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An interesting anecdote that may help you in the future:
The "Check Engine" light came on at approximately 55,000 miles and would not go away. Repeated trips to the dealer for a diagnostics check only showed that the problem seemed to be something with either the coolant system or the gas cap not being screwed on tight enough. The coolant level was fine and the gas cap fit perfect. Hmmm... what could the problem be?
Well, I noticed that the engine temperature ran cooler longer than usual at initial startup. The temperature gauge for the engine normally runs somewhere in the middle of the gauge's range. When you first start the car, the temperature is cold (of course) and then the needle gradually moves upward toward the normal operating range. Lately it seemed that it took the needle a bit longer to move to the normal operating range. I brought this to the dealership's attention and they checked the thermostat. Apparantly, the thermostat wasn't closing all the way, allowing engine coolant to flow before it was needed, thus the engine would run cooler for a few additional minutes after the initial startup. Not a serious issue, but one that needed addressing nonetheless.
The thermostat was replaced, and the Check Engine light went away and stayed away. Also, the engine reached its proper running temperature earlier.
Hope this helps someone out there!
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