Hard Failures
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 GMC Pickup and 1997 Chevrolet Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Most hard failures cause MIL to illuminate and remain on until malfunction is repaired. If MIL comes on and remains on (light may flash) during vehicle operation, cause of malfunction must be determined. See DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE .
If a sensor fails, PCM/VCM will use a substitute value in its calculations to continue engine operation. In this condition, vehicle is functional, but it will most likely display degraded driveability.