GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0650: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

MIL Voltage Supply

P0650

P0650

--

--

MIL Control

P0650/MIL ON

P0650

P0650

--

Circuit/System Description

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is located on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).

The MIL informs the driver that an emission system fault has occurred and that the engine control system requires service. The control module monitors the MIL control circuit for conditions that are incorrect for the commanded states of the MIL.

Conditions for Running the DTC

DTC P0650 runs continuously when the ignition is ON and the ignition voltage is between 9-18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The control module detects that the commanded state of the MIL driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match for more than one second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P0650 is a type B DTC.
    • DTC P0650 does not request the MIL illumination.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0650 is a type B DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Displays and Gages Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, the MIL should turn ON and OFF when commanded with a scan tool.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the IPC.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit and ground.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the ignition circuit fuse is open, replace the IPC.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit and the ignition circuit.
  5. Command the MIL ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the engine control module (ECM).
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  7. If all the circuits test normal, replace the IPC.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming
    •  Instrument Cluster Replacement