Shawn Barran

Hi,

I recently acquired an '04 TL (base). I noticed that when I start up, no CEL is illuminated. All the other lights on the cluster will illuminate during start up, just not the CEL. I tried replacing cluster and that did not work as the light was still not turning on. Anyone else seen this issue before? Not sure if it is a fuse issue. Also read that sometimes people will cut the line from CEL to ECU so that the light will not come on but I am not sure how to locate. I checked behind cluster and under passenger side dash and could not notice any wire being split/cut. Please also note that I am definitely NOT mechanically inclined. Just checking to see if anyone has had this issue before and if they ever figured out the issue. Thanks in advance for any assistance!

thoiboi

are you expecting the CEL to show up? if there's no problem, there should be no CEL.

Shawn Barran

Thanks for responding. I am hopeful that there are no issues where the CEL would come one. When I turn the ignition, it is supposed to light up (along with the other lights on cluster). This one does not come on. Was told that it would need to come on during startup to pass inspection. Sorry if I am losing you.

mariusz439

When you turn the key, the dash lights should light up in testing procedure just for checking the bulbl and system.
If cell does not light up, there is something wrong with CEL.
Possibilities:
1. Easy one - you just need to change the bulb
2. Worst one - someone removed the bulb to hide the codes while selling the car.

Personally, I experienced the fraud when I was buying my previous car - someone removed de SRS indicator to hide faulty SRS main unit.

Both, you neendto remove the cluster to check it.

truonghthe

Turn the key into ON position where your dash lit up as a Christmas tree, give it about 10-15 secs most of the light should goes away (if your car has no issue). If the CEL failed to lit up and goes away that is a good indication some one either cutting a wire or pulled the T3 bulb behind the cluster, to check and see if your car ECU sending signal to CEL as follow.



1. Stopping at any local auto part store and borrow their scan tool

2. Turn the car to "ON II" position (DO NOT start the engine)

3. Plug in the scan tool into the OBDII port (the port locate near your trunk release button slighty down toward the left)

4. Hit scan on the scan tool


If the connection still there you will get either "NO CODE" or any code E.G (P0XXX) and if the connection not there the scan tool will indicate it unable to communicate with the vehicle.

peter6

As seen in the thread here: https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...r-down-843053/
Gauge cluster is all LED. There is a chance the LED can fail, but it's quite small.

Like truonghthe wrote, if there are codes, and you bought it from the dealer, go back there and complain. I don't know how it works when buying from private party.

Anyways, you will need to take apart gauge cluster to check.

Shawn Barran

Got it and thanks for the info. I thought it was the bulb as well and purchased another (used) cluster. When I installed, I saw the same issue (no CEL light during testing @ startup). I definitely see some sort of foul play here.

Shawn Barran

Thanks much for your response! I actually just purchased a OBD reader and tried it. Everything comes up as OK or NO CODE. But I also had an issue with battery terminals so I may need to drive it a little to get any code to pop up. I will try to drive it around locally to see if anything comes on.

Shawn Barran

Thanks for the info! I may have to try this and take it apart. It was a private purchase, sad to say.

WDPanda

I believe the gauge lighting is all soldered on