Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Manuals through 2025 now available!

Our trusted friends have launched a new website named LEMON, which has newer manuals. It also contains all the CHARM manuals.

LEMON is the spiritual successor to CHARM, I recommend you try it!

Link: lemon-manuals.la or lemon-manuals.org.ua

(Some people have issue connecting. LEMON is investigating. For now, use Firefox or change your DNS server)

Or, hide this message: temporarily or permanently

Malfunction Indicator Lamp: Description and Operation

PURPOSE
Inform operator of system malfunction detected by on-board diagnostic system. Provides method for reading codes.

OPERATION
As a self-test, malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) lights for approximately 3 seconds when ignition is turned "ON," then goes out. If a monitored device malfunction is detected, malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will stay "ON" with the engine running. When data link connector is jumped between terminals "TEN" and "GND," MIL flashes codes corresponding to defective input/output devices and/or their circuits. If more than one failure present, lowest number code is displayed first, followed by remaining codes in numerical order.