Contents Section: Procedures All sections

Service Indicator & Warning Lights Buick Riviera VII

Procedures 6 illustrations ~955 words

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: SERVICE INDICATOR & WARNING LIGHTS

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CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT

The CHECK ENGINE warning light indicates a malfunction in either the electronic engine control system on gasoline powered vehicles, or emission control on diesel-powered vehicles. If functioning correctly, the light comes on when ignition switch is turned to the ON position and goes out after engine has started. If light fails to come on with ignition switch or remains on when running, a service need is indicated.

SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT

Light should illuminate briefly when ignition is in ON position as a system check, and should go out after the engine is started. If this light glows during vehicle operation it indicates that service to the computerized fuel, ignition or emission control system is required.

ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHT

Light indicates a problem with the emission controls of the engine. Service as soon as possible.

OIL PRESSURE GAUGE

Gauge indicates engine oil pressure, not the amount of oil in the engine. However, oil level may affect oil pressure. Under normal operating conditions, gauge should register within NORMAL range. Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, oil viscosity or outside temperature. While engine is warming up, oil pressure will be higher than at normal operating temperature. If gauge registers below NORMAL operating band, stop immediately and check the oil level.

CAUTIONDO NOT operate vehicle if oil pressure gauge continues to register below NORMAL operating range.

OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT

Under normal operating conditions, light will come on as a test when ignition is in ON position and go out when the engine is started. Oil pressure warning light may blink on and off when engine is idling at a stop or may come on briefly when a hard stop is made. This is normal. If this light illuminates during normal vehicle operation, oil level should be checked immediately.

STOP ENGINE TEMP OR OIL WARNING LIGHTS

Light indicates that the oil pressure is too low or engine temperature is too high for engine operation. Stop vehicle immediately and check oil level and/or coolant level.

BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT

This warning light indicates that either the parking brake is on or there is a problem with the brake system. Light should come on briefly when ignition switch is turned to the ON position, and parking brake is released. If light stays on, immediate servicing is needed.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT (IF EQUIPPED)

The anti-lock brake system light indicates the status of the anti-lock brake system. If the light stays on longer than 60 seconds after the engine has started or comes on while driving, check anti-lock brake feature as soon as possible. If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, the normal brake function remains operational unless the BRAKE warning light is also illuminated.

CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT

Light is shown as a battery symbol on the instrument cluster. It will illuminate briefly when ignition is turned to ON or START position, and should go out when the engine starts and alternator begins to charge. If light stays on or comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged and the electrical system needs service.

COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE

With ignition in RUN position, gauge shows engine coolant temperature. Readings may vary with outside temperature and operating conditions. Readings below the RED warning zone indicate normal operating range. If gauge pointer rises into RED zone, stop vehicle, let engine cool and check the coolant level.

COOLANT TEMPERATURE LIGHT

This light indicates that the engine coolant has overheated and the vehicle should be stopped as soon as is safely possible. Let engine cool and check the coolant level.

VOLTMETER (IF EQUIPPED)

Gauge shows battery's state of charge in DC volts when engine is not running but ignition is in ON position. When engine is running, gauge shows the condition of the charging system. Readings between low and high warning zones indicate normal operating range. Readings in either warning zone indicate a problem in the electrical system.

ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WARNING LIGHT

This light indicates a possible problem with the electrical system. When working correctly, the light should come on momentarily after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. If the light fails to come on briefly or comes on while driving, have the electrical system serviced immediately.

INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (AIR BAG) WARNING LIGHT OR TONE

This light indicates the readiness of the inflatable restraint (air bag) system. When working correctly, the light should come on momentarily after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. If the light fails to come on briefly or remains on while driving, servicing is needed.

SERVICE FUEL FILTER/DRAIN FUEL FILTER WARNING LIGHT (DIESELS)

Light indicates excessive water in fuel system. Drain fuel filter as soon as possible. Continued driving under this condition could result in severe engine damage.

INFORMATION CENTER (TORONADO)

This feature provides warnings and information regarding several areas of vehicle operation. Service warnings are

  1. A/C SYSTEM PROBLEM
  2. LOW REFRIGERANT
  3. BRAKE FLUID IS LOW
  4. PARKING BRAKE IS ON
  5. ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM IS OVERHEATING
  6. HOT IDLE ENGINE
  7. HOT STOP ENGINE
  8. COOLANT LEVEL IS LOW
  9. CRUISE PROBLEM
  10. GENERATOR OR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM
  11. OIL PRESSURE IS LOW
  12. CHANGE OIL NOW

DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (ELDORADO)

This feature monitors several vehicle systems and reports problems to the driver. Areas monitored are: passenger doors, headlights, trunk, washer fluid, fuel level, vehicle computer systems, battery voltage, electrical system and engine cooling system. Attend to problem areas as directed.

ELECTRONIC CONTROL CENTER (RIVIERA & REATTA)

This system monitors and controls several systems on the vehicle. The service messages this system provides are in the areas of coolant temperature, oil level & pressure, climate control system, vehicle computer communication, brakes and battery voltage. Respond accordingly to each service message.