cel lamp question

[Frankwf]

Hi All

Got a question about Ford CEL lamps.
I have 2001 Escort
1996 Ranger 2wd XLT
1996 F-250 7.3L turbo 4wd

and the CEL does not come on, on any of them. Is it common
to have this many burned out CEL lamps? I plan to test
the wire on the Ranger which is pink/dr. green from pin 2 of the
PCM. Should I just see 12 volts when I first turn the key on?

Thanks in advance

Frank

 

[srteach]

If you simply test that wire, you may burn the PCM. That circuit is designed to handle a specific current, and going direct to ground can cause maximum current through that circuit. That circuit may be designed for the max current, I don't know. do you want to risk it?

The CEL should come on when you first start turn the key on. I would check the bulb, or use an OBDII tester to tell if the light is on. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Frankwf]

I was going to use a digital multimeter, which would be safe to do.
But the code reader sounded a lot quicker and easer.

On the Ranger and Escort the readed reports the CEL as being on.
The reason for my concern, is that its part of the emissions test here
in wa. state.

Thanks for the reply

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

why dont u just test new bulbs?

it might get burnt for jump starting or removin the battery.

my brother's truck had some bulbs burnt cuz the prev owner used jumpers to start it and switched batteries with another car too

 

[Frankwf]

I was looking for a way to test without taking the I/P out. I just thought it strange that with 3 fords in the garage they all have burnt out bulbs.

I used a OBD II scanner as Srteach suggested and it reports the lamps as being on.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

check the fuses too. maybe theres a burnt fuse for the CEL bulb.
or maybe they have a false contact.

it is weird that the 3 of em have it burn tho...