Check engine soon light

[04Alero2.2]

Hello all,
When I was driving to work today, my Check Engine Soon light came on. I didn't notice a change in the way it drove, and it sounded the same also. Would a dirty air filter cause the light to come on? Or is this just a routine maintenance warning? This weekend I am taking it to a place that will hook it up to see if it is throwing a code. Is this something to be worried about?
Thanks for your time,
Tom

[GTP Dad]

You could have had a series of misfires, a bad O2 sensor or any number of things go wrong. The light does not indicate that there is anything major wrong just that you need to get it checked. If you get the code and post it here we will try to help you solve the problem.

PS If it is under warranty take it back to the dealer as the problem should be covered especially if it relates to the emissions system which most do!

[04Alero2.2]

I went to AutoZone where they will read the code for free. Can't beat that. He told me the there is a problem with the vacuum in the evap canister. Either the vac line came off of it is cracked.
My Alero is a 2004 I doubt it is cracked. Anyway I am still under warranty so they can fix it. Unless anyone here can tell me how to fix it.
Thanks again,
Tom

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 04Alero2.2

I went to AutoZone where they will read the code for free. Can't beat that. He told me the there is a problem with the vacuum in the evap canister. Either the vac line came off of it is cracked.
My Alero is a 2004 I doubt it is cracked. Anyway I am still under warranty so they can fix it. Unless anyone here can tell me how to fix it.
Thanks again,
Tom

I think you should follow the good advice of our friend GTP Dad and take it into the dealer while its still under warranty. But if you like laying on your back for a period of time, the evaporative charcoal cannister/purge valve, etc. and lines are located under the trunk area directly behind the fuel tank by the fuel filter.

[04Alero2.2]

I had no idea that my gas cap was broken until my girlfriend told me that it doesn't click anymore when you tighten it. So after installing a new one the light went out. I had to wait about 30 miles but it did go out.
Thanks,
Tom

[GTP Dad]

Tell your girl friend she needs to be a little more detail oriented and not forget to give you important information like that. Saves a lot of time and effort in the long run.