Originally posted by ContourColumbus1:
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?



Your engine is in no danger of getting damaged if just the "Check Engine" light is on. My teenager neijbor has had hers on forever and doesnt really care and her car runs good.


Ford charges $68.00 just to tell you the problem, but like the guy said go to Autozone they do it fo free, while your there you might as well have them test your charging system just to make sure that is okay also.