2001 cavalier check engine light does not illuminate when ignition key is turns

hey guys,

I'm new to this site and I have a problem thats killing me. I just bought a 2001 cavalier but it wont pass smog because the check engine does'nt light up when you turn start the ignition. All the other lights turn on except the check engine light. Its not the bulb because I switch that bulb with another one that worked and it still did not light up. Do you have any ideas of what I can do? I thought about replacing the whole instrument cluster. the dealer charges $350.00 to repair it but I can get it off ebay for $70. Also another question is that if I go that route, will I need to find one with roughly the same mileage or will it reset to the car? Please Help!!!!

The milage is stored in the computer on the 00+ cavs, so it'll just reset itself on a new cluster. Call local junkyards, you might find one cheaper then 70

i would be absolutely sure its the whole cluster before you go changing everything. could just be a bad wire and not require a whole cluster. i would just double check before you pay 70 bux or whatever.