Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Diagnosis

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

Ignition voltage is supplied to the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The engine control module (ECM) turns the MIL ON by grounding the MIL control circuit.

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

Ignition ON, the MIL should turn ON and OFF when commanded with a scan tool.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the instrument panel cluster (IPC).
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the 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.

3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit and the ignition circuit.
4. Command the MIL ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

5. If all circuits test normal, replace the IPC.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Instrument Cluster Replacement (Except Cadillac) (Instrument Cluster Replacement (Except Cadillac))Instrument Cluster Replacement (Cadillac) (Instrument Cluster Replacement (Cadillac))
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for ECM replacement, setup, and programming