Service engine light on after new battery installed

Maintenance/Repairs
1

i drove about a mile and then the service engine light came on. this is in an '03 mini cooper. any thoughts?

2

You left the gas cap off?

3 
That CEL (check engine light) is just a kid in class waving her hand trying to get you attention because she has the answer. You need to have the codes read. Some places will read them for FREE. Try Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts. Get the exact code (like P0123) not just their translation into English and post it back here.

Regarding warning lights:

  1. if the coolant temp light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP

  2. if the oil warning light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP

  3. if a FLASHING MIL/CEL comes on, shut off the engine ASAP

    ASAP means driving to the berm of the highway right now and not waiting for the next exit.

But if the MIL/CEL is not flashing, then it’s not an urgent indicator.

4

Have an auto parts store scan the engine computer, get the trouble codes, and then, I’ll start to have some thoughts. Deal?