Mitsubishi Repair: service engine soon light, mitsubishi evo 8, 2005 mitsubishi evo 8

Question
i have a 2005 mitsubishi evo 8 and my service engine soon light just came on any suggestions on what it might be

Answer
Craig,
The SES (service engine soon) light can come on for a number of reasons.  There are a number of sensors your car's computer relies on to make sure it's performing as it should.  The SES light comes on when one or more of these sensors detects a problem.  The two main systems that have multiple sensors in them are the ignition system and the emissions system.  If the light is on, and the car is running poorly, this usually indicates a problem with the ignition system.  This could be anything from a bad spark plug to a problem with the timing belt.  

Though if the car is running fine and the SES light comes on, this usually indicates a problem in the emissions system.  The most common contributor to this is a poorly secured gas cap.  If the seal around the gas cap is leaky, this will cause a drop in fuel pressure, which in turn effects the emissions output.  

Most major auto parts stores, like AutoZone, can scan your car's computer for the trouble code that it is seeing.  They offer this as a free service and can help pinpoint what the cause may be. Else, your local mechanic or dealership will be able to perform this action for a fee.
Good luck!