What can cause the service engine soon light to not function all of the time when the bulb is fine and that part of the gauge pod is getting 12 volts?

Answer 1

To anyone having trouble passing emisions because of a service engine soon light malfunction, you should first make sure that the test is being performed properly. Two possible errors could be... 1. The gas cap test is being done at the same time as the OBD test. This can cause a failure because the gas cap is monitored by the OBD, and when the cap is off it can cause the light to turn on. 2. If you are failed because they say the light is not turning on at all, it is most likely because you have to wait a few seconds for the computer to reset itself. You will know it is alright to turn the ignition back on by listening for the clicks of some relays in the dash. If you wait for the last click (around 5 seconds) you can then turn the ignition back on and the light will function properly. If you go to fast (like I'm sure the testers will do) and you turn off the ignition and then turn it right back on the light will not reset and therfore will not turn on causing a failure. It even says in the manual when having problems involving the light to "turn off engine, wait 10 seconds". Mine is chapter 2 page 73 or 74. you might have to show it to them, they don't seem to be very smart. You will be lucky if they can even read! Hope this was helpfull.