Hello all,
Recently I took my 2000 s200 to get its inspection sticker. They hooked it up to the computer and got some engine codes causing it to fail inspection. They were 2 cylinder misfire codes, a multiple cylinder misfire code and then a secondary air pump malfunction code. From my research on these forums, if this were happening there would definately be a CEL.

The weird thing is that I have not had a single check engine light come on since I purchased the car (used) two years ago. I am beginning to think that the owner who sold me the vehicle tampered with the CEL making it not illuminate. Is there any way I can tell if this has been done?

Thanks for your help!

 

They could also be "Pending" DTC's. When the engine misfires a pending DTC is stored in the cars ECU. If the misfire doesn't happen again in a couple driving cycles the pending DTC is cleared from the ECU without ever having illuminated the CEL. If the ECU detects a second instance of the same misfire DTC within a couple driving cycles of the first, then the pending DTC is upgraded to a "Stored" (I think) DTC and the CEL is illuminated.
In short, It takes 2 instances of a misfire DTC to occur within a couple driving cycles to trip the CEL.
I guess a pending DTC can cause a car to fail.
I would have the car re-scanned by someone who can give you more information about what is actually stored in the ECU before you go any further.
Good Luck.

EDIT: Missed the Secondary Air Pump DTC. Don't know about that DTC. Maybe it was tampered with. I would still find out exactly what's going on in the ECU next.

 

Or the previous owner had the bulb removed.

 

well lets start with the easiest. when you turn the ignition on does the CEL come on? If not then the bulb is not working for whatever reason.

 

I turned the ignition on and the CEL does not come on. I guess the bulb is not working. This sucks because who knows how long the car could be in this state.


The codes I got were as follows:

P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0410: Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction
P0304: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
P0303: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

I'm going to start troubleshooting these today and try and replace the CEL bulb.

 

another random misfire thread. At least it's giving you the P0410.

luckyyy

 

why is it lucky that I am getting the P0410 code?

 

just got the cluster out and sure enough the CEL bulb was removed...what a asshole

 

It's a common trick for shady individuals wanting to be rid of a used car with problems.