Why cant the auto parts store tell me why my check engine light is on?

I have a 2000 dodge avenger i cant get it inspected because the check engine light is one, auto zone does free diagonstics

for check engine light and the tech said that his computer wont

interface with my car. there for the check engine light is stuck on

any ideas???Why cant the auto parts store tell me why my check engine light is on?
Chrysler Products have known issues with the communication link at the diagnostic plug. Take the car to the dealer and see if they can repair it for you under the emissions warranty if there is any left. If it has expired with mileage or time, then you will have to pay either the dealer or a QUALITY repair facility to correct the "No Communication" issue, run the proper diagnostics and make the required repairs, turn the light out, and THEN perform the emissions test.
1. check the gas cap (yes it can cause that little light to stay on)

2. check the oil

3. disconnect the battery/ reconnect and see if it stays on

4. reset the computer via console controlsWhy cant the auto parts store tell me why my check engine light is on?
Because their not mechanics! Take it to an actual emchanic that actually knows what to do under the hood.
most auto parts stores only do oil changes , tires , and things like that . your best bet is to go to a real certified mechanic and im sure he will be able to figure out whats wrong with it .Why cant the auto parts store tell me why my check engine light is on?
All cars made from 1996 and up have OBD 2 diagnostic interface. Which is a standard that all current diagnostic tools should support. It doesnt make sense why they can't do it.
disconnect the battery for 30 minutes then reconnect it if the light is still on go to another auto parts store
The guy you talked to is confused. Get another guy or go to another autozone. He may not be able to tell you what to fix, but he can give you the codes and you can check them on line in any dodge forum.



Only other possibility is that your OBDII interface is messed up.
The avenger is a breed of its own. Yes check the gas cap 1st and disconnect the battery cable and if that dont take care of it you will probably have to take it to the dealer.
either go to another auto zone or a reliable repair shop
First off, Autozone doesn't do "free diagnostics", they do free "code reading" which is next to useless. And that is why it is free. The fact that they can't interface with your computer could mean 2 things:



1. You are getting what you are paying for (nothing) because the cheap $80 readers they use aren't worth a hoot compared to the $6,000 tool a real mechanic would use or...



2. You may have found the problem - a bad PCM.



Either way, its time to pay someone to really find out what the problem is.