Check engine light or Emissions light
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Check engine light or Emissions light
I have a 1987 with 2.9l, 4x4. While servicing the instrument clusters, I noticed there was no light socket for a check engine light. The printed circuit doesn't even have a punched out hole to accomodate one. Now there is an "EMISS" light socket with a bulb, but I have never seen it come on.
I have been told that the truck would fail a smog inspection without the CEL, but in 24 years it has never failed for the lack there of.
Help appreciated.
Bill.
I have been told that the truck would fail a smog inspection without the CEL, but in 24 years it has never failed for the lack there of.
Help appreciated.
Bill.
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ok, I have narrowed this down to an Extended Useful Life Sensor. It is said that it is behind the glove box...nope...not there. Any ideas as to where else it might be found or what it even looks like?
Thanks...Bill
Thanks...Bill
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Ok, found the connector behind the glove box but no sensor attached. Doesn't even look like there was ever one installed and fastened to the dash. I back fed 12v to the center signal wire and the EMISS light lit.
Any guess as to why there may not have been one installed?
Any guess as to why there may not have been one installed?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Your's may not have a check engine light like newer vehicles. The OBD 1 models years have the check engine light. Not sure what year that started in the Ranger but guessing not as early as 87. The emission light and connector you located may possibly be used to retrieve codes if they happen to be stored in computer. It may not be designed to light otherwise like those found in newer vehicles. If it isn't used for troubleshooting it may be linked to light at a particular mileage interval to replace a particular emission component. Unless you are having specific engine performance issues that you need to troubleshoot I wouldn't worry about it. For the emission test it will be simply put on the treadmill with a exhaust sniffer up the exhaust. No plugging it up to a diagnostic connector as per newer Rangers.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Frequently frozen MN
You may have something just left in, or it may actually function.
Fords at one time triggered an emissions light by mileage. This proabably meant that the catalytic converter should be checked or replaced. Some GM models of the same era dropped a flag over the odometer.
I don't know if they were still functional in 87.
You probably don't have a CEL. Early Fords required you to connect a jumper to a test connector and suggested that you monitor another pin with an analog voltmeter. You were supposed to count the sweeps that the needle made -- I have tried that, it's not fun, and I doubt that I got it right.
If you can find a good manual that stops at 87, you can probably get the straight scoop. Your local library may have a Motors, Haynes or Chiltons.
You don't want one that covers too many years after 87 because they sometimes omit things like that that changed.
Good Luck,
hj
Fords at one time triggered an emissions light by mileage. This proabably meant that the catalytic converter should be checked or replaced. Some GM models of the same era dropped a flag over the odometer.
I don't know if they were still functional in 87.
You probably don't have a CEL. Early Fords required you to connect a jumper to a test connector and suggested that you monitor another pin with an analog voltmeter. You were supposed to count the sweeps that the needle made -- I have tried that, it's not fun, and I doubt that I got it right.
If you can find a good manual that stops at 87, you can probably get the straight scoop. Your local library may have a Motors, Haynes or Chiltons.
You don't want one that covers too many years after 87 because they sometimes omit things like that that changed.
Good Luck,
hj
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thanks for the excellent comments.
I did confirm that there is no CEL and the dealer could not locate an extended useful life sensor either in their inventory or on their wire diagrams.
So I guess I will leave it be as is for now.
Thanks again for all the replies...Bill
I did confirm that there is no CEL and the dealer could not locate an extended useful life sensor either in their inventory or on their wire diagrams.
So I guess I will leave it be as is for now.
Thanks again for all the replies...Bill
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