I'm trying to help my folks diagnose a dash light on their 2002 Pontiac Montana. Unfortunately I'm 1000 miles away. Hopefully I can get some help here.

My Mom says that there is an "engine" light that comes on occasionally. There is no fan, or oilcan or thermometer on the engine light. So I assume that this is a very generic "Check something" light. I'm also pretty sure that there would be a code stored in the computer for this. My Mom also says that it smells hot when she's seen the light on.

I'm sure that there is enough coolant and the oil level is OK. I'm suspecting a sticky thermostat or failed cooling fan.

:dunno: What I'd like to know is...

- Is there a specific meaning to this light (Anyone got a picture of a Montana dashboard handy?)

- Is there a way to get the computer codes from this vehicle? Some cars will flash codes with a sequest of key turns and brake pedal, etc.

Any help is appreciated!

#1 Don't be worried
#2 my mom gets a light like that on her car
#3 It just is a system that tells you when you need a oil change or other maintance
#4 Dealers have a $50 fee to turn it off and it's just an idiot allarm

Is it a check engine light, or a maintenance required light? There is a difference on some vehicles. The check engine symbol on most cars looks like this:

http://www.carforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=3947&stc=1


Or it will actually say "Service Engine Soon"


Anyway, if it is a service engine soon light, just take it to your local autozone and they will pull the engine code for you. You can then start to diagnose the problem.

Defintely hit the autozone shouldn't be a huge issue

Is it in the Information center or is it a light on the dash. In my case it was in the Message center and it was no big deal, if it's a light I would take it to auto zone or pepboys.