I was driving and noticed that my check engine light came on, which was a surprise because nothing at all seemed different or strange with the car.

Got it diagnosed as: Auxillary Emissions Control. That's what autozone told me at least.

So I'm curious if anyone has an idea as to what's going on here.

 

I think they called it the wrong thing. There is no specific DTC as described. The nearest thing has to do with the secondary air injection system. This could be a malfunctioning air pump to a solenoid/valve in that system. This pumps air into the exhaust manifold after a cold start.

 

Yet another example of Autozone's ineptitude. Diagnosis is impossible without a specific DTC #.

"Generic" OBDII software doesn't distinguish individual manufacturers emmisions systems specifically. That's why you need the DTC #.

 

It probably gave the correct DTC (P1XXX) but as stated, cannot be defined be global definition. Some code retrievers will give P1xxx codes (manufacturer specific) but cannot define them. They can only give the base system or circuit (like you have been given) Tell them to give you the number, and we can give you the cure.

 

did you recently put on a cold air intake? if so, you have the check valve installed backwards.