Dashboard Warning Lights: Buick Encore 2020 Instrument Cluster
The 2020 Buick Encore’s instrument cluster has a lot of dashboard warning lights that are meant to let drivers know about different situations and possible problems with the car. These warning lights are very important because they let you know right away what the vehicle’s performance, safety, and repair needs are. The Buick Encore’s dashboard warning lights are very important for keeping the driver aware of any problems and letting them take action quickly. They do this by sending messages when the engine isn’t working right, when it’s time for regular maintenance, and when there are problems with other systems. Knowing what these warning lights mean is important for keeping the car running at its best and making sure you have a safe and efficient driving experience.
2024 Buick Encore GX Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review
Instrument Cluster
Cluster Menu
There is an interactive display area in the center of the instrument cluster.
Use the controls to open and scroll through the different items and displays.
- SET/CLR: Press to set or clear the menu item when it is displayed.
: Turn the band to scroll through the menu items.- MENU: Press to access the cluster applications. This button is also used to return to or exit the last screen displayed on the DIC.
Press MENU to access the cluster applications. Use to scroll through the list of available applications. Not all applications will be available on all vehicles.
- Info app. This is where you can view the selected Driver Information Center (DIC) displays. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 110.
- Navigation
- Options
Navigation
Press SET/CLR to select the Navigation app. Use to highlight available options. If there is no active route, you can resume the last route and turn the voice prompts on/off. If there is an active route, press SET/CLR to cancel route guidance or turn the voice prompts on/off.
Options
Press SET/CLR to select the Options app. Use to scroll through the items in the Options menu.
Unit: Press SET/CLR while the Unit is displayed to enter the Units menu. Choose U.S. or metric units by pressing SET/CLR while the desired item is highlighted.
Info Pages: Press SET/CLR while Info Pages is displayed to enter the Info Pages menu. Press SET/CLR to edit the list of info apps displayed.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset. The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). When the engine is on, the tachometer will indicate the engine’s revolutions per minute (rpm). The tachometer may vary by several hundred rpm’s, during Auto Stop mode, when the engine is shutting off and restarting. vehicle could be damaged, and the damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate the engine with the rpm’s in the warning area.
Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates about how much fuel is left in the tank. An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. When the indicator nears empty, the low fuel light comes on. There is a small amount of fuel left, but the fuel tank should be filled soon. Here are four things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge:
- At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full.
- It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
- The gauge moves a little while turning a corner or speeding up.
- The gauge takes a few seconds to stabilize after the ignition is turned on, and goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. If the pointer moves toward the warning area at the high end of the gauge, the engine is too hot. This reading indicates the same thing as the warning light. It means that the engine coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
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.
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 – Capless)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control on-board 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.
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 would 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.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light – Capped)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control on-board 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 lightto 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 towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled assoon as possible. 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:
- A loose or missing fuel cap may cause the light to come on. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed may turn the light off.
- 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.
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, thevehicle would 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
This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. 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 vehicle is on, the brake system warning light also comes on when the parking brake is set. The light stays on if the parking brake does not fully release. If it stays onafter the parking brake is fully released, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away. If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or the brake pedal may go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
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.
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
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, except when only the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are active.
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.
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed.
FAQs
Dashboard warning lights in the Buick Encore 2020 instrument cluster are visual indicators designed to alert drivers to various vehicle conditions, safety issues, and maintenance needs.
Dashboard warning lights in the Buick Encore 2020 are crucial as they provide real-time feedback on the vehicle’s status, ensuring driver awareness and facilitating timely action to address any concerns.
Common dashboard warning lights in the Buick Encore 2020 include indicators for the engine, brakes, tire pressure, battery, and various safety systems.
The check engine light in the Buick Encore 2020 typically indicates a problem with the engine or emissions system that requires attention from a qualified mechanic.
The brake system warning light in the Buick Encore 2020 alerts drivers to potential issues with the vehicle’s braking system, such as low brake fluid or brake system malfunctions.
The TPMS warning light in the Buick Encore 2020 indicates low tire pressure, and drivers should check and adjust tire pressure accordingly to ensure safe driving.
The battery warning light in the Buick Encore 2020 indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system, requiring immediate attention to avoid potential breakdowns.
It depends on the severity of the warning light. Some lights may indicate minor issues, while others signal more critical problems that require immediate attention.
Resetting dashboard warning lights in the Buick Encore 2020 often requires addressing the underlying issue that triggered them. If the issue is resolved, the warning light may reset automatically, or it may need to be cleared manually by a mechanic.
If a dashboard warning light illuminates while driving the Buick Encore 2020, it’s crucial to safely pull over and take appropriate action based on the severity of the warning.
Warning lights in the Buick Encore 2020 typically indicate more serious issues that require immediate attention, while indicator lights provide information about the status of certain systems without indicating a problem.
The oil pressure warning light in the Buick Encore 2020 alerts drivers to low oil pressure, indicating a potential problem with the engine that requires immediate attention to prevent damage.
The ABS warning light in the Buick Encore 2020 indicates a malfunction in the anti-lock braking system, which may affect the vehicle’s ability to brake safely in certain conditions.
It’s recommended to perform a visual check of the dashboard warning lights every time you start the Buick Encore 2020, ensuring you’re aware of any potential issues before driving.
The coolant temperature warning light in the Buick Encore 2020 alerts drivers to an overheating engine, which can cause severe damage if not addressed promptly. Pull over and allow the engine to cool down before continuing.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: Buick Encore 2020 User Manual | Auto User Guide
2024 Buick Encore GX Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review