FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), Checking



Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) In Instrument Cluster, Checking

Component location of exhaust MIL


Version A:




Version B:






Meaning of exhaust MIL
The exhaust Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) lights up when exhaust relevant malfunctions are recognized by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

NOTE:
- The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) can blink or remain lit continuously. DTC memory must be checked in each case, Diagnostic mode 3: Check DTC memory. Diagnostic Mode 3: Check DTC Memory
- Blinking: There is a malfunction that causes damage to the catalytic converter in this driving condition. In this case, vehicle must only be driven at reduced power.
- Continuously lit: There is a malfunction that causes increased emissions. Check DTC memory for Motronic control module.
- DTC memory must still be checked if there are driveability problems or customer complaints and the MIL is not lit, since malfunctions can be stored without causing the MIL to light immediately.

Recommended special tools and equipment
- V.A.G 1526 multimeter or V.A.G 1715 multimeter
- V.A.G 1594 connector test kit
- Wiring diagram

Test requirement







- The respective fuses of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) -K83- must be OK.

Test sequence
- Switch on ignition.
- exhaust MIL must light up.

If exhaust MIL does not light up when ignition is switched on:
- Switch ignition off.
- Check wire from ECM to exhaust MIL as follows.
- Connect test box to control module wiring harness. Test Box, Connecting For Wiring Test
- Bridge sockets 2 + 47 of test box with the respective adapter cables.
- Switch on ignition:
- exhaust MIL must light up.

If Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) does not light up:
- Switch ignition off.
- Remove instrument cluster.
- Check wire connection from Engine Control Module (ECM) to Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) -K83- according to wiring diagram.
- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes

If no malfunctions are detected in wire from Engine Control Module (ECM) to Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL):
- Replace Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-.

If exhaust MIL lights up when ignition is switched on:
- Start engine and let run at idle:
- Remove instrument cluster:
- Connect test box to control module wiring harness. Test Box, Connecting For Wiring Test
- Check wire connection between test box socket 47 and instrument cluster for short circuit to Ground (GND) according to wiring diagram:
- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes

If no malfunctions are detected in wire from Engine Control Module (ECM) to Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL):
- Replace Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-.