Malfunction Indicator Lamp: Description and Operation

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) looks the same as the MIL you are already familiar with (Check Engine lamp). However, OBD II requires that it illuminate under a strict set of guide lines.

Basically, the MIL is turned on when the PCM detects a DTC that will impact the vehicle emissions.

The MIL is under the control of the Diagnostic Executive. The MIL will be turned on if an emissions-related diagnostic test indicates a malfunction has occurred.
It will stay on until the system or component passes the same test, for three consecutive trips, with no emissions related faults.

If the vehicle is experiencing a misfire malfunction which may cause damage to the Three-Way Catalytic Converter (TWC), the MIL will flash once per second. This will continue until the vehicle is outside of speed and load conditions which could cause possible catalyst damage, and the MIL will stop flashing and remain on steady.

Extinguishing the MIL
When the MIL is on, the Diagnostic Executive will turn off the MIL after three (3) consecutive trips that a test passed has been reported for the diagnostic test that originally caused the MIL to illuminate.

Although the MIL has been turned off, the DTC will remain in the PCM memory (both Freeze Frame and Failure Records) until forty(40) warm-up cycles after no faults have been completed.

If the MIL was set by either a fuel trim or misfire-related DTC, additional requirements must be met. In addition to the requirements stated in the previous paragraph, these requirements are as follows:
- The diagnostic tests that are passed must occur with 375 RPM of the RPM data stored at the time the last test failed.
- Plus or minus ten (10) percent of the engine load that was stored at the time the last failed.
- Similar engine temperature conditions (warmed up or warming up ) as those stored at the time the last test failed.

Meeting these requirements ensures that the fault which turned on the MIL has been corrected.

The MIL (Check Engine lamp) is on the instrument panel and has the following functions:

- It informs the driver that a fault that affects vehicle emission levels has occurred and that the vehicle should be taken for service as soon as possible.
- As a bulb and system check, the MIL will come ON with the key ON and the engine not running. When the engine is started, the MIL will turn OFF.
- When the MIL remains ON while the engine is running, or when a malfunction is suspected due to a driveability or emissions problem, a Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check must be performed. The procedures for these checks are given in On-Board Diagnostic (OBD II) System Check.These checks will expose faults which may not be detected if other diagnostics are performed first.

Reduced Power Lamp

The reduced power lamp (RPL) turns on when the ignition key is moved to the ON position. It should turn off in approximately 3 seconds or immediately after the engine starts.

If the RPL turns on during vehicle operation, a vehicle system failure resulting in reduced engine output is indicated.

If both the reduced RPL and the check engine light turn on, a serious problem affecting vehicle performance is indicated. Refer to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD II) System Check NO and RPL "ON" Steady.