alright my service engine light just came on yesterday.
ive read up on it and i know it isnt the mileage tune up because i only have about 84000 on it.
ive seen that disconnecting the battery from the neg terminal usually resets it, and also jumping a wire between a plug somewhere in the engine compartment.  i know the magic switch behind the speaker ended in '95 to turn the light off.

any idea what i should do before getting a scanner or taking it into the shop?

Yip... You got codes. When a code comes up once on the OBD2 system the ecu will store it until the same code comes up again. In that case the ecu will not necisarily turn the check engine light on at all until the code repeats. After so many (unknown) times the code will turn the check engine light on. Maybe it will stay on for a few start ups and shut off as well acting again... as a temp code.
What you have is an issue with something. It may not even be a problem but just an issue with the code.
Some info needed as well...
Is it running fine?
Noticed any excessive fuel consumption lately?
Engine misfire?
These are just a few things that can create a code.
Another thing I have noticed with the 4spd auto is whats called a Transmission Range Code. The P0705 code comes back once in awhile from time to time but only for max 3 turns of the ignotion switch then diapears. It the Range selector on the transmission that will give this code because it may be slightly out of adjustment.
Best thing really... Buy a code reader... I say spend a few bucks on it as well.I bought a MAC OBD2 scanner and brand new... it was $800. You do not need to spend that much for a decent scanner but mine will do alot more than the average scanner will do and save the info and print it out as well.
Get a scanner or have it scanned... Piece of mind.
Kelly

   well my lihgt was off this morning when i was driving around. i hope it doesnt come back on soon

Ya I agree, buying a scanner is the best thing.  If you don't want to spend big bucks, look on ebay, they've got some cheap ones.  I bought a cheap one and it works fine.  Doesn't do anything special, just gives you the code.  Once you get the code though, google it and you'll get a million answers to help you troubleshoot.  One code I recently got at 100,000kms was an evap code and it turned out my gas cap wasn't tight enough.  Seems to be a common easy one that pops up on these trucks.