Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The MIL alerts the driver that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an on board diagnostic (OBD) emission-related component or system concern. When this occurs, an OBD diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is set.
- The MIL is located on the instrument cluster and is labeled as International Standards Organization (ISO) engine symbol.
- Power is supplied to the MIL whenever the ignition is in the ON or START position.
- The MIL remains on in the on/start mode as a bulb check during the instrument cluster prove-out for approximately 4 seconds.
- If the MIL remains on after the bulb check:
- the PCM illuminates the MIL for an emission related concern and a DTC is set.
- the instrument cluster illuminates the MIL if the PCM does not send a control message to the instrument cluster.
- the PCM is operating in the hardware limited operation strategy (HLOS).
- If the MIL remains off during the bulb check, there is:
- an instrument cluster concern.
- an instrument cluster wiring concern.
- To turn off the MIL after a repair, a reset command from the scan tool must be sent, or three consecutive drive cycles must be completed without a concern.
- For any MIL concern, refer to QT2 CARRY OUT THE PCM AND TCM QUICK TEST .
- If the MIL blinks at a steady rate, a severe misfire condition may exist.
- The MIL flashes after a period of time with the ignition in the RUN position (engine not running) if DTC P1000 is set.