On-Board Diagnostics: Notes

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is located on the right side of instrument cluster. The MIL is also referred to as SERVICE ENGINE SOON indicator. The MIL is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and is used to indicate that the PCM has detected a problem that affects vehicle emissions and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is present. When ignition is first turned on, MIL should come on and remain on until engine is started to verify bulb and circuit operation. If MIL does not illuminate at all, diagnose MIL circuits. See MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT INOPERATIVE  under SYSTEM TESTS. The PCM is programmed with test routines that check the operation of the various systems that the PCM controls. Some tests check the internal functions of the PCM. Some tests are run continuously while other tests run only under specific conditions (referred to as code enable criteria). When vehicle is operating within conditions for running a particular test, the PCM checks certain parameters and determines whether or not the values are within an expected range. When conditions for setting the DTC are met, the PCM will store a DTC and, if code is emission related, illuminate the MIL. Some DTCs alert the driver via a message. See CODE TYPES . The PCM also saves data and input parameters when most DTCs are set. This data is stored in FREEZE FRAME and/or FAILURE RECORDS. See FREEZE FRAME  and FAILURE RECORDS  .