Chrysler Repair: check engine light: 05 neon, light thanks, independent repair

Question
This light came on today. It is yellow-orange in the shape of an engine right above the gas guage. Car has 40k on it and running fine. Light is not flashing. Should I let it go a few days and see if it goes off? The gas cap seems on ok. This an emissions light? Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Chris,
That is the 'check engine' light. It being 'on' means that some sort of fault which affect the amount of polluntant emission has been detected and put a 4-digit code in the memory of the engine control module. In order to find out the code there is a socket underneath the dash by the steering column into which a code reader plug is inserted. It is often the case that a nation-wide parts store, such as Autozone, will for free do the code readout. So see if you can get it that way. Otherwise an independent repair shop will do it for less than $40. Ask for the specific code number(s) and we'll go from there to resolve the issue.
Roland