Exhaust Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) in instrument cluster (vehicles with engine codes AFP and BDF), checking

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Component location of exhaust MIL

Fig 1: Locating MIL For Exhaust Emissions - Version A

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Version A

Fig 2: Locating MIL For Exhaust Emissions - Version B

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Version B

Meaning of exhaust MIL

The exhaust Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) lights up when exhaust relevant malfunctions are recognized by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

NOTE: The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) can blink or remain lit continuously. DTC memory must be checked in each case. Refer to Diagnostic mode 3: Check DTC Memory

Blinking: There is a malfunction that causes damage to the catalytic converter in this driving condition. In this case, vehicle must only be driven at reduced power!
Continuously lit: There is a malfunction that causes increased emissions. Check DTC memory.
DTC memory must still be checked if there are drivability problems or customer complaints and the MIL is not lit, since malfunctions can be stored without causing the MIL to light immediately.

Recommended special tools and equipment

V.A.G 1526 multimeter or V.A.G 1715 multimeter
V.A.G 1594 connector test kit
Wiring diagram

Test requirement

Fig 3: Identifying Main Fuse Panel

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

The respective fuses of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) -K83- must be OK:

Refer to Electrical Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting & Component Locations

Test sequence

Switch on ignition:

exhaust MIL must light up.

If exhaust MIL does not light up when ignition is switched on:

Switch ignition off.
Check wire from ECM to exhaust MIL as follows:
Connect test box to control module wiring harness. Refer to Test box, connecting for wiring test
Bridge sockets 2 +47 of test box with the respective adapter cables.

Switch on ignition:

exhaust MIL must light up.

If Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) does not light up:

Switch ignition off.
Remove instrument cluster:

Refer to 90 INSTRUMENTS

Check wire connection from Engine Control Module (ECM) to Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) -K83- according to wiring diagram:

Refer to Electrical Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting & Component Locations

Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM). Refer to Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data
Generate readiness code. Refer to Readiness code, generating

If no malfunctions are detected in wire from Engine Control Module (ECM) to Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL):

Replace Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-. Refer to Engine Control Module (ECM), replacing .

If exhaust MIL lights up when ignition is switched on:

Start engine and let run at idle:

Exhaust MIL must

go out after a few seconds.

If Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) does not go out:

Switch ignition off.
Remove instrument cluster:

Refer to 90 INSTRUMENTS

Connect test box to control module wiring harness. Refer to Test box, connecting for wiring test
Check wire connection between test box socket 47 and instrument cluster for short circuit to Ground (GND) according to wiring diagram:

Refer to Electrical Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting & Component Locations

Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM). Refer to Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data
Generate readiness code. Refer to Readiness code, generating

If no malfunctions are detected in wire from Engine Control Module (ECM) to Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL):

Replace Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-. Refer to Engine Control Module (ECM), replacing .