct (50 50 chance with a single element led). If it is bad and you can solder, you're out a buck in parts which could be ordered ahead of time through digikey or mouser.
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Joined: May 2012
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From: WI
Do you remember the last time the check engine light worked? How long have you owned it? Many times prior owners will block the light with tape, glue, or other devices. We see it all the time.
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TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
https://taninjdm.com/ Our Lexus LS430 Dealership
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: CA
Since ive owned it, its never worked. Ive had it for a month now. I went straight for my reader, and saw no codes. It wasn't until the smog that I realized it didn't work. From my knowledge it's only been two prior to me.
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 156
From: WI
The problem is likely the cluster. Either the light is blocked, gone, removed, or there is an internal fault. We can help once you figure out the issue or need it diagnosed.
__________________
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
https://taninjdm.com/ Our Lexus LS430 Dealership
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
https://taninjdm.com/ Our Lexus LS430 Dealership
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