You either are very low on coolant or the engine thermostat may be stuck open. Remove the thermostat and check it.
These engines have a propensity to blow intake and head gaskets.
Look for coolant in the crankcase as well. It will show up as a milky white oil.
engine coolant
It means the engine may be overheating.
There is a battery light above the engine temperature gauge
The check engine light is a " picture " of an engine , just to the left of the engine temperature gauge
This is called the Temperature light or gauge
The engine is overheating. The check engine light is not on because you have no problem with the emissions system which this light monitors.
No , the CHECK " GAGE " light comes on if the gas gauge is at or near empty , the engine coolant temperature is HIGH , or the engine oil pressure is LOW
try replacing the thermostat
Stop as soon as you can at a safe place and shut the engine off.
mechanical engine trouble. its about to blow up.
For a 2001 Ford Explorer : No , there is an engine temperature gauge Also , there is a " CHECK GAGE " light ( the light will come on if the engine coolant temperature is too high , the engine oil pressure is too low , or the fuel gauge indicates it is at or near empty )
If your engine light comes on and your temp gauge is lower then normal. listen for cooling fans. if they are also running chances are you need a new thermostat