Check Engine Light

[TrophyHead]

Did 88's have a check engine light?
Is there a way I can disconnect something to have the light automatically come on?

I've seen all the other lights on.... like low coolant, battery, brake. But never the check engine light. I know this is a good thing but I had the car for 2 years and not once did it light up.

Who has a high mileage 5.0 and never seen their check engine light come on? I just want to see if this is common or if I should check the bulb.

Thanks

 

[HISSIN50]

i have an 88 GT vert (AZ car) and wondered the same thing. from what i gather, SD cars dont have a functioning CEL. there is no bulb, and even if you put one in, it does not work. they get functional on MAF cars.

 

[NeQX]

I didn't notice a low coolant light cranking on mine, odd... another thing I found kind of useless is that other panel I think its on the lower right, never seen anything on there light up , what about you guys?

 

[HISSIN50]

the "GT" pod (4 lights) on the lower pod (right of the ignition switch) works on mine. it has low fuel, low oil, and two others (low coolant?). they all should work. not too tough to pop the little cluster out and replace bulbs. it should work, though.

 

[LX302]

Right, info is right that's posted, but here is a summary.

'87 & '88 SD car didn't have a bulb in the instrument panel for the CEL, even though you can find it on the tach.
'89 and up do and it is wired into the EEC. Putting a bulb in the SD cars will only get the bulb to light when you turn on the ignition.
So to check codes, you need to use the plugs in the engine bay in the back left corner of the engine bay, next to the wiper motor. You should do this periodically or when the car is not running right.

The low fluid indicators, like "HISSIN50" said only work on the GT's and it is in the lower right of the dash, next to your right knee. The provision for it, still exists in the LX's but there is no block connection/bulbs to hook up.
HTH's

 

[TrophyHead]

Thanks guys I learn something new everyday on this site.