I installed the Alta Turboback and one of the tubes so far (lots more to install). These were installed about 400 to 500 miles ago (I'm at nearly 2000 miles now). Anyway, the CEL came on yesterday and won't go off. The car drives just as well as it did before so I'm curious as to what's going on. Should bringing it in to the dealer be my first option?

 

CELs can occur for hundreds of different reasons. Finding out the code will inform you of the area of concern, though it may not directly indicate root cause. The OBC has a "Service Check" that you can perform from the turn signal ... see the owners manual ... or you can take your car to your local auto supply store, most of them are happy to plug a scanner in under the dash and read the code to you. Descriptions of the code can be had online, or from the auto parts retailer.

Edit: the color of the CEL indicates severity: yellow = drivable, drive gently and repair ASAP, red = do not drive, have your vehicle towed for repair.

 

When I installed my cat back my MINI threw a few CEL's.If it's related to the exhaust(probably) it will go out or you can just disconnect your negative battery cable and push the brake.After 10 minutes reconnect and your OBC will be reset.I wouldn't go to the dealer.I've tried visiting several auto parts stores in the past but none were willing to hook up a code reader to my car.

 

I've never had trouble getting an Autozone employee to step into the parking lot with a scanner.

http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/free_testing.htm