Using Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

USING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL)
Codes flashed by the MIL lamp indicate a system or component failure, but do not identify the component that has failed. Because a scan tool can pinpoint a wider range of problems with greater accuracy, the diagnostic charts use trouble codes obtained with a diagnostic scan tool rather than with the MIL lamp. The MIL diagnostic trouble codes, can be used in some cases as a starting point for diagnosis.