Light Check

[Mavrick70004]

Can anyone tell me what Dash lights are supposed to come on and off when i put the key into the on position and then start the truck i have a Emiss, brake, seat belt and 4x4 light.) Im mostly concerned about the Emiss light. my last truck failed because the emiss. Light did not come on when the truck was placed in the "on" position but then it was a 1993 and not an 1985. any help would be great

1985 Ford Ranger STX
2.8L 5 Speed

 

[MAKG]

It failed because of the EMISS light? That's a good one....let's hope the guy who did that has a different line of work now.

It means the engine has been running for 2000 hours. Nothing more and nothing less. Ford wants you to check the EGR system, which is very often functionally checked as part of a smog sniff anyway.

All of the warning lights (as opposed to indicator lights like "4x4") are supposed to turn on when the key is on "run" but the engine isn't running.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yeah, the "Emiss" light is a timed deal and doesn't mean anything about how well your emissions system is functioning, just that it is due for a checkup. There is a small button you press and hold for so long with a screwdriver under the dash to make i go away, I don't remember the whole deal, but it is in my Haynes manual... an hour away.

 

[Mavrick70004]

haha sorry i should have been more specific my "other truck" was a 1993 Nissan pathfinder and THAT failed bc the check engine light did not come on when the key was in the "on" position, nothing a little tap into the e-brake bulb didn't fix haha. Only my brake light comes on when the key hmmmm ill have to investigate it more

 

[MAKG]

You did that instead of replacing a burned out bulb? Good God; NEVER sell a vehicle.

And since smog sniffs are almost always done with the parking brake on for at least part of the test, something tells me that story isn't exactly true....

 

[Mavrick70004]

...uhh wat? no the bulb was not out!! i think i would have checked that! there was something wrong with either the ECU or the wiring between the ECU and the Check Engine Light. And sorry it was the Alternator warning light that i tapped into. I'm not sure what your talking about with the e-brake and smog? Every smog i have gone to and had done the only time they use the e-brake is when its a front wheel drive car, all the other times they just drive it on the roller to put load on the engine with the sniffer in the pipe.