my check engine light just came on

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic

functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can

come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the

computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or

engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and

need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that

were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific

information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right

direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you

have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for

free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what

your problem may be.