Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) (or Check Engine Light)

Every time you go to start your car, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) (or Check Engine Light) should light up for the first few seconds on the instrument panel and, then, shut off. This behavior allows you to check if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) bulb is burned out.

Usually, the guys at Autozone or Pep Boys will read your MIL for no charge. Or you can go ahead and buy your own OBD2 reader...