Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 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 diagnostics (OBD) emission-related component or system fault. When this occurs, an OBD diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is set.
- The MIL is located on the instrument cluster and is labeled as international standardization organization engine symbol.
- Power is supplied to the MIL whenever the key is in the ON or START position.
- The MIL will remain 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 will be present.
- The instrument cluster will illuminate 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):
- The bulb is damaged.
- Instrument cluster wiring concern.
- To turn off the MIL after a repair, a reset command from the diagnostic tool must be sent, or 3 consecutive drive cycles must be completed without a fault.
- For any MIL concern, GO to QT: STEP 1: POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) / TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULE (TCM) QUICK TEST .
- If the MIL blinks at a steady rate, a severe misfire condition may exist.