I have a 2000 Ford Mustang that has expired tags and needs to pass smog in order to register it in California. It has never had a problem passing smog before. I took it to have a smog check last week and was told that it failed because the MIL or check engine light is not coming on during start up. They told me to change the bulb and so I did but this did not solve the problem. The light does not come on during the start up that checks to make sure all systems are functioning. We bought a chilton and have gone through the whole book looking for reasons this light will not come on and cannot locate anything that is relevant. I need my tags. Does anyone have an idea on what to check that would cause this light to fail? We tried checking power to the light with key on and off and the car is not producing error codes. HELP!
There should be a 10amp fuse in the fuse box for the instrument panel that powers the light. The light is grounded by the computer.
Have you checked the fuses in the passenger compartment ?
No I have not checked them. Where are the fuses in the passenger compartment located? I didn't know there was a compartment on the passenger side.
The fuse box in the car should be under the driver side dash near the brake pedal. I don't know if the check engine light fuse is in there but your owners manual should tell you. My info has the fuses numbered not named.
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SOURCE: failed smog cause check engine light
I can tell you for sure that all US models of the Ford Ranger came with a emission system that incorporated a MIL or check eng light, go to the dealer and have them run your VIN on the Ford on line information service, that will give you the engine Calibration of the emission system, you can then find out what emission system was used, export or US.
SOURCE: 01 Ford Expedition. Check Engine light and failed Smog check.
whoever installed the egr valve, if it wasnt you, just cleared the engine codes, thus giving you this problem once again. Get it scanned at autozone, and go from there.
SOURCE: I have a 1997 Ford Explorer. Check engine light
Here is a list of possible causes, hope this helps.
Your vehicle’s computer system has self-testing capability. When the computer senses that there is a problem with one of the components or sensors it stores the correspondent trouble code(s) in its memory and lights up the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light to tell you that there is a problem and you need to diagnosed and repaired it. The list of possible codes number in the hundreds. The code itself doesn't tell exactly what component is defective - it only indicates where to look, or what engine parameter is out of normal range. You or a technician will have to perform further testing to pinpoint cause and the proper repair. Even if you reset the light, if the underlying problem is not addressed it will come back on.
Possible Causes
Setting Conditions
SOURCE: 84 Mustang check engine light issue
It has a check engine light but not a MIL light wich is a emmison control light that were put on cars starting in 1979 and up your car is not requiered to have the the new system so your mechanic is right but the smog station only tests it if it is a test station. if you want you can ask for your money back but you won't get it as they don't warrenty that you will pass. The smog station will test and pass and will do a minor adjustment but thats all. they can't afford to fix the cars but the tell you whats wrong and it is up to you to fix it. and get it resmogged. Your mechanic may have filed a waiver after fixing the light with your state which is allowed. so next time take it to your mechanic so he can take care of it instead of the smog shop. Welcome ot big Goverment.
SOURCE: The check engine light stays on or comes back on
Hi:
Your P0446 code is a Evap vent valve code:
Evap vent valve has only one purpose. It closes in order to seal the vent so the EVAP system can pressurize and ensure there are no leaks. Evap vent valve is usually supplied Batt. voltage with key on. The ECM's driver controls the ground, and when grounded, activates the valve (closing it). If the ECM detects a short to ground, and open,or a short to battery voltage on the control circuit, P0446 will set. Code also may refer to ECM detecting that EVAP system is unable to achieve or maintain vacuum during test. 
Symptoms
There will be no obvious symptoms to driver, other than MIL illumination.
Causes
A code P0446 could mean one or more of the following has happened:
Possible Solutions
With a P0446 OBD-II trouble code, here are some things to try:
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