Circuit Description
When the ignition is turned ON, the 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 malfunction indicator lamp (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.
Check any circuitry that is suspected of causing an intermittent problem for the following conditions:
| • | Improper mating |
| • | Broken locks |
| • | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
| • | Physical damage to the wiring harness |
Test Description
Number(s) below refer to step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.
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The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool, if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is stored in the scan tool for later reference.
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Connections that are suspected of being faulty shuld be thoroughly checked as described in the diagnostic aids.
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If the engine fails to start and the MIL is inoperative, then the fault can be isolated to either the PCM ignition feed 1, the battery feed, a poor ground at the engine block, or the PCM.
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Probing the MIL circuit with a test light to ground simulates the PCMs 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. Connections that are suspected of being faulty shuld be thoroughly checked as described in the diagnostic aids.
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It takes very little resistance for the battery and ignition 1 feed circuits to cause an intermittent condition and should also be checked for a poor connection as described in diagnostics aids.
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Before replacing the PCM, check for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, poor terminals to wiring connections or physical damaged to the wiring harness.
The replacement PCM must be programmed and the crankshaft position system variation procedure must be preformed. Refer to the latest Techline procedure for PCM reprogramming and also refer to the Crankshaft Position System Variation Procedure.
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A shorted MIL circuit can be diagnosed with a scan tool. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Outputs Diagnosis .
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An open MIL circuit can be diagnosed with a scan tool. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Outputs Diagnosis .
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For MIL bulb replacement procedures, refer to Instrument Panel and Console of the service manual.
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For IPC replacement procedures, refer to Instrument Panel and Console of the service manual.
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PCM grounds will only cause a problem if all of the grounds are not making a good connection. If a PCM ground problem is suspected, the most probable place to check is where all the grounds meet, at the engine block.
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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 to check is whre all of the grounds meet, at the engine block. Connections that are suspected of being faulty should be thoroughly checked as described in the diagnostic aids.
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If no faults have been found at this point and no DTCs were set, refer to the daignostic aids for additional checks and information.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? | -- | Go to | ||
2 | Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF. Is the MIL ON? | -- | ||
Check for a poor connection in the battery feed or ignition 1 circuits and repair as necessary. Was a repair necessary? | -- | |||
Attempt to start the engine. Does engine start? | -- | |||
5 | Check for a faulty PCM ground connection at the engine block or PCM connector ground terminals and repair as necessary. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
Is the MIL ON? | -- | |||
7 | Inspect the ignition and battery feed fuses. Are the fuses OK? | -- | ||
Check for a poor connection in the battery feed, ignition 1 or MIL control circuits and repair as necessary. Was a repair necessary? | -- | |||
9 | Did the test light illuminate? | -- | ||
10 |
Does the test light illuminate? | -- | ||
Is the action complete?
Is the action complete? | -- | -- | ||
12 | Replace the PCM. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
Repair the short to voltage in the MIL control circuit. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | ||
Check for an open or a poor connection in the MIL control circuit and repair as necessary. Was a repair necessary? | -- | |||
15 | With a test light still connected to the ground, probe the ignition feed 1 terminal. Does the test light illuminate? | -- | ||
16 | Repair open battery feed circuit. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
17 | Check for an open ignition feed circuit or fuse to the MIL and repair as necessary. Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
18 | Check for a poor connection in the battery feed or the ignition 1 circuits and repair as necessary. Was a repair necessary? | -- | ||
19 | Repair the open in the ignition feed 1 circuit. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
Replace the IPC, refer to Instrument Panel and Guages of the service manual. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | ||
Check for a faulty PCM ground connection at the engine block or PCM connector and repair as necessary. Was a repair necessary? | -- | |||
Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK, refer to Diagnostic Aids. |
