What does it mean if engine light illuminated

Hi Ced ,
The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is located in the instrument panel cluster. The MIL will display as either SERVICE ENGINE SOON or one of the following symbols when commanded ON:
Check engine ! The MIL indicates that an emissions related fault has occurred and vehicle service is required.
The following is a list of the modes of operation for the MIL:
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The MIL illuminates when the ignition is turned ON, with the engine OFF. This is a bulb test to ensure the MIL is able to illuminate.

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The MIL turns OFF after the engine is started if a diagnostic fault is not present.

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The MIL remains illuminated after the engine is started if the control module detects a fault. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored any time the control module illuminates the MIL due to an emissions related fault. The MIL turns OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which a Test Passed has been reported for the diagnostic test that originally caused the MIL to illuminate.

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The MIL flashes if the control module detects a misfire condition which could damage the catalytic converter.

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When the MIL is illuminated and the engine stalls, the MIL will remain illuminated as long as the ignition is ON.

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When the MIL is not illuminated and the engine stalls, the MIL will not illuminate until the ignition is cycled OFF and then ON.

Trip

It means Master Warning Light. It illuminates when there is any malfunction in the engine and/or the hybrid system of the vehicle. When the master warning light illuminates, it become necessary to get the car be scanned thoroughly for malfunctions.

Source: What Does Your Check Engine Light Mean?

When the powertrain or engine warning light illuminates, it could indicate several issues. In addition, it does not have to be a significant problem, such as a misfiring engine; it could be something minor.

When a potential problem is detected, the car's computer will alert you, and the check engine light will illuminate. Typically, either the transmission or the engine is involved in these issues.

Regardless of whether you believe the problem to be minor or not, the check engine light should always be addressed immediately. The simple reason is that the exact cause of the warning is unknown.

Engine warning light

Illuminates when the ignition is switched on. It should extinguish as soon as the engine starts.
If it illuminates with the engine running, it indicates a malfunction with the engine management system. Have this checked as soon as possible.
If it flashes when driving, reduce the vehicle speed immediately until the light illuminates constantly. If it continues to flash, avoid heavy acceleration and high engine speed, stop the vehicle and have it checked immediately.
On some vehicles this light may be red - again stop the vehicle and seek assistance.
If it is safe to do so, try stopping the vehicle, switching off the engine, wait two minutes, then restarting the engine to reset the engine management system.
With the light illuminated, the vehicle is still safe to drive as long as no other faults are apparent with the engine. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer or garage as soon as possible to avoid any damage being caused to the catalytic converter

It means your vehicle's computer has determined that a component or system in your emission control system is not working properly.
When the light comes on, one or more diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) are stored in the engine control module. These DTCs remain even if the light goes out. To address a Check Engine Light problem, the DTCs are retrieved and the appropriate troubleshooting information is followed in order to determine the problem.
Every vehicle manufactured in the U.S. has to first pass an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test called the Federal Test Procedure. This sets the acceptable limits of wear and/or failure for the emission control system-i.e., what conditions will ultimately cause a Check Engine Light to illuminate. These standards are closely regulated. If the emission control system is faulty and the vehicle is polluting the air, the Check Engine Light illuminates to alert the driver of this condition. (Note: A vehicle in this condition would fail an emissions inspection or smog check.)
Don't confuse the Check Engine Light with the maintenance or service light. These lights illuminate when a routine service is due. They are usually triggered by mileage, gallons of gasoline consumed, or some other type of vehicle-use measurement.

when the check engine light is illuminated in your vehicle, it means that the on board self diagnostic system has detected a fault either in the engine, transmission, or accessory controls. when this light is illuminated, it means that there is a code stored in the vehicle memory which can be extracted with a code reader. any garage should be able to do this for you. good luck!

when the service engine soon light is illuminated in your vehicle, it means that the on board self diagnostic system has detected a fault either in the engine, transmission, or accessory controls. when this light is illuminated, it means that there is a code stored in the vehicle memory which can be extracted with a code reader. any garage should be able to do this for you. good luck!

Hi

When the check engine light comes on and then goes off after a while, means that the computer in yur car is detecting a problem that is not present all the time, this is called a -soft code- once the computer doesn't detect the problem, resets itself and the code is erased from memory and the check engine light goes of.

While the light is on, take the vehicle to an Autozone store, they will get the computer trouble codes and give you a print out of the problem. Like I said, It is important that you take the vehicle while the light is on, otherwise they may not detect the trouble.

Good luck

Your dodge is an OBD1 compliant vehicle. All you need to do to retrieve the code for what caused the light to illuminate is cycle your ignition key ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON within a 5 second period. The light will illuminate "x" amount of times, pause, and then illuminate "x" amount of times. For example, if it illuminates 2 times then pauses then illuminates 4 times, it is a code 24. There are many different reasons the light will come on, so after you find the code ask another question regarding the code number and what it means.

Some vehicles you can disconnect the battery for 10-20 mins and it usually resets a check engine light. But the airbag light is different. This means there is something wrong with the airbag system and it will not go out until maintenance.