GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to

Power and Ground


Object Number: 478214  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
MIL and DLC
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
H/L, HTR, IG and LAMP Fuses
HAZ, D/L, TAIL, STOP and DOME Fuses
BATT, ABS, FI and ACC Fuses
BATT, ABS, FI and ACC Fuses
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
G100, G101 and G102
and

MIL and DLC


Object Number: 478216  Size: FS
Ignition System
Power and Ground
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
IG, TURN and WIP Fuses
H/L, HTR, IG and LAMP Fuses
(Engine Indicators)
SIR Schematics
G202
G200 (2 of 2)
HAZ, D/L, TAIL, STOP and DOME Fuses
Engine Controls Components
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
.

Circuit Description

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated when the ignition is ON and the engine is OFF. The battery ignition voltage is supplied to the MIL. The powertrain control module (PCM) will turn the MIL ON by grounding the lamp control circuit. The MIL is normally OFF when the engine is running.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for any of the following conditions:

    • Check for a faulty indicator bulb or an open in the instrument cluster power circuit if the engine starts and runs OK.
    • Check for a faulty main relay. If there is no MIL and the engine cranks but will not start, refer to Main Relay Circuit Diagnosis .
    • A MIL that is dim or not illuminated steady can be caused by an inadequate PCM ground. Inspect the G102 ground for a clean, tight connection.
    • A faulty electrical connection to the PCM.

An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the MIL electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for any of the following conditions:

    • Backed out terminals
    • Improper mating of terminals
    • Broken electrical connector locks
    • Improperly formed or damaged terminals
    • Faulty terminal to wire connections
    • Physical damage to the wiring harness
    • A broken wire inside the insulation
    • Corrosion of electrical connections, splices, or terminals

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and to store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

  2. If the engine does not start, the PCM is probably not turning ON the MIL. A PCM that does not have adequate ignition power or good electrical ground circuits, may not operate the MIL or start the engine.

  3. This step will verify whether the MIL circuit is at fault or if the PCM is not providing a ground path for the MIL circuit.

  4. This step will verify the condition of the MIL control circuit. The PCM is providing the ground for the test lamp.

  5. This step checks for an open in the ignition positive voltage circuit that supplies the PCM. An open in this circuit will disable the PCM and the main relay. The engine will not start or run, and there will be no MIL control or serial data if the circuit is open.

  6. This step tests for whether the PCM is turning ON the main relay. The MIL will not illuminate if the main relay is malfunctioning.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Check for an open in the following fuses:

    • IG fuse
    • FI fuse

Did you find an open fuse?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 3

3

Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start and run?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 9

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Jump the MIL control circuit, at the PCM, to ground using a fused jumper wire.
  3. Observe the MIL.

Does the MIL illuminate?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Backprobe the instrument cluster connector terminal C1-14 (harness side) using a test lamp connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

  1. Disconnect the instrument cluster electrical connector C1.
  2. Probe terminal C1-2 of the I/P cluster assembly (harness side) using a test lamp connected to battery positive voltage.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to ON, and then turn the ignition switch to OFF while observing the test lamp.

Does the test lamp illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON, and does the test lamp go OFF when the ignition switch is turned OFF?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

7

Repair the open in the BLK/WHT wire between the junction block and the instrument cluster. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

8

Locate and repair the open in the PPL/YEL wire between the instrument cluster and the PCM. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

9

  1. Backprobe the PCM electrical connector terminal C2-20 using a test lamp connected to ground.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Repair the open in the ignition positive voltage circuit between the IG fuse and the PCM. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

11

  1. Disconnect the PCM electrical connectors.
  2. Probe the PCM ground circuits (harness side) using a test lamp connected to battery positive voltage.

Does the test lamp illuminate at each terminal?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

  1. Connect the PCM electrical connectors.
  2. Backprobe the main relay control circuit, terminal C1-9, at the PCM with a test lamp connected to B+.
  3. Turn ON the ignition while observing the test lamp.

Did the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Main Relay Circuit Diagnosis

Go to Step 14

13

Repair the open in the PCM ground circuits between the PCM and the G102 ground. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

14

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

15

  1. Check for any of the following conditions:
  2. •  A faulty bulb
    • A faulty instrument cluster circuit from connector C1 to the MIL bulb socket
    • A faulty electrical connection in the instrument cluster
  3. Repair as necessary.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

16

Repair the short to ground in the IG fuse or the FI fuse circuits. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

17

  1. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the MIL.
  3. Start the engine while continuing to observe the MIL.

Did the MIL illuminate when the ignition was ON and then turn OFF after the engine was started?

--

System OK

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List