1997 Buick Skylark Owner's Manual - Page 124

If the LightIs Flashing The following may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle: Reducing vehicle speed. Avoiding hard accelerations. Avoiding steep uphill grades. If you are towing a trailer, reduce amount of the cargo being hauled as soon it is possible. as If the light stops flashing and remains steady, see "If on the Light Is On Steady" following. If the light continues toflash, when it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light remains on steady, see "If the Light Is On Steady" following. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your dealer or qualified servicecenter for service. If the Light Is On Steady You may be ableto correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following: Did you recently fuel into your vehicle? put I so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sureto fully install f the cap. The diagnostic system can determine the fuel if cap has been off or improperly installed. A left loose or missing fuel cap will allowfuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with cap properly the installed shouldturn the light off. Did youjust drive through a deep puddle water? of If so, your electrical system may be wet. condition The will usually be corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should the light off. turn Have you recently changed brands fuel? of If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see "Fuel" in the Index). Poor quality will cause your fuel engine not torun as efficiently as designed. may You notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.) will be This detected by the systemand cause the light tou n on. tr If you experience one or moreof these conditions, change thefuel brand you use. It will requireleast one at full tank of the proper fuel to turnthe light off. If none of the above steps have made the turn off, light have your dealer or qualified service center check the vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to any mechanical or electrical fix problems that may have developed.