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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1996 🢒 Cavalier 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 2.4L 🢒 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On

Refer to

Power, Ground, MIL, and DLC


Object Number: 25316 Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) General Description PCM
Ignition Controls
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
 for wiring view.

Circuit Description

When the ignition is turned ON, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will momentarily flash ON then OFF and remain ON until the engine is running, if no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the MIL by providing a ground path through the MIL control circuit to turn ON the MIL.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Tables.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

    2.

  2. When the ignition is turned ON, the MIL should momentarily flash ON and OFF then remain ON until the engine is running or if an emission related DTC is stored.

    3.

  3. This step checks the ability of the PCM to control the MIL. The scan tool has the ability to command the MIL ON and OFF.

    4.

  4. A shorted MIL circuit can be diagnosed with a scan tool. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Outputs Diagnosis 2.4 L or Powertrain Control Module Outputs Diagnosis 2.2L.

  5. For Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) replacement procedures, refer to Section 8C of the service manual.

    6.

  6. Replacement PCM's must be programmed. Refer to the latest Techline information for programming procedure.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) ON Steady

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to

Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check 2.4L

Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check 2.2L

2

Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF.

Is the MIL ON?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative 2.4L

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative 2.2L

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Select Misc. Test/Eng. Outputs/MIL .
  3. Command the MIL ON and OFF.

Does the MIL turn ON and OFF when commanded?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4
  1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  2. Disconnected the PCM connectors.
  3. Turn the ignition switch ON.

Is the MIL OFF?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

Check the MIL control circuit for a short to ground and repair if necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

Replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8
  1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTC's.
  2. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start and continue to run?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 1

9
  1. Allow the engine to idle until normal operating temperature is reached.
  2. Check if any DTC's are set.

Are any DTC's displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK