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. There should be a steady MIL with the ignition ON and the engine OFF.
The MIL is located on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).
| • | The MIL informs the driver that a malfunction has occurred and the vehicle should be taken in for service as soon as possible. | 
| • | The MIL illuminates during a bulb test and a system test. | 
| • | A DTC will be stored if a MIL is requested by the ECM. | 
| • | The MIL will illuminate with ignition switch ON and the engine not running. | 
| • | The MIL will turn OFF when the engine is started. | 
| • | The MIL will remain ON if the self-diagnostic system has detected a malfunction. | 
| • | The MIL may turn OFF if the malfunction is not present. | 
| • | If the MIL is illuminated and then the engine stalls, the MIL will remain illuminated so long as the ignition switch is ON. | 
| • | If the MIL is not illuminated and the engine stalls, the MIL will not illuminate until the ignition switch is cycled OFF, then ON. | 
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
Step  | Action  | Values  | Yes  | No  | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics or Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views or Engine Control Module Connector End Views  | ||||
1  | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?  | --  | Go to Step 2  | |
2  | Command the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ON and OFF with a scan tool. Does the MIL turn ON and OFF when commanded with a scan tool?  | --  | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections  | Go to Step 3  | 
3  | Inspect the fuse that supplies ignition voltage to the cluster. Is the fuse open?  | --  | Go to Step 10  | Go to Step 4  | 
 Is the MIL illuminated?  | --  | Go to Step 9  | Go to Step 5  | |
5  | 
 Does the test lamp illuminate?  | --  | Go to Step 6  | Go to Step 11  | 
6  | Test the MIL control circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?  | --  | Go to Step 14  | Go to Step 7  | 
7  | Test the MIL control circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct a condition?  | --  | Go to Step 14  | Go to Step 8  | 
8  | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the IPC. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?  | --  | Go to Step 14  | Go to Step 12  | 
9  | Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECM. Refer to Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?  | --  | Go to Step 14  | Go to Step 13  | 
10  | Repair the short to ground in the ignition voltage circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Did you complete the repair?  | --  | Go to Step 14  | --  | 
11  | Repair the open in the ignition voltage circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Did you complete the repair?  | --  | Go to Step 14  | --  | 
12  | Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?  | --  | Go to Step 14  | --  | 
13  | Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement?  | --  | Go to Step 14  | --  | 
14  | Command the MIL ON and OFF with the scan tool. Does the MIL turn ON and OFF when commanded with a scan tool?  | --  | Go to Step 15  | Go to Step 2  | 
15  | Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?  | --  | System OK  | |