106 engine warning light

My son took his M reg 106 (1.1 SKI - cheap, chereful no injection on
anything) on its first long distance run today 250+ miles, normally just
runs round town.
About 200 miles out, he phones to say engine warning lamp (we think) is
on,1st time hes seen it, should he go on etc etc, any way he did and
engine performed OK etc

No user manual, and Haynes manual doesn't mention much

checking round the net only found this
http://www.aussiefrogs.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-24670.html

So not the sort of of fault which is likely to cause major damag (?)

I didn't realise cars this old/small had ECU's

any way the link I posted someone talked about replaceing solenoid and
diaphram - where/what are they ?

 

The Engine Diagnostics Warning Light means that there is a fault reported
and it needs to be read using equipment that connects to the ECU. Pug
agents have this which they will probably charge through the nose for using,
but most repairers these days have similar kit and can read the fault for
you. I wouldn't do anything until that fault has been read because it
could be a myriad of things.

 

Either way, having to have a secret code read to determine fault is asking
for 'open wallet surgery' - Oh yes, Sir needs a new Lamba sensor and
sprong valve, that'll be 400 quid. when actually the air filter needed a
bit of a clean

In the link I refered to one guy was out 1300 (aussie dollars I think) to
fix

Looking for simple tips, what can sensibly be checked/cleaned etc as a 1st
step

 

Having looked on ebay there seems to be a few fault code readers that you
can get for around £50 or so, I have been tempted myself to get one but have
not done so yet.
I suppose once you have one it will come in handy from time to time, and at
least you know what the fault is before you take it to a garage.

GGJ

 

and you will save your self money if you can do the work your self.