Check engine light help

If you disable the check engine light, you also are disconnecting the bulb test function. The bulb check function is when the bulb is illuminated, behind the check engine light symbol when the key is turned on and the engine is not running.

Most areas have state inspections or smog check points that verify the proper operation of this check engine light bulb test. If you have disconnected the check engine light, you will be in violation of the clean air act and will fail your state inspection or smog check.

Disabling the check engine light has become a difficult procedure to accomplish, even if you were to ignore the law. The good news is, that it is easier to repair the malfunction than it is to disconnect the check engine light.

Removing the check engine light bulb would require disassembly of the dash and removal of the instrument cluster. On most late model vehicles, this is a difficult task to complete.
Also on some models when you remove the check engine light bulb, your computer that handles the air fuel mixture will go into a backup mode.

This will cause poor gas mileage and poor drivability. In essence your computer is monitoring the proper operation of the check engine light and its bulb. The technical term used to describe the check engine light bulb is the MIL or malfunction indicator lamp.

Do not disconnect the check engine light

Believe it or not the check engine light is your friend. It is there to notify you that your car is suffering from either a minor or a major malfunction.

Removing the check engine light bulb is not only against the law, it is counter productive to your vehicle's long-term health. Learning to fix your own check engine light malfunction can be a very rewarding experience.

For detailed information on dealing with your engine light visit master tech marks page about how to reset check engine lights properly!