Subject:	check engine light
Question:	anthony, i have a l989 plymouth colt hatchback with a 1.5 mitsubishi engine. It has an automatic transmission. My problem is that the check engine light stays on, although the car seems to run fine. On my last emissions inspection it barely passed the NOX test. the tester felt there may be something wrong with the egr valve. i removed it,cleaned it, and made sure it wasn't stuck. i now think it may be either the thermo valve or one of the vacuum lines may be plugged. before i spend any serious money on this, i'd like your thoughts or advice on this problem. thanks, jim
Answer:	Jim, Many times clogs can occur in your throttle body and intake manifold. I've seen others who have had there check engine light come, thinking it was a bad EGR valve, but it was actually a dirty throttle body and intake manifold. A common reason for your intake getting so dirty is because the oily air that gets sucked in from the PCV valve will eventually coat the intake manifold and find its way to the EGR valve. It's a good idea to replace your PCV valve at least once per year (very easy and cheap) and clean out your intake and throttle body with a few cans of carborator cleaner every 15k-20k miles or so. That may help. Good luck!