2002 Ford Windstar LX

[rone3]

Hello everyone. The check engine light doesn't come on when I start the mini van.

What can be the problem and how do I fix it?

Thank you very much.

[tomj76]

The Check Engine light (MIL) should be on when you turn the key to the "ON" position without starting the engine. If you start the engine it should be on for the first few seconds then go out.

If the light is never on, the first place to check is the bulb may be burned out. If that's the problem, you have to remove the instrument cluster to change it.

[rone3]

Thank you. Can I remove the instrument cluster on my own? If so where is it located?

[scubacat]

You can, although that's a lot of work for a rather insignificant issue. You can always just hook up a code scanner and it'll tell you if the light is supposed to be on all the same.

[tomj76]

I've removed the instrument cluster on my '96 several times. It is a little bit difficult, about 30-45 minutes to take out.

You have to remove the trim pieces that give access to it:
1) The plastic kick panel beneath the steering wheel.
2) The metal panel behind that.
3) The trim piece to the left of the steering wheel
4) The trim piece to the right of the steering wheel that also covers the radio
5) The trim piece between the steering wheel and the bottom of the instrument cluster.
6) The trim piece above the cluster
7) The cluster itself (which has electrical connectors behind it). If you have a mechanical speedometer then you'll need to reach up under the dash to the back of the cluster to release the locking mechanism (this is the most difficult part).

The bulbs are in the back of the cluster and can be removed by twisting the 1/4 turn. They can cost a few bucks each although I've seen them priced lower at on-line sources.

[12Ounce]

Trim levels and model years differ, but the instrument panel for my '99 is fairly easy to remove. I recommend removing the panel as you may find other lamps have burned out ... easy to check each with ohmmeter. Sometimes they are obviously burned out and will have that "burned look"!

[tempfixit]

Here is a video on cluster removal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey6amRNyp_w