P0654 — Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit Malfunction
Drive with caution — fix soon.
What P0654 means
This code means the computer detected a problem in the wiring or control circuit for the Malfunction Indicator Lamp, the check engine light on your dash. It usually points to a damaged wire, a bad bulb, a connector issue, or a problem in the instrument cluster. Repairs are typically straightforward, often just wiring or a cluster fix, without engine work.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light not working or behaving oddly
- Warning lamp stays on, off, or flickers improperly
- Other dash warning lights may also act up
- Diagnostic code stored without an obvious driving symptom
- Instrument cluster lighting issues
Common causes
- Damaged or shorted wiring to the warning lamp
- Burned-out check engine light bulb
- Loose or corroded connector at the instrument cluster
- Faulty instrument cluster
- Engine control module circuit fault (less common)
Typical repair cost
$80 – $350
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0654 code?
Yes, in most cases the car runs normally. The catch is that your check engine light may not warn you about other problems. It's safe to drive short term, but get it fixed so your warning system works again.
How much does it cost to fix a P0654 code?
Simple fixes like a bulb or wiring repair often run $80 to $200. If the instrument cluster needs work or replacement, it can climb toward $350 or more.
Is a P0654 code serious?
It's usually not serious for how the car drives, but it's not harmless either. Because it can disable your warning light, you might miss a real engine problem, so it's worth fixing.
Why does P0654 matter if the car runs fine?
The check engine light is your early-warning system. If this circuit is faulty, a future engine or emissions issue may go unnoticed until it becomes expensive. Repairing it restores that protection.