Check engine light 101:

My check engine light is on, what should I do? 

Don't panic!  If it is not flashing and the car is running normally, it may be something as minor as a loose gas cap.  The vehicle's onboard computer will  monitor the situation and If the fault no longer appears after multiple drive cycles,  the light will go out on its own.  If not, please call or email us for an appointment  and we will connect our diagnostic computers to the vehicle and "pull" the codes. FOR FREE!!

The code itself will not actually fix the problem.  Further diagnosis is usually required and will be at our diagnostic rate.

My check engine light is blinking, what should I do?

Don't panic!  While this indicates a more serious fault, if the vehicle is running normally contact us  at your earliest opportunity for an appointment.  If on the other hand it is running rough, drive gingerly and contact us immediately.

What is a fault code? 

The federal government inacted OBDII  requirements for all cars which dictated very tight tolerances on a myriad of engine functions usually related to exhaust emissions.  When the computer detects a sensor is out of the required range it illuminates the light and the computer stores a code from that sensor that indicates the type of fault.

How much will it cost to make the light go out?

It is very difficult to accurately give an estimate from the code as it ranges from simple solutions like a loose gas cap to finding a tiny leak someplace in the evaporative fuel system.  To further complicate the matter, the fault can be intermittent and therefore very difficult to duplicate in the shop.  The code is not to be used as the sole diagnostic method and usually requires the knowledge and experience of an factory trained technician and/or the resources of the manufacturer to efficiently resolve the issue. 

Can I get a Vermont State Inspection with my (MIL) check engine light on?

No and it cannot legally be disconnected either.