Check Engine light won't come on
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Check Engine light won't come on
My 2000 C5 will not turn on its' check engine light, even during initial checkout when you first turn the key. There are no codes so nothing is wrong except that the light won't come on so it won't pass state inspection. I recently had a new 'after market' Pioneer stereo installed. Is it a coincidence or do you think that the two things could be related? (And I have to pass inspection before I can renew my registration.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
I dont see why it wont pass with it not on, maybe they are different where you live or the shop is really picky. But I know several people who have unplugged their light so that it would pass which means it wont come on at start up. I also know some people have passed with their light on.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I talked to the local Chevy dealer and they said they didn't think there was a light bulb for the check engine light. They think it is part of the cluster and those light don't usually go out. Sounds kinda like guessing to me. It would be great if I could find that it is just a light bulb but apparently you have to take the dash apart?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I dont see why it wont pass with it not on, maybe they are different where you live or the shop is really picky. But I know several people who have unplugged their light so that it would pass which means it wont come on at start up. I also know some people have passed with their light on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
Have you tried to take it in and see if it passes?
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Yes, it was during the inspection that I found out the check engine light was not working and it failed the NC inspection because of it. I guess the rules are a little different in Virginia. And I don't know when it stopped working. That's why I suspect it may have something to do with the installation of the new stereo because it has GPS, touch screen, etc. so there are a lot of wires involved. I was wondering if anyone has seen the installation of a stereo cause something like the check engine to stop working? Maybe a ground issue or something? I hate to have someone tear my dash apart only to find out it has something to do with the stereo.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
Yes, it was during the inspection that I found out the check engine light was not working and it failed the NC inspection because of it. I guess the rules are a little different in Virginia. And I don't know when it stopped working. That's why I suspect it may have something to do with the installation of the new stereo because it has GPS, touch screen, etc. so there are a lot of wires involved. I was wondering if anyone has seen the installation of a stereo cause something like the check engine to stop working? Maybe a ground issue or something? I hate to have someone tear my dash apart only to find out it has something to do with the stereo.
Maybe you could try to find a more lenient shop to inspect your car.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
It's interesting that one dealership said there was a light bulb behind there and one said it was part of the cluster. Sure would be nice if they were a little more familiar with their product. Does anyone know for sure what the 2000 C5 uses for the check engine light? Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
I just finished looking at the service manual and it does not indicate a bulb for replacing anything on the cluster but that doesnt mean there isnt one.
Also Im a little out of practice on reading electrical diagrams but it appears that the check engine light has a lead going directly to the fuse box under the hood and form there running to a separate relay.
Also Im a little out of practice on reading electrical diagrams but it appears that the check engine light has a lead going directly to the fuse box under the hood and form there running to a separate relay.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I just finished looking at the service manual and it does not indicate a bulb for replacing anything on the cluster but that doesnt mean there isnt one.
Also Im a little out of practice on reading electrical diagrams but it appears that the check engine light has a lead going directly to the fuse box under the hood and form there running to a separate relay.
Also Im a little out of practice on reading electrical diagrams but it appears that the check engine light has a lead going directly to the fuse box under the hood and form there running to a separate relay.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
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To send him a pm just click on his name then click on send private message to peerpsi.
Just a thought to keep you form getting a lot of spam email.
To send him a pm just click on his name then click on send private message to peerpsi.
Just a thought to keep you form getting a lot of spam email.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 545
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
Looking at the schematic it's doubtful that the stereo install had anything to do with it. I'm at work now but when I get home I can email the schematic to you. My opinion is you will be needing to pull the console and change the bulb. If it's not something you're comfortable with you may want to look for a GM dealer that has a clue.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I believe the lamp is a standard 194 and it connects via the circuitry on the rear of the IP Cluster therefore a stereo installation should not have anything to do with it. You'll need to remove the cluster to get to the lamp. Its not that hard. You'll need to remove the center console, then the surround for the IP Cluster, knee bolster and etc. Remove the large nuts holding the steering column up in place which will allow it to lower about an inch or so which is just enough to clear the steering wheel. You can then unplug the connector on the left rear side of it. Second small ribbon connector at the top for the HUD if you are equipped with a HUD. Once out, keep the IP Cluster standing up in its normal position as the gauges are fluid filled. If you replace the one lamp, replace them all in there...there are only a few.