GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematic Engine Controls Schematics .

Circuit Description

There should be a steady malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with the ignition ON and the engine OFF. Ignition feed voltage is supplied directly to the MIL. The powertrain control module (PCM) turns the MIL ON by grounding the MIL control circuit. No MIL with the key ON, engine not running and the MIL DTC set suggests an open in the MIL control circuit.

MIL Operation

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is located on the instrument panel and is displayed as CHECK ENGINE lamp.

MIL Function

    • The MIL informs the driver that a malfunction has occurred and the vehicle should be taken in for service as soon as possible
    • The MIL illuminates during a bulb test and a system test
    • A DTC will be stored if a MIL is requested by the diagnostic

MIL Illumination

    • The MIL will illuminate with ignition ON and the engine OFF
    • The MIL will turn OFF when the engine is started
    • The MIL will remain ON if the self-diagnostic system has detected a malfunction
    • The MIL may turn OFF if the malfunction is not present
    • If the MIL is illuminated and then the engine stalls, the MIL will remain illuminated so long as the ignition is ON.
    • If the MIL is not illuminated and the engine stalls, the MIL will not illuminate until the ignition is cycled OFF, then ON.

Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Perform the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check, when the following conditions are present:

    • When the MIL does not turn ON when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. See above for MIL Operation
    • When the MIL remains ON while the engine is running
    • When the MIL is flashing while the engine is running
    • When a driveability symptom is determined

Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent may be caused by a faulty connection, rubbed through wire insulation or a wire broken inside the insulation. Inspect the following items:

Inspect the PCM harness and connectors for improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, faulty terminal to wire connection, and damaged harness.

    • If the engine runs OK, inspect for a malfunctioning MIL, an open in the MIL control circuit, or an open in the instrument cluster ignition feed.
    • If the engine cranks but will not run, inspect for an open PCM ignition or battery feed or a faulty PCM to engine ground.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. If the MIL DTC is set, the MIL Control Circuit table will better diagnose the condition.

  2. Using a test lamp connected to battery positive voltage, probe each of the PCM ground terminals to ensure that a good ground is present.

No Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to  Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

With a scan tool, display diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Does the scan tool indicate the MIL DTC set?

--

Go to DTC P0650 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit

Go to  Step 3

3

Inspect the PCM feed fuses.

Are the fuses OK?

--

Go to  Step 4

Go to  Step 9

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the PCM ignition feed circuits with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to  Step 5

Go to  Step 8

5

Probe the PCM battery feed circuits with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to  Step 6

Go to  Step 8

6

Test for faulty PCM grounds or faulty PCM ground connections. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Go to  Step 7

7

Important:: The replacement PCM must be reprogrammed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

--

8

Locate and repair open in PCM battery feed circuit or the PCM ignition feed circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

--

9

Locate and repair short to ground in PCM ignition feed circuits or the PCM battery feed circuits. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

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