The dreaded 'MIL' red light...

[Tatlow]

Wondering if anyone can help - when I mash the loud pedal in to the carpet the red MIL light comes on. When I release the pedal it goes off again. I can give it 90% and nothing happens, its only when the pedal's right down. Nothing seems to happen to the car when the light comes on, but knowing its something to do with the ECU I thought I'd ask....

[satman]

The hand book says..."will also illuminate if there is a problem with the fuel injection or emission system"...maybe the the ECU is picking up an overfuelling/underfueling problem...my guess is it may need a laptop to tell you which.

[kojak69]

To make sure, i'd go along with satman. Plug it in to a laptop.

[suffolkfox]

MIL light will come on if the ECU is unable to automatically adjust the engine running (it works from a MAP then compensates by, I think, advancing/retarding ignition amongst other things). The light flashing on full throttle could mean the ECU thinks the fuel mix is too rich and possibly could be due to Lambda sensor readings. Yes check with software, but if it says Lambda sensors, check the contacts are clean (push/twist/pull connectors behind engine on top of gearbox) as these tend to corrode and give false readings. Bu66ers to get at. Good luck.

[shpub]

It will also come on if any of the throttle pots or other sensors go out of spec. Worth checking all the connections but I would get it to a dealer and get that laptop plugged in.

[Tatlow]

Laptop time it is, then!

Thanks a lot for your suggestions, by the way.

[jet fixer]

Forgive me for asking a silly question.

Ive just picked up my 4.5 and read the handbook which says the MIL light will come on for 2 secs every time the ignition is on and immobiliser is off.

On mine you turn off the immobiliser and press the black button (ign on engine stationary) and the mil light is continuous as soon as the engine fires it goes out. That is correct, Yes?

The manual just says 2 secs because thats how long before the engine will start?

By the way how do you turn down this damn buzzer.

Once again sorry if these are stupid questions.

[davetherave1970]

Sound right to me.
The buzzer was "loud" on mine too when I first collected it. There is a 'pot' screw thingy (not technical) behind you speedo/rev counter.
I'm sure if you do a search there are instructions on getting at this yourself. I had my dealer do mine.

[andy4200]

jet fixer said:

By the way how do you turn down this damn buzzer.

I'll try and get a piccie of the pot for the buzzer this afternoon so you can see what one it is. I had my dash pod off at the weekend and lost the wing nuts to screw it down again.

Andy

[goo-goo-gjoob]

jet fixer said:

Ive just picked up my 4.5 and read the handbook which says the MIL light will come on for 2 secs every time the ignition is on and immobiliser is off. On mine you turn off the immobiliser and press the black button (ign on engine stationary) and the mil light is continuous as soon as the engine fires it goes out. That is correct, Yes? The manual just says 2 secs because thats how long before the engine will start?

Is this MIL light the same as the 'check engine' light on american cars? Sounds like it.

Anyway, the reason it and most of the other lights come on for 2 seconds at startup is to let you know the lamp is working properly. Otherwise you could drive around forever with a problem and not know it because the warning lamp is burnt out.

[philadcock]

I had exactly this problem and it was caused by a plug lead not attaching properly to the plug. Worth a check.

Phil.