Toyota Repair: check engine indicator light on, emission control system, toyota tercel

Question
Hi Ted,  I have a 1999 Toyota Tercel with 97500 miles on it.  The check engine indicator light came on..however everything looks fine...just wondering if you have somewhat of an explanation for this coming on???  Please help...I'm a single lady that does not want the garage to rip me off :(!!! Thank you for you time!!

Answer
Check engine lights normally turn on because there is a problem with one of the input signals that the computer needs to either manage engine performance or control the emission control system, there is a diagnostic trouble code stored in the computer which has to be retreived to find out what may be wrong,there are autoparts stores that will get the codes for you at no charge, places like autozone, Kragen etc. most repair shops or the dealer will charge a diagnostic fee, if you could find out what those codes are and then let me know I can probably help with this.