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
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
G100, G101 and G102
H/L, HTR, IG and LAMP Fuses
HAZ, D/L, TAIL, STOP and DOME Fuses
BATT, ABS, FI and ACC Fuses
and to

MIL and DLC


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

Circuit Description

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated when the ignition is on and the engine is off. Battery ignition voltage is supplied to the MIL. The powertrain control module (PCM) will turn the MIL on by grounding the control circuit at the PCM. The MIL is normally off when the engine is runnning. A steady MIL with the engine running suggests a short to ground in the MIL control circuit or a DTC is set in the powertrain control system.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for any of the following conditions:

    • Check for a shorted MIL control circuit between the PCM and instrument panel cluster (IPC) assembly.
    • A shorted IPC assembly board may cause the MIL to remain illuminated.
    • Check for 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:

    • Any backed-out terminals
    • Any improper mating of terminals
    • Any broken electrical connector locks
    • Any improperly formed or damaged terminals
    • Any faulty terminal-to-wire connections
    • Any physical damage to the wiring harness
    • A broken wire inside the insulation
    • Any corrosion of electrical connections, the splices, or the 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 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. This step checks for a short to ground in MIL control circuit.

  3. This step checks for a short in the MIL control circuit between the PCM and the instrument panel cluster (IPC) assembly.

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

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine off.

Is the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Check for a short to ground in the MIL control circuit between the PCM and the instrument panel cluster (IPC) assembly.
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Check the IPC assembly for a shorted circuit board.
  2. Repair or replace as necessary.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 6

--

5

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 6

--

6

Start the engine and observe the MIL.

Does the MIL turn OFF in approximately 1 to 2 seconds after the engine is started?

--

System OK

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check