Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting "Check Engine"

Hi,

'cause this is my first post I'll introduce myself. My name is Murat and I'm from Germany. I'm just over a month here in Columbus, OH at the Ohio State and I'm gonna stay for a year. Because without a car I'm stucked I bought a 96 Contour 'as it is' two weeks ago. I know it, 'cause we have the Contour as the Mondeo in Germany too.
I drove since then 500 Miles, but today on the Highway suddenly the "Check Engine" light get on, and I fall into panic , my loved 'new' Contour has a problem. I mean this "Check Engine" light is making me , I always look on it and pray please don't let the engine explode.
I checked on this webpage the FAQ, and it says that I should take to a FORD mechanic and he can tell "at a charge of 1 hour labor" (how much does this normally in the States cost??) what problem he has.
Are there other ways to check out this?