I've had this problem a couple of times with my 96 Ford Explorer.
Either:
1. The car needs a tune up
2. A sensor is out and the car needs a tune up
3. Something is wrong with idle . . . needs to be checked
The real answer is that you need to get to a mechanic asap . . .
When the idle was loose, the car would die, but when a tune up was needed it ran rough without fully dying . . .
The check engine light is the light shaped like an engine, or the light that states Check Engine (Soon). If this light comes on, it is time to see what the issue is with the engine.
After the Explorer is scanned for trouble codes to diagnose and then repair the malfunction , then the check engine light can be reset
According to the 2000 Ford Explorer Owner Guide : No , a separate fuse for the check engine light is not listed
you have a cylinder misfire
On a 1997 Ford Explorer : CHECK ENGINE is just to the left of the " C " on the engine coolant temperature gauge ( Helpfull )
If the check engine light is flashing that means an engine cylinder misfire has been detected
might need to check your engine soon
Seems like the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is acting up. Among other things, the TPS would cause the Check Engine Light to light up. Check the code(s) stored on the self-diagnosatic system memory to be sure.
There are pages and pages of things that can cause a check engine light. You need to have it checked with a scantool. Then the code can be diagnosed and repaired.
If your check engine light is staying on with the engine running , a malfunction has been detected with the emission control system . Have your Explorer scanned for any trouble codes to diagnose and repair the problem
The check engine light comes on when the engine computer has detected a malfunction and set a trouble code.
Click the link.