Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
• Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stopping
distances. Therefore, after driving through stand-
ing water, drive slowly and lightly press on the
brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
• Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your pas-
sengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
• Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water and if there are any obstacles in
the way before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always
inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, trans-
mission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e.,
fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance) after
driving through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears contami-
nated, as this may result in further damage. Such
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 247
access this information to assist with the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
•ONLY an authorized service technician should con-
nect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to diagnose or service your vehicle.
• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the
OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior
tracking device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including
safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may result
in an accident involving serious injury or death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including per-
sonal information. For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in the
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” section.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which
you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if
your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the
following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but donot crank or start the engine.
NOTE: If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is
not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you place the ignition in the off
position or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is readyand you can proceed
to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By OilChange Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator sys-
tem turns on.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and
park brake.
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road
conditions.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 399
Audio Systems (Radio).....................194
Automatic Dimming Mirror ...................88
Automatic Door Locks ......................23
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........216
Automatic Transaxle ........................11
Automatic Transmission ..............235, 371, 373
Adding Fluid ...................... .372, 373
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................373
Fluid Change ......................... .373
Fluid Level Check ...................... .372
Fluid Type ........................... .396
Gear Ranges .......................... .238
Special Additives ...................... .372
Autostick .............................. .243
Battery ............................ .155, 352
Charging System Light ...................155
Jump Starting ......................... .331
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........19Belts, Seat
...............................77
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................357
B-Pillar Location ......................... .269
Brake Assist System ...................... .255
Brake Fluid ......................... .394, 396
Brake, Parking .......................... .249
Brakes ................................ .368
Brake System ........................ .253, 368
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .254
Master Cylinder ....................... .369
Parking ............................. .249
Warning Light ........................ .153
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................236
Bulb Replacement ..................... .388, 389
Bulbs, Light .......................... .79, 388
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........393
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .393
10
INDEX 415
Caps, FillerFuel ................................ .302
Oil (Engine) .......................... .350
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................76, 301
Cargo Area Features ...................... .129
Car Washes ............................ .374
Cellular Phone .......................... .213
Chains, Tire ............................ .287
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .323
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .264
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .345
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............75
Checks, Safety ............................75
Child Restraint ............................55
Child Restraints Booster Seats ...........................60
Child Restraints .........................55
Child Seat Installation .....................71
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt ........68Infants And Child Restraints
................58
Install A LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint ....67
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................69
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......62
Older Children And Child Restraints ..........58
Seating Positions ........................61
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .298
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .375
Climate Control ......................... .213
Clutch ................................ .369
Clutch Fluid ............................ .369
Compact Spare Tire ....................... .281
Connector UCI................................ .195
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ..........195
Contract, Service ......................... .406
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................... .393
416 INDEX
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........110
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............257
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........156
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......178
Exit Trip ............................. .182
NewTrip ............................ .182
Start Of Trip Procedure ...................182
Trip Computer ........................ .181
Trip Functions ........................ .183
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher ..................309
Jacking .............................. .323
Jump Starting ......................... .331
Towing ............................. .338
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........345
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .351
Break-In Recommendations .................74
Checking Oil Level ..................... .348Compartment
......................... .343
Cooling ............................. .363
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................76, 301
Fails To Start ......................... .231
Flooded, Starting ...................... .231
Fuel Requirements ..................... .297
Oil ............................. .348, 393
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .350
Oil Filter ............................ .350
Oil Selection ...................... .349, 394
Overheating .......................... .309
Starting ............................. .229
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............50
Ethanol ............................... .298
Euro Twin Clutch Transmission Fluid Type ........................... .371
Event Data Recorder ........................54
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................76, 301
Exhaust System ....................... .76, 360
418 INDEX