1987 Ranger no engine light?

[DCsRanger]

Hey guys,

I'm in Southern California, and took my just-bought 87 ranger in, and he didn't pass me because he said my "engine light bulb" was out.
So I took it down the street to a mechanic, and after a little bit he told me that there isn't even a bulb for the engine light and that it doesn't exist on my model.

Any of you guys know about this?
How will I see if something is wrong with my engine if there is no engine light?

photo below: showing behind the dash where the "check engine" light is. no hole.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

My '86 ranger also has no light and is factory that way. I had to inform the inspector of this so I didn't fail a salvage inspection.

You will have to pull codes if you suspect something wrong.

 

[RonD]

If it has an EEC-IV computer it should have a CEL, whether or not Ford used it is another matter, and if you can get the Calif. Emissions testing to go along with that then great.

If your '87 has fuel injection then it will have an EEC-IV computer, if it has a carb then could be an EEC-III but long shot.

If you need the CEL to come on then you can add a simple timer circuit with a relay to activate the CEL bulb for 10seconds each time key is turned on.
http://www.circuitdiagram.org/simple-timer.html

The way it is suppose to work is that the CEL bulbs socket should get 12volts when key is turned on, the computer Grounds the other side of the bulb when it starts up, CEL is on, after a self check it unGrounds the bulb, so it goes off.
If there is a code it Grounds it again.

 

[adsm08]

Not all the EEC-IV 87s came with a CEL installed. My 87 had one originally, I put a cluster I pulled out of another 87 in and the light was blocked off just like yours. Since yours is blocked that means two things.

1) It was not factory equipped.

2) It's not a California truck.


Go back in there and check the plugs for a tan/yellow wire. I'm pretty sure that's the right color. If it's there then the truck is capable of using the light, you just have to cut the center of the hole out and stick a bulb in there.

 

[enjr44]

The smog weenies in CA are tough; but, they still have to pass a vehicle that is factory stock and meets the exhaust requirements. I'm pretty sure even those guys will realize that if it didn't have a light, it will damn hard to get it to light!!!

I''d go back and make sure they know that non CA vehicles did not all have a CEL light.

 

[Mazda]

What part of Southern Cal are you in. If your anywhere around Temecula let me know and I have a guy who knows what he is doing and will know about the light. Also if it's still there show them the Emissions Stickers that shows "Federal" and not "California"

Bryan

 

[enjr44]

Just took a look and my 08 has a sticker that says, "Not for sale in states with California emission standards."

I don't know the differences. According to that sticker there must be some.

 

[Mazda]

What I know is CAT is different. ERG valve is different or present. O2 sensors are different.
EVAP system is also but I don't all know why. I do know that all pre 1994 cars and trucks have to pass a additional EVAP test. I believe its because they are only OBD1 and the computer wont test it.

There are probably more things also.