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Check Engine Light doesn't work

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 11:58 pm
by Q-Ship
I've had a few issues with my 2001 Bonneville SSEi since I bought it but overall it's been a good car. However, I didn't think much of it initially but I've had some problems that have thrown codes that should have illuminated the Check Engine Light but it never came on. I finally paid attention to where it should be when I start it (when all the lights in the instrument cluster light up briefly) and it doesn't come on then, either.

Doing a search about replacing bulbs showed me Harofreak's thread about disassembling an instrument cluster and it looks like there are three LEDs that light up the CEL. I can't see the details of the printed circuit board (PCB) where they're attached but I find it hard to believe all 3 are dead. I haven't checked anything by pulling my cluster myself yet, I'll admit. I also know a bad computer will not turn on the CEL but I don't have any other symptoms of a bad brain.

Anyone else have this problem? Am I going to have to try to replace the LEDs or could there be another cause of the problem?

Re: Check Engine Light doesn't work

Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:01 pm
by nickell
somebody probably put tape over the bulb so you couldn't see the SES light was on. happened to me when I bought a car a few years ago.