Where's my check engine light?

[PonchoCatalina]

My '86 Suburban has been running rich, so I figured that I would check for trouble codes. I prepared my special computer-code-deciphering paper clip and entered the vehicle only to find that I don't seem to have a check engine light. I checked my owner's manual, and where it shows the light (high and between the speedo and gas gauge), there is nothing - just smooth faux aluminum cluster facade. The manual indicates that only California light duty emissions and federal heavy duty emissions vehicles had the CEL's. What gives? - since my Suburban is a half-ton, non-California vehicle, is there indeed no light? Thanks for your thoughts on this.

 

[dyeager535]

Shouldn't be a CEL, do you have an O2 sensor or ALDL connector under the dash for your paperclip? I suspect not on both accounts.

 

[PonchoCatalina]

All I found under the dash was a small black box housing a printed circuit board with a multi-port plug attached to it (beneath the radio). It did not appear to have an ALDL port. Is there no ALDL port on a 1986 light-duty Suburban?

 

[dyeager535]

Only CA and TBI trucks would have a CEL. Computer controlled carb is what would get an '86 a CEL/ALDL. You don't need/get a CEL without an ECM to notice a problem.

Sounds like a CA '86 would have the CEL light in the diesel wait light location (or is that water in fuel light?) while the choke light was in the normal location. 1987+ the CEL replaced the choke light, in the same location of course.

 

[PonchoCatalina]

Only CA and TBI trucks would have a CEL. Computer controlled carb is what would get an '86 a CEL/ALDL. You don't need/get a CEL without an ECM to notice a problem.QUOTE]

I'm a bit confused - would a CCC vehicle get a CEL/ALDL or not?

 

[dyeager535]

Yes, CCC/TBI all have ECM's, thus CEL. (and ALDL)

 

[Russell]

For my truck, the SES is one of the idiot lights under the speedo. There is a chance that your bulb may be burnt out