Two "check engine" lights - One too many

[funcrew]

My 1989 convertible has 2 check engine lights; a red rectangular one on the bottom left side of the gauge panel, and an amber text-only one right in the bottom center of the panel. A query of the ECU/red check engine light per the Pelican Parts tutorial turns up the 1444 no error found code. BUT the amber one continues to flash for as long as the engine is running. Current errors on the panel at the top of the windshield are washer fluid and brake lining.

My problem is that the amber check engine light might make the car fail the Nevada smog test, which I need to get done before I can title and register the car.

Is there a thread that goes into detail about the two "check engine" lights?

[Toms73NovaSS]

The amber one in the center of the dash is NOT a check engine light. It is a heads up light (Hey you, check the check pannel up near the mirror something needs your attention). If you take care of the washer fluid and brake lining it will not come on.

If you have bad sensors a Quick easy fix for the two is to jumper the wireleads together at the sensor end.

[DaveSmed]

...Or if your sick of it blinking at you, push the button on the Check control.

[VacMan]

The washer fluid might be an easy fix, too, even if your fluid is full. Our IS had the same indicator after I hit a big dip in the road at speed. I looked into the reservoir and the switch is basically a Y-shaped device where part of it can float. If the switch rotates sideways the Y won't close and the light stays illuminated. If you rotate it so that the bottom part of the Y floats and closes the Y, the light should go away.

Good luck explaining to the guys at the smog shop that the check panel light isn't a check engine light. You might want to download an owner's manual if you don't have one.

Tim