Hyundai Repair: Diagnostic Codes, obd ii scan tool, 2003 hyundai sonata

Question
My 2003 Hyundai Sonata has developed a check engine light at 144,000 miles. The pwners manaual states it pertains to exhaust components only. Can you advise if that is true and will a scan tool from the local service station beaccurate. Should this go back to the dealer-is it safe to drive? Thanks

Answer
As long as the engine is running normally and the check engine lamp is not flashing, the car should be okay to drive.  Any OBD-II scan tool or code reader should give accurate code information.  In most cases, you'll want to have a check engine lamp diagnosed by a good driveability shop, but not necessarily the dealer.  The check engine lamp will illuminate if the transmission computer requests it or if anything monitored by the ECM is not performing properly.