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Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Mil): Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The MIL is located on the instrument panel.

  1. The MIL will illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON without the engine running. This is a bulb check.

    If the MIL does not illuminate, check MIL circuit. Refer to "COMPONENT FUNCTION CHECK ".

  2. When the engine is started, the MIL should turn off.
    Fig 1: Identifying Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
    G05869691Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

If the MIL remains on, the on board diagnostic system has detected an engine system malfunction.

On Board Diagnostic System Function

The on board diagnostic system has the following three functions.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE CHART

Diagnostic Test Mode KEY and ENG. Status Function Explanation of Function
Mode I
G05869692Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
 BULB CHECK This function checks the MIL bulb for damage (blown, open circuit, etc.).
If the MIL does not come on, check MIL circuit.
G05869693Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
 MALFUNCTION WARNING When a malfunction is detected twice in two consecutive driving cycles (two trip detection logic), the MIL will illuminate to inform the driver that a malfunction has been detected.
The following malfunctions will illuminate or blink the MIL in the 1st trip.
  • Misfire (Possible three way catalyst damage)
  • One trip detection diagnoses
Mode II
G05869694Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
 SELF-DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS This function allows DTCs and 1st trip DTCs to be read.

Diagnostic Test Mode I - Bulb Check

In this mode, the MIL on the instrument panel should stay ON. If it remains OFF, check MIL circuit. Refer to "COMPONENT FUNCTION CHECK ".

Diagnostic Test Mode I - Malfunction Warning

DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE I - MALFUNCTION WARNING CHART

MIL Condition
ON When the malfunction is detected.
OFF No malfunction.

This DTC number is clarified in Diagnostic Test Mode II (SELF-DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS)

Diagnostic Test Mode II - Self-diagnostic Results

In this mode, the DTC and 1st trip DTC are indicated by the number of blinks of the MIL as shown below. The DTC and 1st trip DTC are displayed at the same time. If the MIL does not illuminate in diagnostic test mode I (Malfunction warning), all displayed items are 1st trip DTCs. If only one code is displayed when the MIL illuminates in diagnostic test mode II (SELF-DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS), it is a DTC; if two or more codes are displayed, they may be either DTCs or 1st trip DTCs. DTC No. is same as that of 1st trip DTC. These unidentified codes can be identified by using the CONSULT-III or GST. A DTC will be used as an example for how to read a code.

Fig 2: Example Codes Of DTC
G05869695Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

A particular trouble code can be identified by the number of four-digit numeral flashes as per the following.

TROUBLE CODE CHART

Number 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
Flashes 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16

The length of time the 1, 000th-digit numeral flashes on and off is 1.2 seconds consisting of an ON (0.6-seconds) - OFF (0.6-seconds) cycle.

The 100th-digit numeral and lower digit numerals consist of a 0.3-seconds ON and 0.3-seconds OFF cycle. A change from one digit numeral to another occurs at an interval of 1.0-second OFF. In other words, the later numeral appears on the display 1.3 seconds after the former numeral has disappeared.

A change from one trouble code to another occurs at an interval of 1.8-seconds OFF.

In this way, all the detected malfunctions are classified by their DTC numbers. The DTC 0000 refers to no malfunction. (See "DTC INDEX ")

How to Switch Diagnostic Test Mode

NOTE:
  • It is better to count the time accurately with a clock.
  • It is impossible to switch the diagnostic mode when an accelerator pedal position sensor circuit has a malfunction.
  • ECM always returns to Diagnostic Test Mode I after the ignition switch is turned OFF.

HOW TO SET DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE II (SELF-DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS)

  1. Confirm that accelerator pedal is fully released, turn ignition switch ON and wait 3 seconds.
  2. Repeat the following procedure quickly five times within 5 seconds.
    • Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
    • Fully release the accelerator pedal.
  3. Wait 7 seconds, fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it depressed for approx. 10 seconds until the MIL starts blinking.
    NOTE: Do not release the accelerator pedal for 10 seconds if MIL starts blinking during this period. This blinking is displaying SRT status and is continued for another 10 seconds.
  4. Fully release the accelerator pedal.

    ECM has entered to Diagnostic Test Mode II (Self-diagnostic results).

    NOTE: Wait until the same DTC (or 1st trip DTC) appears to completely confirm all DTCs.
    Fig 3: Engine Operating Status
    G05869696Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
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