Went to smog cert my 2003 7.3 and found the check engine light doesn't come on with the rest of the indicator lights when the key is turned on. I never noticed as I don't rely on idiot lights, but apparently the state of California demands that check engine lights are functional to get a smog cert. the OBD shows no codes and its all stock with no aftermarket downloads and the inspection is visual only. So i need to figure out how to turn the MIL back on so it will pass smog. Ideas. Suggestions? If it was reading MIL ON and the light was off id suspect the bulb or whatever illuminates the check engine icon, but it reads MIL OFF. Thanks for looking.

 

That's a new one, but true. Never heard of anybody getting caught for that. Usually its when its on with the engine running is when they get you. Sounds like a bulb but really can't help you for sure.

 

Do you have the electronic cluster? (the odometer is digital).... If so, I believe you can use the cluster test mode to check the condition of the bulb...

 

This is true, you must have a functional CEL. Hold the odometer reset button down when you turn the key in the ignition to ON (dont start it). Press the button once. It will go to GAGE and sweep all gauges. Press it again and all lights will illuminate.

Your bulb is probably burnt out.

 

Well i did the odometer button check and the MIL didnt illuminate with all the rest so i guess its a bad bulb. I would have guessed it was a LED on a circuit board. Is it just a bulb? How much trouble is it to access. Looks like the dash had to come apart.

 

See:
http://springerpop.net/F350/upfitters.html#bezel

First you have to remove the radio and take out two little screws at the top of the radio opening.

Then pull the dash bezel off, then unscrew the four screws that retain the instrument panel.

Be careful not to break the little thread that moves the transmission selection pointer (if your e-cluster still has that).

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