have a 1996 discovery check engine light,antilock brake light and airbag lights stay on allthe time....

if you have dash lights on, you have a issue, But to find out if it major or if it is minor you will need to get it scanned, you might of bought a car with some issues that the old owner wanted to get rid of. I would get it scanned and see what the codes are and what is is going to cost. Best of luck

for the check engine light, get the codes read at an autoparts store for free.  for the ABS light, its probably a bad wheel sensor.  The only people who can tell you specifically which one it is is the dealership, however you can buy one and switch it out between the four wheels until the light goes out.  The light only stays on as long as there is a problem; once the problem is fixed the light goes out.  For the airbag light, the dealership is the only one who can reset this light.  Try this site for more info, great people and a lot of traffic to help with answers:  www.lrrforums.com
good luck

--Justin