GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is located on the instrument panel cluster. The MIL will illuminate when there is an emission related failure or the ignition is ON with the engine OFF. Ignition 1 voltage is supplied to the MIL. The engine control module (ECM) turns the MIL ON by grounding the control circuit of the MIL using a low side driver. The ECM monitors the voltage level on the control circuit of the MIL. If the ECM detects a short to voltage on the control circuit of the MIL, DTC P1660 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P1660 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit High Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON or the engine is operating.
    • The ignition 1 voltage is more than 10 volts.
    • DTC P1660 runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects a short to voltage on the control circuit of the MIL.

Action Taken When the DTC Set

    • The MIL will illuminate after 3 consecutive trips with a fail.
    • The ECM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL will turn OFF after 4 consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
    • DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.
    • Disconnect the ECM battery feed for more than 10 seconds.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests the control circuit for a shorted to voltage.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Clear the DTC with a scan tool.
  3. Wait 30 seconds.

Does DTC P1660 set?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the engine control module (ECM).
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the control circuit of the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with a test lamp connected to a good ground.

Does the MIL illuminate?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Test for shorted terminals and poor connections at the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

Repair a short to voltage on the control circuit of the MIL. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 9

9

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK