Hey guys, I started my car up today and after about 30 seconds of driving my Check engine light came on. I'm not sure what it was caused by, however, I'm close to 58k miles and I was thinking it was just triggered by a regular maintanence check. What do you guys think and if I were to reset it would it come back on again if there was an actual problem? How do I reset it? Thanks

 

The "Maintenance Required" light and the "Check Engine" light are two separate lights. The "Check Engine" light means that the computer detects a <U>problem somewhere</U>. For this light you need to get the code pulled (with a scanner or shop computer). Some auto parts stores will pull the code for free. The "Maintenance Required" light will come on at a certain mileage interval, and is just a <U>reminder</U> to do the scheduled maintenance. If it is the "Check Engine" light, you should get the code, or codes from the computer, and post them here.

 

How do I pull the codes and how seriously should I take the check engine light? I do regular maintence and what not...oil changes at 3k miles, wires, etc.

 

You should get the codes from the computer as soon as you can (I think Autozone or Advance etc. will get the codes for free). It should still be safe to drive the car, unless there are other problems like overheating.