truck if the check engine light don't light up before i turn the engine over the truck will not start

I have a 1995 Madza B2300 truck. I having this one BIG issues. when trying to start the truck if the check engine light don't light up before i turn the engine over the truck will not start. It will only strt when the check engine light come on. Also while driving the truck will just cut off and when I try to start it and the check engine isn't lit before turn the key to start the truck will not start and sometime its so bad that i may have to wit a couple hours before the check engine light come on before i can start the truck.