Does the check engine light bulb have to work in order to pass emissions?

[nx02nx02]

I have a 1996 Grand Prix GTP and am trying to get the emissions done.
I am wondering if the check engine light bulb itself has to work in order to pass emissions? As long as the car pulls no codes it will pass? Does the light itself have to work or will it fail? My car pulls no codes and I belieive it is ready to pass but I know that my check engine light dont work. Probably a burned out bulb.
So will it still pass?

Thanks.

[GregA]

In most states, the answer is Yes - the check engine light needs to work.

Take Care,

[ericn1300]

Not in Idaho and I don't believe so in Utah, but you realy should fix the light as it does a lot more then tell you about emmisions problems.

[nx02nx02]

Ok thanks for the replies and the help.

I did get the light to work and I have another question about the emissions on this car.

Im wondering if a transmission code will cause it to fail emissions.
The car is pulling 2 codes, one of them is random misfire or something like that. I am going to try to fix that one tomorrow. The other code is a transmission code. The transmission on the car doesn't work perfectly. I think second gear is gone in the car but I just need it to pass emissions to get me by for now. Would a transmission code cause it to fail emissions?
If not I should have the car ready to take it back to get the emissions to pass tomorrow. Now the only thing that is worrying me is the transmission code but that wouldn't effect the emissions test would it?

I really appreciate all the help. Thanks again.

[jeepgclwj]

I dont see any reason why it would effect the test....

[maxwedge]

Every state is different, check with people who do the inspection, how would we know your states regs. In NY any cel fails inspection no matter what the code, 1996 and newer cars/trucks.

[ericn1300]

feds minimum test in all jurisdictions conducting tests for emissions includes:

An OBD II test is a simple plug-in computer check that verifies four things:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

That the vehicle’s OBD II system is ready (all required readiness monitors have been set).

The status of the MIL lamp. The lamp must be functioning correctly and come on when commanded to do so. Otherwise, it must be off, indicating no codes.

That the vehicle has no diagnostic trouble codes that would cause the MIL lamp to come on.

Ready or Not
One of the EPA requirements for using a plug-in OBD II check in lieu of a tailpipe test is to make sure the OBD II system is ready and has run its system monitors. Some vehicles (mostly some import models) have readiness issues when it comes to setting all the OBD II monitors. Consequently, the EPA currently allows up to two readiness flags not to be set prior to testing 1996 to 2000 model year vehicles. For 2001 and newer vehicles, only one readiness flag not set is allowed. Eventually, all readiness flags will have to be set to pass the test.

More info on drive cycles and other test points are here: http://www.aa1car.com/library/2003/us50326.htm