I just purchased a 1997 sentra 4 dr..I noticed this orange light on the left side of my dash, im assuming its some kind of warning light? When left idle for 5 min it came on for first time. why?

I own a 97 Nissan sentra. Orange light on the left is the gas light (light comes on when your low on fuel) Orange light on right side is a check engine light.

I'd say check your owner's manual for a dash layout and try to figure out what light it is (low fuel light, check engine light, check oil light, parking brake light, etc). The only two I'd worry about are check engine light and check oil light. If it's the check engine light, take it to Advance Auto (they'll scan it for free and tell you what's wrong), or a shop similar to that. If it's the check oil light (if you even have that light), you may be screwed. My dad's '04 Saturn VUE was leaking what we thought was power steering fluid. 2 days later the "check oil" light came on...when that light comes on the engine is almost completely out of oil are you are most likely looking at a new engine or a complete engine rebuild.