'97 chev lumina check engine light

I've got a '97 Chev Lumina w/ a 3.1 I currently have the check engin light on and I was wondering how I would go about finding out what it leads to? How can I read the codes and where can I find what the codes mean? Any help would be great!
Thanks,
X_X

its OBD 2, you cant simply do the paperclip trick like what you couldwith OBD1, just take it to autozone, they should scan it for free. Good luck. Firstly, check to make sure your gas cap is tight. Story behind that one. Good luck

That is correct. A loose gas cap can cause this. If you tighten it and drive for a while the light will go out. However, my check engine light is on as well and I have a 97. A very common problem is a solenoid on the evaporative emissions cannister, however you will have to check the code at Autozone to be sure.

Before assuming that the SES light is caused by a loose gas cap why don't you run down to the local Autozone and have them pull the code for you.
Post the code here and someone can help you figure out what is going on.

First off I live almost as far as I can get from an Auto Zone so that isn't an option. Can some one run me through this paper clip trick?
And is there a list of the codes?

My '97's MIL has been coming on periodically for 2 years now. Every time, I take it out on the highway and push it up over 85 mph for a few miles, and it goes out. It won't come back for several months, at which time I do it again.

The paperclip trick doesn't work on 96 and later (some 95 and later) cars. You really need Atuozone/Advance Auto/maybe PepBoys to pull the codes if you want to figure out what's causing the light to come on. Disconnecting the battery for a while might clear the light but it won't solve the problem or tell you why the light came on in the first place.

In short, you need an OBD2 scan tool or someone who has one.

How many miles is on it? If it is solid on, more then likly one or both of your 02 sensors are shot. Any automotive place should scan it for free, if nto for a fairly cheap price if your going to drive away after they tell you.