Malfunction Indicator Light Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Toyota Camry. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: CHECK engine light, located on instrument cluster, is referred to as malfunction indicator light (MIL). Inspect MIL to ensure it is operational and will come on if a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set.

The MIL comes on when the ignition switch is turned ON and the engine is not running. If the MIL does not light up, trouble shoot the combination meter. See appropriate INSTRUMENT PANELS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
When the engine starts, the MIL should go off. If the lamp remains on, it means the diagnosis system has detected a malfunction or abnormality in the system. See NORMAL MODE CODE RETRIEVAL under RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. If no DTCs are retrieved, check wiring circuit between MIL and ECM for a short to ground. See appropriate wiring diagram under ENGINE PERFORMANCE in SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS.