Checking the codes for the "check engine" light is a wise idea. With the introduction of OBDll in 1996, it should be fairly easy to retrieve the codes and find the problem. As far as I know a light that comes on and goes off will store a code...but pplotz is right...blinking on/off is an indication that the truck is definitely not happy about you continuing to run her without fixing the problem. You're lucky you have a 2000 and can use OBDll scanning to diagnose. Us first genners have to rely on other less reliable means of diagnosing and sometimes it can nickle & dime us to an empty pocket and a whole lot of frustration.

Good luck...

dawn...