xJDMxMIKEx

Sorry don't want to ask a stupid question here but here goes. I just bought a 2004 6spd, and unlike all the cars i have owned, when i put the key in and turn it on I don't see a Check Engine Light icon on the cluster. I'm afraid the previous owner removed the bulb to hide a code. I just want to make sure, does these cars come with check engine lights or do they just pop up on the small screen? The car runs and drives perfectly fine.

Thanks in advance!

mb.3g

yes it does, if I'm not mistaken it should appear in the rpm gauge, might wanna check codes; thats odd

Crashmaster

Turning on the ignition to the ON (not start) should illuminate all the lights on the dash. I am aware of some dishonest car dealers who would remove the CEL bulb or even cheaper, they would take a very small (very small) drill bit and drill right through the front of the dash cluster and pop the CEL bulb (to avoid having to remove the dash cluster to remove the bulb). So, if your CEL is not functioning, you might look for one of these two possibilities.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

As you now found that the car should have the cel, stop by the local AutoZone to see if any codes are stored.

WDPanda

It's not a simple bulb to remove. It's a soldered LED.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

The dash should light up like a Christmas tree when the key is inserted and turned to position II.

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

It should be on only for a few seconds then turn off.
It's directly to the right of the headlight indicator.
It's not easy to remove the bulb as mentioned because it is soldered on, but it's easy to remove the cluster and open it up and cover up the SMD LED with electric tape and reassemble

wusty23jd

I can't believe that someone would actually do this. Some people man... That's some crazy stuff.

thoiboi

plug in an OBD scanner if you're afraid of hidden codes.

xJDMxMIKEx

thank you everyone for their replies! im so glad forums like this is alive and well since facebook group pages have taken over!

Since i have a few vehicles I havent driven this and ordered the obd scanner. should be here tomorrow, fingers crossed.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

It seems Facebook has taken over many discussions of this type, unfortunately lots of information posted over there is effectively lost as it is very difficult to search for specific answers. Speaking strictly for myself, I'm hoping the pendulum swings back in favor of forums such as this. Time will tell.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

FCC trying to fuck with net neutrality.
FB has $$$ they can throw at fast lanes of internet...

I hope in the future; we arent all dumber because of this decision

thoiboi

facebook groups


yeah those are just a bunch if idiots

GreenSpades

Ahh the good old days of being rice and just pulling bulbs when they won't stop illuminating. Actually I am considering removing multiple lights on my e46, since I have permanantly removed and disabled the ABS,DSC, and the BRAKE light is also stuck on. Track car problems.

xJDMxMIKEx

So plug in the obd scanner tool and surprisingly no codes. It still bothers me that I have no CEL on the cluster tho. are there any fix to this aside from replacing the cluster?

IF a code does pop up will the little screen tell me?

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

The MID doesn't show any codes for the engine.

What I would do is intentionally light the CEL. Unplug the MAF sensor and see if the CEL illuminates just to make sure.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

I don't believe the Gen 3 TL has a MAF sensor; instead it has a MAP sensor.

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

You're correct, I mixed it up