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I am aware that all dashboard lights turn on when I start my vehicle, and then turn off again pretty quickly. However my check engine light seems to stay on for at least a few seconds more than the others, then switches off. Is this early warning of an issue, or just a delay while my car checks that everything is OK? I have a Mitsubishi RVR.

Hi there,
Because each light has it's own (often singular) function to check, they can do it pretty quick. The engine ecu has to check a minimum of 50+ sensors and operating scenarios before going out, so it could take a bit longer.
The light will stay on if there is a fault detected at start-up.

Thank you, that's a weight off my mind! It has never stayed lit, so as u say the extra couple of seconds it is lit must be simply due to it performing so many checks. Thank u again, I'm a new member to AA and already I'm glad I joined :)