Malfunction Indicator Lamp: Testing and Inspection
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Diagnosis
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Circuit/System 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 engine control module (ECM) 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 ECM detects low voltage when the MIL is commanded OFF, or high voltage when the MIL is commanded ON.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
* Instrument Cluster Schematics (Instrument Cluster Schematics)
* Engine Controls Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
Note: Any MIL requesting DTCs that may be set should be diagnosed first.
1. Ignition ON, command the MIL ON and OFF with a scan tool. The MIL should turn ON and OFF as commanded.
2. Ignition ON, command the MIL ON and OFF with a scan tool while observing the following control circuit status parameters:
* MIL Control Circuit Low Voltage Test Status
* MIL Control Circuit Open Test Status
* MIL Control Circuit High Voltage Test Status
Each parameter should toggle between OK and Not Run or Not Run and OK.
Circuit/System Testing
1. If any other IPC indicators or gauges are inoperative, refer to Instrument Cluster Gauges Inoperative (Instrument Cluster Gauges Inoperative).
2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the K20 ECM harness connectors. Ignition ON, the MIL should not illuminate.
• If the MIL is illuminated, test the MIL control circuit terminal X2-21 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the P16 IPC.
3. Ignition ON, connect a 3 A fused jumper wire between the MIL control circuit terminal X2-21 and ground. The MIL should illuminate.
• If the MIL does not illuminate, test the MIL control circuit for a short to voltage, or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the P16 IPC/bulb.
4. If all circuits/connections test normal, replace the K20 ECM.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Instrument Cluster Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming