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Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), Significance

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL):






Installation position of exhaust MIL

Special tools and equipment
- VAG1598/31 test box
- VAG1526 multimeter or VAG1715 multimeter
- VAG1594 connector test kit
- Wiring diagram

Test requirements






- Fuses no. 10 and 29 must be OK.
- Battery voltage must be at least 11.5 volts.

Function test:
- Switch ignition on: exhaust MIL must light.

If exhaust MIL does not light when ignition is switched on:
- Check wire from ECM to exhaust MIL as follows:

Cause: Corrective action:
MIL is not being activated or is not -Switch ignition off.
lighting due to an open circuit. -Connect VAG1598/31 test box. Engine Control Module (ECM) is
not connected.
-Bridge sockets 2 and 47 of test box.
-Switch ignition on.
Exhaust MIL must light.
If exhaust MIL does not light:
-Switch ignition off.
-Check instrument cluster.
If instrument cluster is OK:
-Locate short circuit or open circuit from ECM to exhaust warning
lamp and repair.
If no malfunctions are found in wire to exhaust MIL:
Malfunction cause ECM faulty, replace ECM.

If exhaust MIL does not light when ignition is switched on, continue test as follows:
- Start engine and let run at idle: exhaust MIL must go out after a few seconds.

If exhaust MIL does not go out:
- Check DTC memory, repair any malfunctions and then erase DTC memory, See Erasing and checking DTC memory.

If there no DTCs are stored:

Cause: Corrective action:
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is -Switch ignition off.
constantly activated due to a short -Connect VAG1598/31 test box. Engine Control Module (ECM)
circuit to Ground (GND). is not connected
-Measure wire resistance between socket 47 of test box vehicle
Ground (GND). Specification: Infinite Ohm
If specified value is not obtained:
Short circuit to Ground (GND) in activation wire from ECM to exhaust MIL.
-Locate malfunction using wiring diagram and repair.
If specified value of infinite Ohm is obtained, and no short
circuit to Ground (GND) is found:
Malfunction cause ECM faulty, replace ECM.

- Read readiness code. If DTC memory was erased or Engine Control Module (ECM) was disconnected from continuous B+ supply readiness code must be re-generated.