P0650 code on a 2002 monte carlo

by Gemica
(Chicago Il.)

I am having an emissions related problem with a code of p0650 comeing up! I no what this code means but I need to no how to get it fixed? Where to start at? And any mechanics or shops I can be referred to in the Chicago Il. area and not the chevy dealer - prices too high!

Steve Says,

Hi Gemica, thanks for asking me your car question.

First of all OBD code p0650 is for "Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit". This code has nothing to do with the emissions system.

This code basically means that there is most likely an open circuit (a break in the wiring) somewhere in the wiring to the MIL.

The first thing to check is your fuses. Use your owners manual to find where the fuse panel is located then inspect them to see if any are bad.

Another thing that could cause this code is if the wiring under your dash is faulty or the connector to the instrument panel is loose, corroded or somehow not getting a good connection.

This check engine light code is not a common one so some mechanics might not be that good at diagnosing and repairing the problem.

This could also be a problem with your cars computer. The computer is telling the light to go on and if the wiring is all fine and there are no problems with it then you might be looking at replacing the PCM.

Any good shop that has a scan tool should be able to diagnose this code fairly quickly.

I don't know of any good shops in the Chicago area as I live far away from Ill. but I can give you some general guidelines.

You want a shop that has ASE certified technicians. This means that they have taken nad passed tests given by an independent testing organization and have the skills and experience to repair cars correctly.

When you drive to an auto repair shop you should look around the shop inside and out. See how things look. Are things fairly clean and organized? Are the cars outside similar to yours in age and condition, etc.

Any of the shops that pass the first two tests should be on your list of possible good shops. After you have a few that you like, go to visit them. Ask them lots of questions. If they seem to answer your questions well and are happy to talk to you and make you feel comfortable, then give them a try.

I hope this has helped. When you find a good shop, please come back to my site and leave me a comment and tell me what shop you visited. My readers would greatly appreciate it.