First I would check to see what systems are affected, if ABS and TC or ESP are not lit, you may have uncovered the tip of an electronic iceberg! Then before replacing the IP, install new bulbs and see if they all light up with the key on, engine not running, then start the engine and see what happens. If one or all remain on after a minute, you have a problem or multiple problems.

If you discover the worst case scenario has happened, that bulb(s) are missing, do the following:

Depending on where you live, there may some recourse for you. If you bought the vehicle a used car dealer or private party, contact the local Bureau of Automotive Repair or Attorney Generals Office and see what exactly your options are. In many states removing a CEL in order to sell a vehicl is tampering with an Emission Control Device, punishable by fine and correcting the illegal sale of the vehicle. Good Luck!

The check engine light should come on with ignition on - I suspect you have some burned out bulb(s) - first place I would look before taking the leap to a new cluster - do the simple, cheap stuff first because 90% of the time those things are the root of the problem.

Try looking in the fuse box for burnt out fuses as there may be one for the cluster. Sure a lot faster than trying to get the bulbs out. Or a ground wire is not connected and this is like a Christmas tree only in the matter of lights being lights. DC requires power and requires that it grounds out...after it goes through the bulb.

For me that is too fiddly work so I take it to the dealer mechanic.

In some states the "Check Engine Light" cannot be on to pass an emissions test. Previous owners might have removed are broke it on purpose because they did not have the time or money to fix the problem.

The check engine light ILLUMINATES on every car when the ignition key is twisted one click before the start position as a TEST so you can see that every dash light works.

I've never in 30 years seen a CEL burned out! Someone messed with your vehicle before you bought it. ever wonder how many codes are stored in the computer?

Did you buy the car used? Lots of crooked sellers disable the lights when trying to unload a car.

bad bulb.

because its not on

I have an 03 Pontiac Sunfire and my Check Engine light as well as a couple others never come on. Even before I start the engine when I've first turned the key. I'm assuming it's the bulbs being burned out since that's the case but I want to be sure before I replace the entire cluster.