Hi,

My 98 Nissan Altima failed emission due to "Vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) does not illuminate under key on engine off condition". I asked the person who tested it and he said there were no codes in the OBD reader. I did a bit of research on the forums and checked all the fuses near the driver side and also under the hood using a test light and they checked out fine.

I want to check everythin I can before going to the dealer and paying a lot for a simple thing. Does anyone know what the problem can be? I want to check the bulb on the dashboard but no clue how to reach for the same. Can someone give a rough estimate as how much it can cost for repair assuming its a bulb/fuse or electrical system problem?

Thanks in advance.
Sri.

 

I would find the ECU and enter the TEST mode II. The operators manual should tell you how to do that. I can not believe they will fail you because of that. Find another tester

 

Thanks for the reply Brian.
I tried to find the ECU could not locate it. The owners manual also does not have anything in it. Is it the same from where you read the OBD codes? I could not locate find a screw there to change the mode.

I rechecked the fuses again and found that one of them has no power(think i missed it in the first check - maybe mixed it up with spare fuses). Its labeled as 'Starter signal'. I removed the fuse and tested the points and there was no power there. Do you think its anyway related to check engine light problem.

Do you know how to check the related circuit to find out whats the problem?

 

Took some time but I finally got to locate the ECM. Its on the right to the gas pedal hiding behind a panel. The mode selector screw was just behind the panel and I tried the procedure to change the mode but no luck.

Seems like the bulb might be out. I am thinking of getting behind the dashboard and checking the bulb and replace if necessary.

Anybody who has done this before? Please let me know if its right/easy to do it myself? Any precautions to be taken?

Thanks in advance.

 

The bulb was the problem. I finally replaced it and the problem is solved - check engine light now works like charm. Been to the emission test and it passed... YAY !
Thanks for these forums and people participating in it which helped a newbie like me save some money. The best part is I got to know my car better, thats more satisfying.