Mitsubishi Repair: 98 mit diamant, head gasket, white smoke

Question
Hello,the other day when i started up my '98 diamante i began to smell pure gas coming through the vents.i shut off the engine and popped the hood.After a bit of examining I realized that somehow the car had no (zero)coolant in the radiator.I later filled up the resevoir w/ new coolant,started the car and noticed that the idle was ruff and a lot of white smoke was coming out of the tailpipe.However, I drove it a couple of miles as it stutted and felt as if it was going to shut down when after about 2 miles the engine began to run smooth once again.The next morning I popped the hood and made sure the radiator was full(it was)and turned on the car.It idled for a while very smoothly and i test drove it around my neighborhood.Apparently it took a little while possibly for the engine to take the coolant before it began to run normal again. However, my problem now is that the "check engine" light is still on. Do you think it needs to be reset? If so,do you know how to do this? Any information would be very helpful. Thank you so much,  Mr.J. Garcia.

Answer
Juan: I would say you have a head gasket going in your car. You best get that checked, though things are going well now it is only a matter of time before the gasket will let go again. And this time it will take the engine with it. That is the reason your car lost all its coolant and was blowing white smoke. As your car's engine was burning oil mixed with coolant. The computer of your car is picking up a problem in the engine and has picked on the light. You best have the car coded to see what that problem might be. It could be you have a bad sensor too. But please get that head gasket checked, don't put this off. This is all a sign that your car's head gasket is getting weak. When it goes again it will take the engine. I hope this helps and good luck! Linda