Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Malfunction Indicator Light (Mil)
MIL will illuminate if a failure occurs with Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Transmission Control Module (TCM).
When ignition is turned on, MIL should come on. When engine is started, MIL should turn off after a couple of seconds. If MIL does not turn off after engine is started, or if MIL comes on while driving, retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). See RETRIEVING CODES .
If MIL lights continuously, a malfunction is present that will cause an increase in emissions. If MIL starts to blink, a malfunction is present which may lead to catalytic converter damage. Repair these failures as quickly as possible. For some failures, MIL is only turned on after failure occurs after 2 successive trips with cold engine starts preceding failure.
Some failures will set a DTC which will never cause MIL to light. An example of a failure that could occur and not cause MIL to light would be a FUEL LEVEL TOO LOW signal generated on an A4 model.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.