1985 Pontiac Firebird engine light

Hello;
I have a question regarding my '85 trans am with the odb1 system. My light stays on when the motor runs, but my understanding is that the light should go off once you turn the ignition into the accesory mode. When I turn the ignition into the accesory mode the light comes on as it should to warn you that the light bulb is working, but in a few seconds it should go off until you start the motor. Mine light stays on constantly and when I try to retreive the trouble code(s) the light doesnt blink so as to give you the morse code trouble info. Does anyone ever had this happen and is there are remedy?
Thank you
tom