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Any number of problems can cause the Check Engine light to illuminate. Your best bet is to find a mechanic who can read the codes and tell you what the specific problem is. Shop around, though, because the cost of having a mechanic do this can be anywhere from $15 to over $100. It's a simple procedure, but like anything, if they have a corner on the market they can change anything they want. Or you can do it yourself...it's easy. You can purchase your own code reader through your local auto parts store or on line. I've seen OBD II code readers for as little as $50 on line. The OBD II will work on most post 1996 cars, but not all, so make sure the reader you buy will work on your particular car. Good luck.
It is on because the ECU has detected a problem with the emissions system. It can be a number of things. Have the ECU scanned with an OBD scan tool and that will retrieve the code that has been set. Use that code to diagnose the problem. The code will tell you what part is being effected, not necessarily what part is bad.
The check engine light comes on and stays on when a problem is detected by the self diagnosis system of your vehicle.

Generally, a check engine light is lit when there is a problem in the emissions or somthing that is affecting the effectiveness of the emissions.

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11y ago
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14y ago

In a vehicle sold in the US after 1996, the 'Service Engine Soon' light will come on when the powertrain / engine computer determines that emissions will be increased by a fault in the vehicle's systems. The 'Service Vehicle Soon" light is entirely different.

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Q: What caused the check engine light to come on?
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