Circuit Description
Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The PCM controls the lamp by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which is monitored by the PCM. When the PCM is commanding a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low (near 0 volts). When the PCM is commanding the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high (near battery voltage). If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, the fault line status will change causing the DTC to set.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | Engine speed is more than 400 RPM. |
| • | The ignition voltage is between 6-18 volts. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The PCM detects that the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match. |
| • | The conditions are present for a minimum of 5 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes. |
| • | A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic. |
| • | Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
Important: Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing/replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent water intrusion into the PCM.
| • | If the ignition feed circuit is suspected of being open, inspect for other lamps on that circuit not illuminating. An open fuse causes the entire cluster to be inoperative. Also, if the fuse is open transmission DTCs set. |
| • | Using Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If the DTC cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can be useful in determining how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also be used to determine how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that were noted. This will isolate when the DTC failed. For an intermittent, refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls . |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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Command both the ON and the OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.
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If you do not find trouble in the control circuit or the connection at the PCM, the PCM may be faulty. However, this is an extremely unlikely failure.
Step | Action | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics | |||||||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | Go to Step 2 | |||||||
Does the MIL turn ON and OFF when commanded? | Go to Diagnostic Aids | Go to Step 3 | |||||||
3 |
Is the lamp OFF? | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
4 | Probe the lamp control circuit in the PCM harness connector with a fused jumper wire connected to ground. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems. Is the lamp ON? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||
5 | Repair the short to ground in the lamp control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||
6 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 | ||||||
7 | Test for the following conditions:
Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 9 | -- | ||||||
Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Is the action complete? | Go to Step 9 | -- | |||||||
9 |
Does the DTC run and pass? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 2 | ||||||
10 | With a scan tool, observe the store information, Capture Info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | System OK | |||||||
