I bought my 2006 2.3 DOHC 2 years ago from a supposed reliable Ford dealer. It has no CEL. You should see it when cycling thru the starting mode. I have had the dash out (to replace other burnt out lights) and I have checked the bulb, it does work. I have had an oil consummation issue from day 1 and have had an couple of rough idle issues ( plugs took care of 1) It wold be nice if I know it was throwing codes. I could invest in a code reader or make trips to the local auto parts store, BUT proper operation of CEL would be nice. I don't seem to find any threads for NO CEL. (tons when it comes on)

Dan Hogue
Martinsville IN,
2006 Ranger 4X2
2008 F-150 4X4

 

It is very possible for the truck to have a pending code without lighting up the CEL. It only turns on the light when the computer believes it sees a definately problem. Slight misfire with a little rough idle can pull up a pending code, but if it doesn't get past a deemed point by ford, the light will not come on.

 

Yes, the CEL should come on with the key.
If bulb is good then could be a wiring issue between dash and computer.

This info is from a 2005 Ranger
There are 2 connectors on the dash, "A"(C220A) and "B"(C220B), B14 is the signal wire for the CEL, it goes to Pin 2 on the PCM(computer)
Pink/light Green wire
If you turn the key on this wire should get voltage from PCM

You can get a Bluetooth OBD2 reader for about $35, it is wireless and works with a Smartphone as the display, or laptop/tablet with Bluetooth, it also does real time data which comes in handy when diagnosing a problem.

OBD2 readers work on any vehicle sold in North America 1995 and up, so worth while to have around