Either :
The engine coolant temperature is HIGH
The engine oil pressure is LOW
Or the gas guage is at or near EMPTY
It means to check the gauges because at least one of them is out of its normal range.
It means at least one of the gauges is out of its normal range. The "check gauge light" is notifing you to take notice with either the engine temp gauge, the battery gauge or the engine oil pressure gauge.
On my 1995 Ford Explorer the " check gage " light will come on if the engine coolant temperature is TOO HIGH , the oil pressure is TOO LOW , or the fuel gauge is at or near empty
Usually a misfire.
might need to check your engine soon
* Check gage Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high, the engine oilpressure is low or the fuel gauge is at or near empty.
If it is like my Ford Explorer , the check gage light comes on if the engine coolant temperature is high , the engine oil pressure is low , or the fuel level is near empty
Have vehicle scanned and codes cleared
your gas cap may not be installed correctly
here is dome light fuse on 2004 ford ranger
The check engine light will illuminate and you will fail an emissions test.
Engine misfire. Possibly a bad coil or spark plug.