Hard Failures
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1996 Mitsubishi Diamante, 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT, and 1996 Dodge Stealth. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Hard failures cause MIL to come on and remain on until failure is repaired. If MIL comes on and remains on (MIL may flash) during vehicle operation, cause of failure may be determined by using DTCs. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) . If a sensor fails, PCM will use a substitute value in its calculations to continue engine operation. In this condition (limp-in mode), vehicle is functional, but loss of good driveability may result.