Lol, how can I check my check engine light?

[fireant]

When I recently changed out my cam position sensor/synch assembly (after reading that I should) the old one was absolutely mutilated...just twisted chunks of metal and magnet wadded up inside the sensor housing, and I never had a CEL from it being that way. The truck is a 95 3L.

So, is there a way to trigger my CEL that wont cause any damage, just so I know it works?

 

[srteach]

There is a self check that happens EVERY time you start the truck. When you start the truck, the CEL should illuminate for about 3 seconds. If it doesn't illuminate, you may have a bad bulb. Replacing any dash bulb is a simple but longish process.
If everything is OK, it turns off. If you have a code, it will blink a number of times, pause, then blink another number of times. This sequence repeats 3 times for faults.
If you want to trigger it to set a code, disconnect the IAT sensor (in the intake path).

 

[fireant]

There is a self check that happens EVERY time you start the truck. When you start the truck, the CEL should illuminate for about 3 seconds. If it doesn't illuminate, you may have a bad bulb. Replacing any dash bulb is a simple but longish process.
If everything is OK, it turns off. If you have a code, it will blink a number of times, pause, then blink another number of times. This sequence repeats 3 times for faults.
If you want to trigger it to set a code, disconnect the IAT sensor (in the intake path).

Well that seems simple enough. I'll open my eyes next time I take the truck out, and hopefully wont be asking about how to change the bulb.