Easiest way too replace Check Engine ligh bulb

[Rob774]

Yes, it has been on so long it actually burned itself out ( long story )
Well right now its getting in the way of my car being tested. The last 4 years my car has had this CEL issue. Taking it places it says it can be a number of things because of the code being put out by the diognostic machine. Anyway, a short cut around it around inspection time would just to pull the battery, thus reset the CEL. Drive it for about a 15 mile round trip on and off the highway... and now the car's good to go to be tested.

But since the bulb is actually burned out this time, its screwing with the readings. My mechanic is cool, but he said it lools like it may take him a few hours worth of labor just to get to the bulb because of its placement in the dash.

Anyone know of any short cuts???

Thanks.

[aznstylez]

How can a burned out bulb screw up readings? Have you taken it to an automotive store like Autozone or PepBoys to get a reading? They're free.

[bobflood]

I don't think that you mean that it really changes the emission readings. In GA, and I assume in most places, a burned out CEL stops the instpection right there. They will not continue until CEL bulb illuminates with bulb test (Key On Engine Off). So you have to change the bulb. Haven't tried to pull insturment cluster in an Avalon, but "a few hours" seems excessive. I recently did both my Explorer and Navigator - each took about 1.5 hours the first time, half that the second time.
I agree that you need to get the codes pulled - most auto parts stores will do it for free.

[bobflood]

Hey - check out post a few lines below that says "insturment panel problem." At the end, there is a link to taking out the insturment cluster on a Camry - which was even easier than my experience with Explorer/Navigator. If Avalon is even close, it's a pretty easy job. All you have to do is figure out which of those little black bulb holders is the Chk Eng light and replace the bulb in it. Hint - once you pull the bulb holder, shine a little flashlight in and look at the front to make sure it lights up the correct indicator.