How to turn on the CEL, Key On, Engine Off

Is there anyway I can physically fool the emissions inspector? I'm running EU2 software with MS42 DME and would like to turn the CEL on before start up and turn off when the ignition is started. I'm not looking to defoul any O2 sensors or any other crap. Simply wire or code the light to turn on when the key is on, and turn off immediately when the engine starts.

I only need to do this just to pass emissions. Not a permanent fix...Just a temporary solution.

Any ideas?

02 simulators are probably your only solution.

Yes because my car is throwing codes...read. I'm looking to turn it on for the correct sequencing for emissions testing.

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I don't think you can do that? You have headers?

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Originally Posted by j_block

I don't think you can do that? You have headers?

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No headers. Planning on passing emissions and then installing them.

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Had to think on it for a while. What about the oil pressure light. That's on when the engine is off and off when the engine is on. I think can snake some wire to those contact points and visually trick the inspector.

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So why not take off the euro tune? Then put back on after?

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Originally Posted by j_block

So why not take off the euro tune? Then put back on after?

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Because I deleted the SAP and broke a hose in the process. That was 18 months ago. Would be easier to just get it to flash on and then off when oil pressure is reached and the light goes out.

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So Thursday I managed to get this completed. Just need to wait for Monday to come so I can hopefully pass emissions.

The plan was to use the Battery Signal LED to trip the CEL LED. I took a length of insulated copper wire and stripped 1/4" off of each end. Figured out that the combo that powers the LEDs uses the bottom solder point of the Battery Signal LED and the left solder point of the CEL LED. Once that conclusion was reached, I routed the wire behind the gauges and folded the ends over themselves as a locator; to keep the points in contact at all time. Sealed everything back up and gave it the test.





If anyone needs pictures of the actual setup, I can take pics before the removal of the copper wire.

Thanks for looking!

Passed emissions. There is now a solution available for headers and passing emissions without having to send the DME off to get coded/tuned.

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Good job. I think this may be a fairly unique and rare requirement to workaround, but its good to have the info on the site

I'm more curious to know if the tester would even have noticed the CEL not turning on during ignition sequence. I would bet theyre trained to see if it comes on or stays on, but not to look for if it pops up during key position 2.

Most people trying to keep the damn light off, not try and get it to turn on

Thanks. When I went in two weeks ago, they failed me because it would not show. So this work around was devised.

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My hat off to you then. You didn't receive much help here and found a way to do it anyway

Color me impressed.

I should add that emissions testing is changing next year where I am. The sniffer is going away but I suspect I'll be dealing with odb scrutiny like you just experienced. Did they do any visual inspection under the hood or chassis?