k i went to get an emissions test done today and it failed, because my check engine light wont come on....you guys think its just a bulb issue or it could be something else...how hard is it to change the bulb? i never done that before?

 

With the ignition off, turn the key to the ON position but do not start the engine. All of the dash lights should light up and you will see if the SES light illuminates or not.

Usually, when you fail and emissions test, they will tell you the reason. You can fail for a DTC or for "not ready". If something triggers a code (CEL) and you clear the code with a OBD scanner, the code goes away but the status of the OBD is "not ready". That will cause you to flunk the emissions test - it's to keep you from clearing the code then driving over to the test station to pass the test.

You'll have to go through what they call the "drive cycle", IOW you need to drive around for a while for the OBD to see if the conditions still exist and if all is good, the status will go back to READY.

Note that in some states, when you do fail an emissions test, you can't get a re-test until you prove the problem has been fixed. That means that you probably ought to take it back to the dealer. But then, they should have explained all that to you when you failed.

 

yeah when i turn the key all the light come one except for the service engine soon light...thats why i failed cuz the light wont come on....everything else was fine....i was just wondering if it is just a bulb issue and how hard it would be to change a bulb....i still yet to go to the dealer...

 

Yup, it's probably is the bulb. I suspect it's a ***** to change the bulb as you'd have to remove the combination-meter (Fuel/Temp, tach, speedo) to get to it.

 

yeah i been debating if i should do it myself or not...but yeah thanks for the help...