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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1999 🢒 Alero Export 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 2.4L 🢒 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On

Object Number: 297566 Size: LF
Engine Controls Components
Cell 23: Power, Ground, MIL, and DLC
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views With EGR
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

When the ignition is turned ON, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will momentarily flash ON then OFF and remain ON until the engine is running, if no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the MIL by providing a ground path through the MIL control circuit to turn ON the MIL.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts you to complete some of the basic checks and to store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data captured when the malfunction occurred. The scan tool stores this information for later reference.

    2.

  2. When the ignition switch is turned ON, the MIL should momentarily flash ON and OFF, then remain ON until the engine is running or if an emission related DTC stores.

    3.

  3. This step checks the ability of the PCM to control the MIL. The scan tool has the ability to command the MIL ON and OFF.

    4.

  4. A shorted MIL circuit can be diagnosed with a scan tool. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Outputs Diagnosis .

  5. A short to ground in the IPC is the only possibility at this point.

    6.

  6. Reprogram the PCM and perform the crankshaft position system variation learn procedure. Refer to the latest Techline information for PCM programming and Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn for the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn Procedure.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) ON Steady

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Turn ON the ignition switch leaving the engine OFF.

Is the MIL ON?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Select Special Functions Outputs/MIL.
  3. Command the MIL ON and OFF with the scan tool.

Does the MIL turn ON and OFF when commanded?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4
  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM electrical connectors.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch leaving the engine OFF.

Is the MIL OFF?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Check the MIL control circuit for a short to ground.
  2. Repair the circuit if necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Replace the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). Refer to the Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Replace the PCM. Refer to the Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8

Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start and continue to run?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 1

9
  1. Idle the engine until the normal operating temperature is reached.
  2. Check to see if any DTCs are set.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK