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)
When ignition is first turned on, MIL should come on for approximately 5 seconds to verify bulb and circuit operation, and then go off. The MIL is located on instrument panel, near tachometer.
The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors several different engine control system circuits. If malfunction occurs which affects vehicle emissions, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be stored in ECM. When DTC is stored in ECM, the ECM will turn on the MIL the next time ignition is turned on and the same malfunction exists. The MIL will remain on steady until DTC is cleared from the ECM.
If MIL will not come on with ignition is first turned on, or remains on steady with no DTCs stored in ECM, proceed to trouble symptom inspection table and then perform a specified inspection. Trouble symptom inspection table and trouble symptom inspection procedures are listed after the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) tests.
The ECM will turn off MIL when malfunction is not detected during 3 consecutive engine start-to-stop trips on all applications except an engine misfire or excessive time to enter closed loop. On engine misfire or excessive time to enter closed loop, ECM will turn off MIL when malfunction is not detected during one consecutive engine start-to-stop trip when condition such as engine speed, engine coolant temperature etc. are similar to those when malfunction was first recorded.
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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.
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