Buick Dashboard Light Symbols and Meanings

When a dashboard light pops on during a drive around Phoenix, it’s easy to feel a little unsure about what your Buick is trying to tell you. At Coulter Camelback Buick GMC, customers bring in vehicles with questions about their Buick dashboard lights all the time. The good news? Most of these alerts have precise meanings, and understanding them can help you avoid bigger issues down the road. Think of this as a friendly guide—something you’d hear from someone at the dealership who works with these systems every day.

Buick Dashboard Lights:

• Why Dashboard Lights Matter
• Common Buick Dashboard Warning Lights
• When Should You Schedule Service?
• FAQ: Buick Dashboard Lights

Engine Oil Warning Light

This symbol—often resembling an old-fashioned oil can—usually means one of two things: low oil pressure or low oil level. Neither should be ignored. Low pressure can lead to severe engine damage if left untreated. If this light turns on while driving, it’s best to pull over and turn off the engine safely. Having the oil level checked right away can save you from a costly repair later.

Check Engine Light

Probably the most well-known of all Buick dashboard lights, the check engine light can be many things. Sometimes it’s something simple like a loose gas cap. Other times, it could be related to emissions, sensors, or engine performance. If the light is steady, schedule service soon. If it’s flashing, the vehicle may be experiencing a more serious issue and should be checked immediately.

Low Fuel Light

While this one seems obvious, it’s more critical than most drivers realize. Running the tank too low can pull sediment from the bottom of the fuel system or put extra strain on the fuel pump. When the low fuel light comes on, there’s typically a small reserve left, but it’s better not to make a habit of pushing it.

Battery Light

If the battery symbol illuminates, it usually means the charging system isn’t working correctly. This could be a failing alternator, a weak battery, a loose cable, or even a simple connection issue. The vehicle may still drive for a while, but once the battery drains, it’ll stall. Scheduling service quickly helps avoid getting stuck somewhere unexpectedly.

Low Tire Pressure Light

This warning—shaped like a tire with an exclamation point—means one or more tires have dropped below the recommended pressure. Arizona’s hot temperatures can trigger this light more often, especially when the seasons shift. Proper tire pressure improves traction, fuel economy, and tire lifespan, so don’t ignore it. Stop by the dealership or check your tires at home.

Coolant Level Warning

If the coolant warning light turns on, the engine might be running too hot, or the coolant level could be low. Since overheating can cause significant engine damage, this is one of the alerts that shouldn’t be pushed aside. Pull over if the temperature starts to climb, let the engine cool, and then have it inspected.

ABS System Warning

The ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) light comes on when there’s an issue preventing the system from working correctly. While standard braking usually still works, ABS is what helps prevent wheel lockup during hard stops. Losing that assistance can make emergency braking less stable, so it’s best to schedule service sooner rather than later.

Brake System Warning Light

Sometimes this symbol appears when the parking brake is left engaged, but it can also signal low brake fluid or a more serious brake system problem. Because brakes are crucial to safety, the vehicle shouldn’t be driven far if this light stays on until the issue is identified.