GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematic

MIL and Generator


Object Number: 538527  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Powertrain Control Module Description
Data Link Connector (DLC)
Power and Grounding
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
AUX PWR, RDO BATT and HDLP SW Fuses
Power and Ground
Power
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

When the ignition is turned ON, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will momentarily flash ON then OFF then remain ON until the engine is running, if no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored. Battery voltage is supplied through the ignition switch directly to the MIL telltale. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the MIL by providing a ground path through the MIL control circuit in order to turn ON the MIL.

Diagnostic Aids

An open ignition fuse causes the MIL to be inoperative.

An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:

    • A poor connection
    • Rubbed through wire insulation
    • A broken wire inside the insulation

Thoroughly test any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

  1. Connections that are suspected of being malfunctioning should be thoroughly tested as described in the diagnostic aids.

  2. If the engine fails to start and the MIL is inoperative, then the malfunction can be isolated to one of the following items:

  3. • Open PCM ignition feed (2) circuit
    • Open battery positive feed circuit
    • Poor ground at the engine block
    • Malfunctioning PCM
  4. Probing the MIL circuit with a test lamp to ground simulates the PCM's control of the MIL. If the MIL illuminates, then the malfunction can be isolated to the control of the MIL or a poor connection at the MIL terminal to the PCM.

  5. It takes very little resistance for the battery and the ignition 1 feed circuits to cause an intermittent condition. The battery and the ignition 1 feed circuits should also be inspected for a poor connection as described in diagnostic aids.

  6. The replacement PCM must be programmed and the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure must be performed.

  7. The PCM grounds will only cause a problem if all of the grounds are not making a good connection. If the PCM ground problem is suspected, the most probable place is where all of the grounds meet, at the engine block.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the MIL illuminate?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Inspect for poor connections in the following circuits:
  2. • Battery positive feed
    • MIL Control
    • Ignition feed 2
    • RDO BAT feed
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 5

4

Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Inspect for a poor PCM ground at the following locations:
  2. • Engine block
    • PCM connectors
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

--

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connectors.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp to ground.
  5. Probe the MIL control circuit and observe the MIL.

Does the MIL illuminate?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

7

Inspect the following fuses:

  1. Battery positive feed
  2. Ignition feed 2

Are the fuses OK?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

8

  1. Inspect for poor connections in the MIL Control circuit at the PCM connector:
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 12

9

Did the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 14

10

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connectors.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp to ground.
  5. Probe the ignition positive voltage #2 circuit at the PCM.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

11

  1. Test for a short to ground in the circuit of the fuse that was open.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
  3. Replace the open fuse.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

--

12

Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 22

--

13

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

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 22

--

14

  1. Test/Inspect for the following conditions in the MIL circuit.
  2. • Open
    • Poor connection
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 17

15

  1. Connect a test lamp to ground.
  2. Probe the battery positive voltage circuit at the PCM.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

16

Repair the open ignition positive voltage #2 circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 22

--

17

  1. Inspect the MIL circut for an open fuse.
  2. If a problem is found, repair the cause of the open fuse before replacing the fuse. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
  3. Replace the fuse.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 20

18

  1. Inspect for a poor connection in the following circuits:
  2. • Battery positive feed
    • Ignition feed 2
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 21

19

Repair the open in the PCM battery positive feed circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 22

--

20

Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 22

--

21

  1. Inspect for a poor PCM ground at the following locations:
  2. • Engine block
    • PCM connection
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 12

22

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the MIL.

Does the MIL illuminate?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2