Malfunction Indicator Lamp

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) gives an indication to the vehicle operator when the PCM has recorded a DTC for an ON-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII) emissions-related circuit or component malfunction. The MIL is controlled by a transistor on the CCN circuit board based upon programming and electronic messages received from the PCM over the CAN data bus. The CCN will illuminate the MIL indicator for about fifteen seconds each time the ignition is turned to the ON position, during the bulb test.

The MIL LED is completely controlled by the CCN logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the LED will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except ON or START. The LED only illuminates when it is provided a path to ground by the CCN transistor. The CCN will also turn on the MIL for the following reasons:

• MIL Lamp-ON Message  - Each time the CCN receives a MIL lamp-on message from the PCM, the indicator will be illuminated. The indicator can be flashed on and off, or illuminated solid, as dictated by the PCM message. For some DTC's, if a problem does not recur, the PCM will send a lamp-off message automatically. Other DTC's may require that a fault be repaired and the PCM be reset before a lamp-off message will be sent.
• Communication Error  - If the CCN receives no messages from the PCM for ten consecutive message cycles, the MIL is illuminated by the CCN to indicate a loss of bus communication. The indicator remains illuminated until a valid message is received from the PCM.

The PCM continually monitors the fuel and emissions system circuits and sensors to decide whether the system is in good operating condition. The PCM then sends the proper lamp-on or lamp-off messages to the CCN. If the CCN turns on the MIL after the bulb test, it may indicate that a malfunction has occurred and that the fuel and emissions systems may require service.