C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Check engine light display

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Old Aug 31, 2008 | 06:11 PM
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Default Check engine light display

1987 Corvette. Should the Check Engine light come on momentarily when the key is turned on? I've never seen it come on, and don't think it works at all. Is there a bulb to replace or something? The only ones that come on in that display area are the "Security" and "Fasten Belts" lights. Thanks!
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Old Aug 31, 2008 | 08:45 PM
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It´s on the screen in the middle of the instrument panel above the radio.

Turn on ignition and it should show SES in orange and steady.

Goes of when you have started the engine.
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Old Aug 31, 2008 | 10:01 PM
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Yeah it's never come on. I would assume the bulb is user replaceable?
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Old Aug 31, 2008 | 10:37 PM
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Originally Posted by FenderF4i
Yeah it's never come on. I would assume the bulb is user replaceable?
Yes the bulb is replaceable and you can replace it. What I mean is all you have to do is take the DIC cover off and replace the bulb.

Last edited by NEVRL8T; Aug 31, 2008 at 10:40 PM.
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 03:33 AM
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Originally Posted by FenderF4i
1987 Corvette. Should the Check Engine light come on momentarily when the key is turned on? I've never seen it come on, and don't think it works at all. Is there a bulb to replace or something? The only ones that come on in that display area are the "Security" and "Fasten Belts" lights. Thanks!
Yes, should come on with the rest of the lights. Coolant light, brake light, door ajar light, ABS light should come on also.
This is a bulb check by factory. If nothing is wrong, these lights go out after engine starts.

Here are the bulb numbers for the entire car.
The DIC lights are all #194 bulbs. A common bulb stocked at the parts stores.
The bulbs twist into place from behind.
Wipe bulb clean before installing. Oil from your fingers can cause a pre mature burn out




How to get to the DIC with step by step pics.

http://www.joestradingpost.com/vats/89_startrelay.htm

Last edited by 86PACER; Sep 1, 2008 at 09:44 PM.
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 05:21 AM
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Does the engine start and run normally?

Check the next.

Start the engine, disconnect the TPS connector and see if the light comes on.

Should come on and set a code 22.

Just to check the light here, and the ECM memory.

Maybe it is easy to take out the bulb on the DTC, but my guess it´s easier to disconnect and connect the TPS connector.

Or ground the test terminal above your right knee (when behind the wheel) jump pins A and B, top right ones.

Does SES light blink? Nothing? Then the bulb might be kaput.
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 11:08 AM
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Thanks 86Pacer, for the info. I will go get new bulbs today and replace them.

The point I realized that the SES light isn't working, is when I did in fact try to jump the A and B pins on the test terminal. Quite a few of the bulbs on that display look burned out, as the only ones that come on when It's started, or anytime are the "Security" and "Fasten Belts" lights. I will let you know how the bulb change goes.

Thanks so much for all of the help!!!
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 01:42 PM
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Okay, got the dash apart to see how many bulbs I'll need. The SES bulb wasn't burned out - it just wasn't there at all. I guess someone didn't like that light coming on and just removed the bulb at some point! The dash is back together with all new bulbs, and they work good. I jumped A + B and got the 6-12 codes, so that is working good now.

My next thing to do is to check that there's 12 volts going down to the 4+3 OD unit. Are any of you familiar with this procedure? I understand that I need to jump A+B to put it into diagnostic mode, and that this will send the voltage down the wire to test.

At that point, do I need the wire unplugged, then just voltmeter it with the ground to the OD case?
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 09:41 PM
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Originally Posted by FenderF4i
The SES bulb wasn't burned out - it just wasn't there at all.
Thats a lot more common than you think.
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