Mazda Repair: gauge lights, mazda b2300, fuel charge

Question
When I turn the key to the on position, in my 1997 mazda b2300 pickup, the check guage light comes on. When it is started it goes out. Is this normal? Also my check engine light has been coming on and will stay on for a day or so then go out, just to come on again. It is running fine. Any suggestions? Thanks, Eric

Answer
The gauge light coming on with key on - engine off is normal and is simply what one would consider the computer booting up. The light going on and off is not good though and suggests an intermittent failure or a sensor going out of range intermittently. I would have it examined by a qualified garage for fuel economy sake and get it all cleared up before it causes more components to fail. Like an intermittent misfire can cause catalytic converter failure from the unburnt fuel charge burning in the cat and oxidizing the core, causing it to break down and plug.
So, though this may not be the situation you are in it is a perfect example of how a $50 repair can become a $950 repair if not attended to properly and promptly.

Regards,

John