GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2005 🢒 Matiz 🢒 Body 🢒 Data Link Communications 🢒 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On

Circuit Description

Ignition 1 voltage is supplied directly to the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The engine control module (ECM) turns the MIL ON by grounding the MIL control circuit. There should be a steady MIL with the ignition ON and the engine OFF.

MIL Operation

The MIL is located on the instrument panel (I/P).

MIL Function

    • 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.

MIL Illumination

    • 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 no longer present.
    • If the MIL is illuminated and then the engine stalls, the MIL will remain illuminated as 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.

Test Description

The numbers below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step determines if the condition is with the MIL control circuit or the ECM.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connect End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Important: Do not perform this diagnostic if there is a DTC set.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the engine control module (ECM).
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).

Is the MIL illuminated?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Remove the instrument panel (I/P). Refer to Instrument Panel Assembly Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
  2. Test the MIL control circuit for a short to ground between the ECM and the I/P. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Replace the I/P. Refer to Instrument Panel Assembly Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

--

5

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

--

6

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2