Check engine light on

I have a 1995 200SX with well over 220K miles on it have not had any trouble with it what so ever. Until the last monhth or so the check engine light has stated on regardless of what is running. I was wondering if there was any possable quick check i can do i really don't want to spend 60 bux on a test. And also my latch for the hood release is not working howw can i fix that as well. Thanks in adavnce for a the help.

check the cable that releases the hood, it might be stretched and you just have to adjust it, some part stores give free code readings assuming you'll buy the fix it part from them