Check Engine Light
The warning light is for the vehicle's emisson requirements, that is the engine, fuel delivery iand evaporative ntegrety, transmission function to indicate that all is ok. Does not necessarily mean the engine ok or not, only about emissions. The light should illuminate when ignition is on before starting the engine. If it doesn't, it's a fail for NC State Emission Inspection for the counties under that rule. No light means that you will not know if there is an issue. Light "on" does not mean that the engine is not ok to operate, so long as no noises, no overheating, and performance is normal. Not an emergency, but needs a reading to see what's up.