Circuit Description
Ignition voltage is supplied 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 cluster (IPC).
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 ECM. |
MIL Illumination
| • | The MIL will illuminate with the ignition switch ON and the engine OFF. |
| • | 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 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 number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Engine Control Module Connector End Views | ||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
2 |
Does the MIL turn ON and OFF when commanded with a scan tool? | -- | Go to Intermittent Conditions | Go to Step 3 |
Is the voltage less than the specified value? | 0.3 V | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 8 | |
4 |
Is the MIL illuminated? | -- | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | Test the MIL control circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct a condition? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 6 |
6 | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the IPC. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 9 |
7 | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 10 |
8 | Repair the short to voltage in the MIL control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- |
9 | Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- |
10 | Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | -- |
11 |
Does the vehicle operate correctly, without MIL illumination and without stored DTCs? | -- | System OK | |
