check engine light; mechanic

Just bought a used '98 Tacoma, 100,000 miles, 3" body lift, 2x SR5.

Check engine light came on. Tightened gas cap. Changed oil, checked air filters.

The question is: do you run to a mechanic everytime the check engine light comes on? I don't want to buy a check the problem yourself device because I'm not a mechanic myself.

Let's just say its no big thing, a small part or connection that needs to be fixed. How much will it cost just to have a mechanic look up the code? How much should it cost?

Thanks A Lot!

Some car part stores like TrakAuto will look up your codes for free.

Check Your Air Box First. Some People Cram A Piece Of Wire Or A Resistor To Trick The Iat Sensor (the Wires Coming Out Of The Air Box). Schotty Work Will Cause A Check Engine Light To Come On.

Haikuluke, try autozone. I heard they will plug in for free. If you plan on doing engine mods to your toy, invest in a code reader. You can pick up a decesent one for under $125.00. If you have a laptop go to obdiagnostics.com and check out their product. $88.00 and you can bring up and clear codes and get realtime data on your truck via your laptop.
Jeff

100,000 miles....EGR valve is common trigger for light
and cheap enough that it doesnt hurt too bad if that's not it....

Could be an o2 sensor, but before you waste money replacing things that don't need to be, go to Autozone and have them scan it for free. Cory

I got mine read for free at Pep Boys. I didn't run to get it checked when it first came on. I know my truck and knew it wasn't anything major. It turned out to be a O2 sensor and it was still covered under my extended warranty.
A code reader runs about $200 I was gonna buy one but the light has never came on again.