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 Descriptors

DTC P1650: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit High Voltage

DTC P1651: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit Low Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

MIL Voltage Supply

P1651

P1651

--

--

MIL Control

P1651/MIL ON

P1651

P1650

--

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

    • The ignition is ON or the engine is operating.
    • The DTCs runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P1650

The engine control module (ECM) detects the MIL control circuit is shorted to voltage.

P1651

The ECM detects the MIL control circuit is open or shorted to ground.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P1650 and P1651 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P1650 and P1651 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls 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 Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Turn ON the ignition. Command the MIL ON and OFF with a scan tool. The MIL should turn ON and OFF when commanded.
  2. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification Test, then operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. If any other IPC indicators or gages are inoperative, refer to Symptoms - Instrument Panel, Gages and Console .
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the ECM.
  3. Ignition ON, connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the MIL control circuit and ground. The MIL should illuminate.
  4. If the MIL does not illuminate, test the MIL control circuit for a short to voltage, short to ground, or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the IPC/bulb.
    If the MIL illuminates, inspect for a poor connection or replace the control module.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Instrument Cluster Bulb Replacement
    •  Instrument Cluster Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming