2019 Buick Encore Dashboard Symbols | Warning Lights Guide
In the 2019 Buick Encore models, the dashboard icons and warning lights are very important for letting drivers know about different conditions and possible problems with the car. These symbols can mean a lot of different things, from simple messages like “Remember to buckle up” or “low fuel” to more serious ones like engine problems or incorrect tire pressure. Understanding these symbols is important for keeping your car safe and running well because paying attention to these signs right away can keep you from getting into an accident or having to pay for expensive repairs. By learning what these dashboard icons mean, Buick Encore drivers will be ready for any situation that may happen on the road, making trips safer and more efficient.
2023 Buick Encore Gx Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.
Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light
The vehicle may also have a passenger seat belt reminder light.
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the front passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the front passenger seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. The front passenger seat belt reminder light and chime may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device. To turn off the reminder light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), passenger sensing system (if equipped), the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.
Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The instrument panel has a passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or the on or off symbol to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag (if equipped). If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag (if equipped) are allowed to inflate. If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and passenger knee airbag (if equipped). If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer for service.
Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away.
Charging System Light
This light will come on briefly when the ignition is turned on, and the engine is not running, as a check to show it is working. It should go out when the engine is started. If it stays on or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery. If a short distance must be driven with the light on, turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner, to help reduce the drain on the battery.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control onboard diagnostic system. If this light is on while the engine is running, a malfunction has been detected and the vehicle may require service. The light should come on to show that it is working when the ignition is in Service Mode. Malfunctions are often indicated by the system before any problem is noticeable. Being aware of the light and seeking service promptly when it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with this light on, the emission control system may not work as well, the fuel economy may be lower, and the vehicle may not run smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Modifications to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the use of replacement tires that do not meet the original tire specifications, can cause this light to come on. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also affect the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test.
If the light is flashing:
A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades. If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady:
A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Check the following:
- If fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. The diagnostic system can detect if the adapter has been left installed in the vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the adapter removed may turn off the light.
- Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test, the test equipment will likely connect to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Connecting devices that are not used to perform an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation. See your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
- The light is on when the engine is running.
- The light does not come on when the ignition is in Service Mode.
- Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle will not be ready for inspection and might require several days of routine driving before the system is ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down, or if the vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle brake system consists of two hydraulic circuits. If one circuit is not working, the remaining circuit can still work to stop the vehicle. For normal braking performance, both circuits need to be working
This light should come on briefly when the engine is started. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light comes on when the parking brake is set. The light stays on if the parking brake does not fully release. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully released, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected immediately.
Warning
The brake system might not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to a crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has been pulled off the road and carefully stopped, have the vehicle towed for service.
If the light comes on while driving, a chime sounds. Pull off the road and stop. The pedal might be harder to push or go closer to the floor. It might also take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then goes off. If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on, or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system warning light is not on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a problem with the regular brakes.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
If equipped, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced. This light is green if LDW is on and ready to operate. This light changes to amber and flashes to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed without using a turn signal in that direction.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green when a vehicle is detected ahead.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off. The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off by pressing and releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC button. This light and the StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light come on when StabiliTrak/ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off. If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. If StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS are off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak/ESC systems, and the warning light turns off.
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light
The StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Traction Control System (TCS) indicator/warning light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS, and potentially the StabiliTrak/ ESC system have been disabled. If the indicator/warning light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. It provides information about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and then stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition cycle.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. Driving with the engine oil low can also damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil level as soon as possible. Add oil if required, but if the oil level is within the operating range and the oil pressure is still low, have the vehicle serviced. Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on as a check to indicate it is working. If it does not come on, have it fixed. The low fuel warning light comes on and a chime sounds periodically when the vehicle is low on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is added to the fuel tank.
Immobilizer Light
The immobilizer light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the immobilizer system.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
Front Fog Lamp Light
For vehicles with front fog lamps, this light comes on when the front fog lamps are in use. The light goes out when the front fog lamps are turned off.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use.
Cruise Control Light
For vehicles with cruise control, the cruise control light is white when the cruise control is on and ready, and turns green when the cruise control is set and active. The light turns off when the cruise control is turned off.
FAQs
The dashboard symbols in the 2019 Buick Encore indicate various vehicle functions and potential issues.
Each warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore typically has a unique symbol and color to signify its meaning.
The check engine light in the 2019 Buick Encore typically indicates a malfunction in the engine or emissions system. It’s recommended to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified technician.
The tire pressure warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates that one or more tires may have low pressure. Check your tire pressures and inflate them to the recommended levels as soon as possible.
The battery warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore may indicate issues with the charging system. It’s advisable to have your vehicle’s battery and charging system inspected by a professional.
The oil pressure warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates low oil pressure, which could lead to engine damage if ignored. Stop the vehicle immediately and check the oil level.
The ABS warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system. It’s essential to have the ABS system checked by a technician.
The airbag warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore suggests a fault in the airbag system, which may prevent the airbags from deploying in
an accident. Have the system inspected by a professional.
The temperature warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates that the engine is overheating. Pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool down.
The fuel cap warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates that the fuel cap may not be properly tightened. Ensure the fuel cap is securely fastened to prevent fuel evaporation and maintain proper emissions control.
The wrench symbol on the dashboard of the 2019 Buick Encore typically indicates a service reminder or maintenance interval.
The traction control warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates that the traction control system is active. If the light remains illuminated continuously, it may indicate a fault in the system.
The low fuel warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates that the fuel level is low. Refuel your vehicle at the earliest opportunity to avoid running out of fuel.
The lane departure warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates that the vehicle’s lane departure warning system is active. It alerts you when your vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.
The power steering warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates a problem with the power steering system. Stop the vehicle and check power steering fluid levels. If levels are low, refill them, and if the light persists, have the system inspected.
The brake system warning light in the 2019 Buick Encore indicates a fault in the brake system, such as low brake fluid or a brake system malfunction. Have your brakes inspected immediately for safety.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: Buick Encore 2019 User Manual | Auto User Guide
2023 Buick Encore Gx Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Dashboard Instructions: 2019 Buick Encore Instrument Cluster