Battery positive voltage is supplied directly to the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The powertrain control module (PCM) turns the MIL ON by grounding the MIL control circuit.
The MIL is located on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).
• | 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. |
• | The MIL will illuminate with the ignition switch ON and the engine not running. |
• | 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 switch is ON. |
• | If the MIL is not illuminated and the engine stalls, the MIL will not illuminate until the ignition switch is cycled OFF, then ON. |
If the condition is intermittent, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics or Instrument Cluster Schematics in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views , Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views , or Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console | |||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information |
Is the MIL illuminated? | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 5 | |
3 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 |
4 | Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console. Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 6 | -- |
5 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 6 | -- |
6 |
Does the vehicle operate correctly without any MIL illumination, and without any stored DTCs? | System OK | Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information |