Rpeck

Well I went to DMV to transfer my AE, and register my 87 N/A. They told me I have to smog my N/A to register it, The sniffer test should be no problem at all, its bone stock. So I went down to the smog shop, turns out cause of my zip code in Cali. I have to do a smog check II Dyno test on this car. All was well untill they told me I could not pass smog with this car unless my "check engine" light comes on in the run position, and goes off after being started. Well I am posotive that this light used to work ... however the only lights that come on in the run position now is my brake light, and my seatbelt light. The only thing I can think of that may have caused this to not function now is .. I did the auto tranny to manual tranny swap on this car. I replced the whole engine wiring harness.

Any idea why this would cause those lights to fail? Or is there any tricks to make this function right just so I can smog my daily driver?

NTM: I think it's bullshit that a dash light can make you fail a smog test... if it passes the snifer it should be fine. Screw california smog laws!

Thank You

Robert

djantlive

Did the check engine light used to lite up prior to the engine and tranny swap? I wonder if it's just due to a blown light bulb.

I would register your car in a different zip code so you just need a normal smog check. You can use friend's address or open up a mail box from Mail box etc. Mail box etc allows to use a real address instead of a PO box just in case DMV forbits PO box.

Some normal smog shops won't pass you if they see the check engine light remains on after the engine starts. At least you don't have to worry about that.

88GTU

Umm, 87's don't have a check engine light. Tell the smog station to consult their guide. Mazda didnt start putting them on until 1989.
-Matt

Rpeck

Well Im not sure what light they are looking for, maybe all of them. None of the lights on my display panel light up except; E Brake Warning light, and Seat Belt warning light. I am almost sure all the 10 or so lights on the display are soposed to light up in the ON position (so you can verify your idiot lights are working) then turn off once started, I think they all did before my tranny swap.. but not posotive. I may be able to convince them that there is no "check engine" light .. but I will have a hard time convincing them that there is only 2 lights on the whole display. I will check when I get home but I am pretty sure my 88 AE has a check engine light ... and you are saying only 89+ do .. I think that may be wrong ... any other input to verify this?

NZConvertible

Even if they don't work, if you look closely you can make out the text and see what the lights are for. You should be able to show them that there isn't a "check engine" light and that the others are just low oil, washer fluid, etc, and not related to emissions in any way.The Series 4 FC's definitely did not have a "check engine" light, only the Series 5.