Went to emmission and failed because check engine light did not come on at startup (this is AWD and they just hook to the computer) They said it could be the drive cycle and thats what I thought seeing I just changed the battery and I guess it takes Astro 60-80 miles to run diagnostics. Well its been 100+ and still no CEL. So whats the odds of the bulb being burnt out or a fuse and where would that be. any help would be great, thanks

Welcome Aboard!

Check the bulb first. The lamp should be on whenever the ignition is on and engine off (KOEO). A '98 should still have the lamp powered through the I/P fuse.

Incidentally, if the emissions inspector would have had more than three brain cells to rub together, he/she could have read the data indicating whether the MIL was supposed to be on or off.

Today I checked the bulb and sure enough it was blown. Reset computer and I will let you know in another drive cycle (60-80) miles if no error codes or SEL light prompts a problem.
The emissions girl just wrote "drive cycle" on the failure slip. It was hard for me to beleive seeing I had recently changed the battery i.e. reset computer that it took this Astro that long to cycle when most vehicles take maybe five minutes idling tops. I had read and heard that they will not pass till the cycle is complete.A mechanic friend said there is a way to quick read but its so involved that they even send there customers off and tell them to return in a few days if the light re-appears..Thanks for your input B.B.

The "Drive Cycle" is just that, requiring driving the vehicle to force a CC purge, EGR cycling, EVAP test, and converter effectiveness at various % loads.

Don't thank me. You did all the work.