[harmankardon35]

You need to go to a garage or auto parts store that will give you a free diagnostic code scan. Otherwise you can go to any garage or dealership and pay between $40-80 for them to scan the codes. I believe autozone stores in the US give free code scans... they hook up a small hand-held computer and retrieve any "trouble codes" that your vehicles computer has stored. If your Check engine light is on, then without a doubt you have a trouble code stored and many states will not allow you to pass an emissions test with this light on.

When you get the code, write it down or get them to print it up. they will be able to tell you what it means and measures you can take to fix it. If your lucky, they will clear the codes and you will have enough time to get to a garage to pass emissions testing before the check engine light turns back on. Its always good to fix the issue, but if the car is running fine its not going to be a big deal.