1999 Caravan - Check Engine Light Will NOT work

[martonlorand]

HI all !

I read the forums but couldnt find an advice for my problem, however I see theres a lot of smart people around here...

My problem is that my check engine light will NOT come on. I think it supposed to be on, when I turn the key, but the engine is not running, but it it doesnt. I even failed the emission test for this reason, and I am suspecting that the lightbulb might be out. I dont know however how to access it, or what other test I can do.

To make the storry complete the light came on while driving for about 3 seconds 4 months ago. I took the van to Auto parts (after like a month) and checked for error codes, but the computer never returned any codes, the lights never came on since than...

Anybody has any ideas what the problem might be? I dont feel anything bad on the car itself, theres no stalling, bad small, leaking etc...

I appreciate your help, and thanks in advance.

Lorand

[HeadlessHorseman]

I think you already know what you have to do... Get yourself a Haynes Manual (probably #30011) and turn to the page in Section 11 entitled "Dashboard panels, removal and installation." There are several pieces of trim that must be removed before the dash pad can be removed.

Be sure you disconnect the negative cable to the battery BEFORE you get started. There are plenty of goodies in and under the dashboard you can short out that are VERY expensive to replace... plus, you might also accidentally deploy one or both of your airbags which are HIDEOUSLY expensive to replace... not to mention EXTREMELY dangerous with your head so close to these explosive devices!

Be Safe!

Oh, one other thing... removing and reinstalling this stuff requires that certain plastic parts be "flexed" or bent a bit, so you may wish to warm up the interior cabin before you get started. If you do this outside in -20 degree weather, you may break one or more plastic parts. It's best to do this in a garage or enclosed area to reduce the chance of this happening. Since this job will take some time to do, doing it inside will also make it a less miserable job as well.