Chrysler Repair: 2004 PT Cruiser Malfunction Indicator Light, malfunction indicator light, unnecessary pollution

Question
The Malfunction Indicator Light stays on. The engine seems to run fine and I don't notice any difference when I drive. Should I be concerned? Is it ok to drive it this way?

Answer
Hi Nina,
The check engine light not only comes on when there is something functionally wrong that would be noticeable, but also if there is a malfunction that impacts the amount of pollution emitted from the engine negatively. My advice would be to get a fault code readout of the memory of the engine controller which has detected the problem, assigned it a four-digit code, and stored it in its memory. If there is an Autozone parts store nearby they will often do the readout for free. Or an independent garage will do it for around $40. Ask for the number, what it means, what is recommended to do, and about how much it would cost. Then let me know and we can compare that to the manual. Please let me know which size engine you have there. It is probably of no great immediate concern, but it would be undersireable to continue this way due to unnecessary pollution and the possibility of a worsening situation that might be damaging to performance or mechanicals.
Roland