Check Engine light won't light up?
 

Hey all, here is my situation. 98 Econoline E150 4.2L Last year my check engine light was on when I went to pass emissions. I got error codes indicating low egr flow and an O2 sensor malfunction. So I took it to a shop, they charged me $650 to "make it pass" Supposedly they "cleaned" the egr valve and replaced the O2 sensor. They said they got it to pass, but I don't know exactly what they did. Anyway two weeks later the check engine light came back on. I took it back to them and they said they swapped out a bad sensor. Then two weeks later the check engine light came on again...I never went back. This year my check engine light was off so I thought I was home free. Turns out it doesn't light up at all, so I failed again. This time I did my research and found out how much the parts were before posting an ad on craigslist for a mechanic to swap them out. I found one that replaced the egr valve and the bad O2 sensor, did a fuel injection service and installed a fuel filter for under $300. He said the old egr valve looked like it had tried to be cleaned but there was no gasket on it. He reset the computer and let it run for 45 min. no more error codes...Sweet, however my check engine light still will not come on when I put the starter in the on position. He told me that if the bulb was burnt out, the van shouldn't even run. Another guy told me that the bulb was probably out and that it should be an easy swap? I automatically pass emissions because I spent over $200 and get a waiver, however I'm still wondering what I can do so I don't have to drop another $200 next year. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

RE: Check Engine light won't light up?
 

Was the sensor they changed the DPFE? (differential Pressure Feedback) Fairly common failure, and can registera low EGR flow.. The indicator bulbs are changeable, but require the instrument cluster to be removed..

RE: Check Engine light won't light up?
 

Thanks for the reply. I really don't know much about cars, I'm pretty technically minded, but haven't studied cars much. The error codes I got were for Bank 1 Sensor 2. I just had my guy swap out a new egr valve and a new 02 sensor. All seems well except for that check engine light. So do you think it's just a bulb that is out? Would there be any other reason that it wouldn't be lighting up? It's not registering any more error codes since he changed those.

RE: Check Engine light won't light up?
 

How long ago were the repairs done?

Reason being, that once the repairs are completed, and the pending/stored trouble codes are cleared (CEL lamp turned out) the OBDII system won't reset/test or be able to be tested until the diagnostic monitors complete.. They normally complete under normal drivingwhen certain driving/operating 'condtions' are met.. Completingthe monitors can be ina few drive/warmup cycles to a few days or so dependant on the driving conditions/habits, and lenght ofrun time for the most part.. They can also be 'forced' to complete with a driving specific strategy.. If the check engine light is burned out,you'd never know if there was another code stored, (unless a running/performance change) or if the original repair was 'successful' unless the vehicle was taken back to the tech that did the repairs for the system to be scanned if it were released back to you without a restest.. Ulness they completed the monitors and tested the vehicle for addition, or prior codes, with a non functional check engine light a code can be reset with some extended driving.. Has anyone retested the system (since the light is out) over a period of time since the repairs?

RE: Check Engine light won't light up?
 

Thanks for the reply, I see what you mean. I had the van repaired yesterday, and he ran it for 45 minutes and no codes came up on the retest. I took it in today, with my invoice, to the emissions place. Of course it failed because the light would not come on, but it also said the the computer didn't have enough information to display any error codes because it had been so recently reset. He said to drive it around for a while and then have my mechanic retest it, which he said he would. But I did get the waiver for the year so it's not an immediate concern, however I wonder how difficult it is to change those bulbs for the check engine light? I know there are the two main screws on the dash, but is it pretty hairy once you get in there to swap out a bulb?

RE: Check Engine light won't light up?
 

I can help you with the info/illustrations to change the bulbs if you need.. It does require the instrument cluster to be removed..

RE: Check Engine light won't light up?
 

yes that would be awesome. Thanks