Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Diagnosis

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Diagnosis

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) 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 states 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.

Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent or poor connection at the MIL control circuit at the inline harness connector may cause this DTC to set. Inspect the connector terminals for any condition that may result in excessive resistance. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics).

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

* Engine Controls Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
* Instrument Cluster Schematics (Instrument Cluster Schematics)

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions)
Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, command the MIL ON and OFF with a scan tool. The MIL should turn ON and OFF with each command.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition ON, verify that the IPC warning indicators are illuminated.

• If the IPC warning indicators are not illuminated, test the IPC ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the ignition circuit fuse is open, replace the IPC.

2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the ECM X2 harness connector. Ignition ON, the MIL should not illuminate.

• If the MIL is illuminated, test the MIL control circuit terminal X2-30 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPC.

3. Ignition ON, connect a 3A fused jumper wire between the MIL control circuit terminal X2-30 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 IPC/bulb.

4. If all circuits/connectors test normal, replace the 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 and ICM replacement, setup, and programming