WHAT DOES EACH DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT MEAN and What should I do?
What Does Each Dashboard Warning Light Mean?
A quick guide to the most common warning lights on your Buick or GMC, what each one means, and when to bring your vehicle to our service center.
Dashboard warning lights are color coded for a reason. A red light means stop and address the issue right away, an amber or yellow light means something needs attention soon, and a green or blue light is simply letting you know a feature is active. Below, we break down the most common lights by category so you know what you are looking at and whether it is time to call our service team.
Red Warning Lights: Stop and Check Immediately
A red dashboard light signals a problem that can affect your safety or cause further damage if you keep driving. If one of these appears, pull over when it is safe and plan to have your vehicle looked at right away.
AirbagIndicates a fault in the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system.
Brake SystemCan mean low brake fluid, worn pads, or the parking brake is engaged.
Battery / ChargingThe charging system is not keeping the battery properly charged.
Oil PressureOil pressure has dropped too low. Stop driving as soon as it is safe.
Coolant LevelCoolant is low, which can lead to overheating if not addressed.
Engine OverheatingThe engine temperature is too high. Pull over and let it cool.
Power SteeringA fault with the electric or hydraulic power steering assist.
Seatbelt ReminderA driver or passenger seatbelt is unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
Amber Lights: Plan a Service Visit Soon
Amber or yellow lights are not usually an emergency, but they should not be ignored either. The check engine light alone covers a wide range of possible causes, from a loose gas cap to a sensor that needs replacing, which is why a proper diagnostic scan matters.
Check EngineA diagnostic scan is needed to pinpoint the cause.
ABSThe antilock braking system needs to be inspected.
Traction ControlCan light up on slick roads, or point to a system fault if it stays on.
Tire PressureOne or more tires is under or over the recommended pressure.
Lane AssistLets you know if the lane keeping system is active or needs attention.
Lane DepartureThe system has detected you drifting out of your lane.
Cruise ControlSimply confirms cruise control is turned on.
Ignition LockOften tied to a key fob or anti-theft system issue.
Maintenance and Convenience Lights
These lights are more about upkeep and convenience than an urgent problem, but a few of them, like low fuel or an open door, are worth acting on quickly too.
Maintenance RequiredIt is time for an oil change or scheduled service.
Low FuelYou are running low and should fill up soon.
Door OpenA door, including the rear hatch, is not fully closed.
Hood OpenThe hood latch is not fully secured.
HeadlightsConfirms your headlights are currently on.
Fog LightsConfirms your fog lights are currently on.
Defrost / Washer FluidPoints to low washer fluid or an active defrost setting.
Eco ModeLets you know the vehicle is running in a fuel saving mode.
Not Sure What Your Light Means?
If a warning light comes on and you are not sure what to do next, our certified service team can run a full diagnostic check and walk you through exactly what your vehicle needs.
Schedule Service TodayDashboard Warning Light FAQ
Is it safe to keep driving with a warning light on?
It depends on the color. A red light means you should stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so. An amber or yellow light usually means you can continue driving but should get the vehicle checked soon. When in doubt, pull over and call our service department.
What should I do if my check engine light comes on?
Note whether the light is steady or flashing. A flashing check engine light can mean a more serious issue and should be looked at right away. Either way, our team can run a diagnostic scan to identify the exact cause.
Do warning lights mean the same thing on every Buick or GMC model?
Most icons are standardized across the industry, but the exact behavior and additional alerts can vary by model and model year. Your Owner's Manual will always have the most accurate explanation for your specific vehicle.
Can I reset a warning light myself?
Some lights, like a tire pressure light, may reset on their own once the issue is corrected. Others, like a maintenance required light, typically need to be cleared by a technician after the service is performed.
How do I schedule a dashboard light inspection?
You can schedule an appointment with our service center online in just a few minutes, or stop by during business hours and our team will take a look.
Let Our Team Take a Look
Schedule ServiceThis guide covers general dashboard warning light meanings and is intended for informational purposes only. Warning light appearance and behavior can vary by vehicle make, model and model year. Always refer to your vehicle's Owner's Manual for information specific to your vehicle, and contact our service department with any questions.
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