My check engine light does not light when the engine is not running and the ignition is turned on with the key.
I pulled the instrument cluster thinking the bulb might be burned out. It is not the bulb because I switched bulbs with the oil bulb which lights, and the bulb from the oil warning position does not light in the check engine socket. The bulb which was in the check engine socket lights in the oil warning position. That's how I knew it was not the bulb.
I took the Max to my local garage and the mechanic says he found the problem to be the computer. Now, other than the check engine bulb not working my Max is running great.
Has anyone else had this problem?
Should I get a new computer to fix the problem and if so, where is the best place to get a replacement?

 

Maybe it may not be the bulb, but did you check the circuit running to the "check engine" lamp assembly in the gauge cluster. There may be a "short" in there somewhere. Also, you may want to check the circuit from the ECU that actually lights up the warning bulb. I doubt taking the car to a garage and blaming on the computer itself....you may end up paying for something you don't need. For example, if the computer is replaced with a new one, and the warning lamp doesn't illumunate, then what?

 

I agree. I have not priced the commputer (ECU) but am not eager to replace it since the car is running just fine. My mechanic did the circuit check and says the problem is with the ECU.

Has anyone else had this problem?

 

Can't you cover this with warranty from the dealer?

DW

 

No warranty. I bought my '99 Se used from an individual and it had been wrecked.

Did talk to the mechanic who found the problem and the circuit to the bulb is good. He said it is unusual but the part of the ECU that controls the check engine light is indeed bad. I picked up the car this morning and it is still running fine.

I stopped at a local salvage yard and they said they could order in a used ECU for me but it would be mine whether or not it fixed the problem. Said it would be different if they already had one in stock but they don't.

 

OK. Check your PMs.

DW

 

Check your PM
Ken