1997 Chevy Malibu

The Check Engine Light came on last night. Oil was changed 2 weeks ago, and the antifreeze levels are right, any idea what the problem might be?

The check engine light can mean a number of different things.

The cheapest way for me to find out is to take it to an AutoZone.

Not sure if you have one near where you live, but I have you just a couple of miles from my house.

They will scan the OBDII - On Board Diagnotics (version 2) on your car's computer. It will provide a code that can be looked up in a book to determine the issue and make suggestions on how to correct it.

Most mechanics charge for the code reading and then dismiss that charge if you pay them to fix the problem.

do you know where i can get a breakdown of all the 1997 malibu codes?

Use Caution when getting the free code checks please.
Some parts places do offer free code checks. And also free repair advice. But beware. Just get the code no and post it back here and someone will help you.
They offer the free code checks in the hope of increasing there parts sales.
Almost all of them will also offer mechanical advice and some know what they are doing.
But just remember most of them are parts people pulling codes for free.
Not trained professional tech/mechanics. Even if they pull a 02-sensor code or another sensor related code it does always mean to replace that sensor and your problem will be fixed.
Please just get the code no and post it back here and we will help you.

MT

i have my own code reader.

do you know where i can get a breakdown of all the 1997 malibu codes?
Are you just wanting the code meaning or a repair flow chart?
MT

Here is a link to OBD11 codes.
http://www.troublecodes.net/OBD2/
MT