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Topic: Anyone ever see their check engine light come on? (Read 726 times) previous topic - next topic

Anyone ever see their check engine light come on?

I don't have a volt meter but wanted to pull some codes on my '87 5.0, and while I think I got into the self test modes, the check engine light never light up. I've never seen it turn on, even on startup. I've got the electronic dash but can see a spot for the check engine light. Does this light up to blink error codes at all?

Anyone ever see their check engine light come on?

Reply #1 –
The CEL should light up every time you key the engine on and not start it. SELF TEST MODE. With that some older Ford cars did not have them but the 87 Did as far as i know. But even in the absence of a CEL if you use a test light under the hood at the ALDL connector you need not have to use the dash CEL light. Most likely it is burnt out. Have a great day guys
I spend money I don't have, To build  cars I don't need, To impress people I don't know

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY!!

Anyone ever see their check engine light come on?

Reply #2 –
All indications are that the CEL did NOT work on cars prior to 1987. I have never found a completed circuit or bulb holder in one from 1983-86.

Cars from California may have had a working CEL in 1987. I'm not aware of any others that worked that model year but it's possible.

1988 seems to be the year where all cars had working CELs, regardless of state/country.

We've had this discussion before but this is what was generally construed from the previous posts.
If anyone would like to chime in, please do so.

Anyone ever see their check engine light come on?

Reply #3 –
87 20th,
paper clip application top pull codes

CEL works
 

Anyone ever see their check engine light come on?

Reply #4 –
My 88 comes on at start up.... as said above.
Mike