July 1: So it begins. Don't worry, this is not in the correct legal jurisdiction!
Malfunction Indicator Lamp: Description and Operation
The CHECK ENGINE lamp is mounted in the dash and reads CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE SOON. The CHECK ENGINE lamp will ILLUMINATE when the engine is operating in Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM). The light will stay ON as long as there is a fault in the system. The CHECK ENGINE lamp can also be used to retrieve fault codes from the Electronic Engine Control (EEC-IV) system when the self test mode is entered.