1999 Pontiac Sunfire Check Engine Light on, Car won't start

Engine Performance problem
1999 Pontiac Sunfire 4 cyl Automatic 50,000 miles

I have a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire automatic with less than 50,000 miles. It was running fine, but now it's in my garage and will not start. The icon for Check Engine is on. I looked up the icon in the manual. I didn't notice it being on before, maybe it was -- I don't know.

I have a problem with the car where I have to jiggle the battery lines (?) Around to get it to start sometimes. I don't know if the Check Engine light comes on when that happens.

It's been a LONG time since I had maintenance done, oil checked, etc.

Does anyone know enough about this car to know if I could get it started to drive it directly get it repaired -- or what's the best way to get someone to help when your car won't start?

Thanks in advance.