The check engine light means that a diagnostic code has been recorded in your car's computer. Although it's possible to read the diagnostic codes on some cars, you would need to find out how it's done on your car. It usually requires a specific piece of equipment to read it and you would need to look up the diagnostic code. It's probably easier just to take it to the mechanic but I don't think it's cheap to have it read.

Some cars have a procedure that if you follow, the light will flash out a code. If you have the list of the codes and their meanings, you can decipher the problem yourself. The other way of diagnosing the problem is to hook up the appropriate computer handset to the engine and let it diagnose the problem - this is usually a job for a mechanic/technician. If you are driving and the engine light comes on, you really do need to act on it. If the engine stops, there are several things you can do - depending on why it has stopped. The simplest is just to get the car towed. If you absolutely must try to start it again, disconnect the negative terminal on the battery and leave it for five to ten minutes, then reconnect it. This causes the engine computer to reset. The car may start again after that. However, you do risk causing damage by trying to start the car again. If the engine still runs, then you should immediately head for home, or your nearest mechanic/garage and get it looked at. Most cars have a 'limp home' mode in their computers that will allow you to drive the car if certain sensors have failed. However I would not recommend continuing to drive the car around once the light has come on. "Limp home" mode should be pretty self-explanatory...

Cause you have not checked your oil level in over 10,000 miles of driving!

Question is too broad, it could be many things. Get a diagnostic ran on your vehicle.

on my 1995 ford crown victoria, the check engine light comes on. What can I do?