GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit 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 state of the MIL. For example, a failure condition exists if the control module detects low voltage when the MIL is commanded OFF, or high voltage when the MIL is commanded ON. If the control module detects an improper voltage on the MIL control circuit, DTC P0650 will set.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0650 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine speed is more than 400 RPM.
    • The ignition voltage is between 6-18 volts.
    • DTC P0650 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

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 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

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

    • 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.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for a short to ground in the MIL control circuit. With the powertrain control module (PCM) disconnected and the ignition ON, the MIL should be OFF.

  2. This step tests for a short to voltage on the MIL control circuit. With the fuse removed, there should be no voltage on the MIL control circuit.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics or Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Displays and Gages Connector End Views or Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Command the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ON and OFF with a scan tool.

Does the MIL turn ON and OFF when commanded with a scan tool?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Does the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

4

Is the MIL always ON?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .
  3. Turn ON the ignition.

Is the MIL OFF?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 13

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Remove the fuse that supplies voltage to the MIL.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Measure the voltage from the MIL control circuit in the PCM harness connector to a good ground.

Is the voltage less than the specified value?

1 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 14

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Install the fuse that supplies voltage to the MIL.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the MIL control circuit of the PCM harness connector and a good ground.

Is the MIL illuminated?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the instrument panel cluster (IPC).
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe all ignition and battery positive voltage circuits of the IPC harness connector with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate for all circuits?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 12

9

Test the MIL control circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 10

10

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the IPC. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

11

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

12

Repair the open in the ignition or battery positive voltage circuits. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 17

--

13

Repair the a short to ground in the MIL control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 17

--

14

Repair the short to voltage in the MIL control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 17

--

15

Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 17

--

16

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 17

--

17

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 18

18

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK