Malfunction Indicator Light Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Toyota MR2. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may also be referred to as CHECK ENGINE light. Inspect MIL to ensure it is operational and will come on if a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set.

Turn ignition on with engine off. MIL should come on and remain on. If MIL comes on, go to next step. MIL is displayed as an engine icon located just below engine coolant temperature and fuel gauges on instrument cluster on instrument panel. If MIL does not come on, check bulb circuit on instrument cluster and wiring circuit between MIL and ECM. See ENGINE PERFORMANCE in SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article in ELECTRICAL. See ENGINE CONTROL MODULE LOCATION .
Start engine and ensure MIL goes off. If MIL goes off, no malfunction is detected at this time. If MIL remains on or blinks with engine running, a malfunction is detected. Proceed to RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES . If no DTCs exist, check wiring circuit between MIL and ECM for a short to ground. See ENGINE PERFORMANCE in SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article in ELECTRICAL.