Buick Encore: Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators / Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
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. See Ignition
Positions.

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.
Caution
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. See
Accessories and Modifications.
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 equipped with capless fuel fill: If fuel
has been added to the vehicle using the
capless funnel adapter, make sure that it
has been removed. See “Filling the Tank
with a Portable Gas Can” under Filling the
Tank (Capless Fuel Fill) or
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill).
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.
- If equipped with capped fuel fill: A loose
or missing fuel cap may cause the light
to come on. See Filling the Tank (Capless
Fuel Fill) or Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill).
A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed may turn the light off.
- Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor drivability,
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. See Recommended Fuel.
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 Add-On Electrical Equipment. 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 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.
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started...
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...
Other information:
For U.S.-purchased vehicles, call
1-800-252-1112; (Text Telephone (TTY):
1-888-889-2438).
For Canadian-purchased vehicles, call
1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year.
Calling for Assistance
When calling Roadside Assistance, have the
following information ready:
Your name, home address, and home
telephone number
Telephone number of your location
Location of the vehicle
Model, year, color, and license plate
number of the vehicle
Odometer reading, Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN), and delivery date of the
vehicle
Description of the problem
Coverage
Services are provided for the duration of the
vehicle’s powertrain warranty...
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground...