Chevrolet Repair: Engine Light, cavilier, autozone

Question
Hi I have a 1996 Cavilier it just turned over 100,000 miles and now the engine light has come on.  The car was cheked out and everything appears fine.  Is this just just some kind of reminder light for some type of dealership attention?

Thanx

Doug

Answer
No, Doug.
The on bord diagnostics has encountered a condition outside the normal parrameters.
Go to Autozone, and they will connect a scan tool, and read the stored codes for free.
The machine will usually offer suggestions as to what may cause the code, and can clear the code so you can see if it is just an intermittent code.
If it doesn't come back, and turn the light on again, it could have been just a temporary condition, so don't spend any money right off.
Sometimes, something as simple as leaving the gas cap loose can turn the light on, and it will clear itself after correcting the problem,(tightening the cap), and several start cycles are completed.

Van