Sorry, but the “Powers That Be” have decided that the Check Engine Light should be a scary but non-descriptive warning. As the author noted, the Check Engine Light always has something to do with the emission system. The “Powers That Be” decided that they wanted the light to be scary in order to ensure you would take your car to the dealership to ensure that it would be properly fixed. I mean, it’s the most important “Thing On Your Car”, it’s the EMISSION SYSTEM.
I remember ‘California emissions’ being touted as desirable standard equipment on cars offered as prizes on The Price Is Right.
In reality, it meant exhaust passing through a pinhole thereby robbing the engine of power.
In California, you cannot pass the smog check if your Check Engine Light is on. Its a heck of a racket.