unfortunately I live in NH and we have annual state inspections.

if the CEL is on it means that the ECU is throwing a code and the vehicle wont pass inspection as a result.

lucky me the CEL came on the day before I had my appointment

I had it checked at a local autoparts place: P0405 the EGR valve position sensor has low voltage... There's a guide on planetisuzoo on how to fix it for a trooper... you can get new and used replacement valves on ebay for about $50-$120 shipped...

the shop wanted $200 for the part plus $120 for 2 hours labor

that's an expensive CEL.

I've ordered an OBDII reader so I can scan my own codes (and reset them)... not to mention they're handy to have. and I'll try the DIY fix... failing that I'll buy a used one no way I'm paying over $300 for some emissions garbage that's killing my mileage anyway.