brake BUICK ENCORE 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
2 Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
About Driving the Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or a crash. Be sure to read
the driving guidelines in this manual in the
section called“Driving and Operating” and
specifically Driver Behavior 0164, Driving
Environment 0164, and Vehicle Design
0 164.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means “Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To start the vehicle:
1. Place the transmitter in the centerconsole front cupholder with the buttons
facing the front of the vehicle.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C (138
°F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY
IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.
Starting the Vehicle
To start the engine using the remote start
feature:
1. Press and release
Q.
2. Immediately after completing Step 1, press and hold
/for at least
four seconds or until the turn signal
lamps flash. The turn signal lamps
flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.
When the engine starts, the parking lamps
will turn on and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The doors will be locked
and the climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run for
15 minutes. After 30 seconds, repeat the
steps if a 15-minute extension is desired.
Remote start can be extended only once.
Press ENGINE START/STOP and the brake
with the RKE Transmitter in the vehicle to
drive. Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can also be extended
by another 15 minutes, if during the first
15 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are repeated while
the engine is still running. An extension can
be requested 30 seconds after starting. This
provides a total of 30 minutes.
The remote start can only be extended once.
When the remote start is extended, the
second 15-minute period is added on to the
first 15 minutes for a total of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
remote start with an extension, are allowed
between ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and then off
before the remote start procedure can be
used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off. Conditions in Which Remote Start Will
Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will not
operate if:
.A transmitter is in the vehicle.
.The vehicle is on.
.The hood is not closed.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.The malfunction indicator lamp is on.
.The engine coolant temperature is
too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Two remote vehicle starts, or a single
remote start with an extension, have
already been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors can be
unlocked and opened while the vehicle
is moving. The chance of being thrown
(Continued)

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The doors will lock automatically
five seconds after all doors are closed. If a
door is reopened before that time, the
five-second timer will reset when all doors
are closed again.
Press
Qon the door lock switch again or
press
Qon the RKE transmitter to lock the
doors immediately.
This feature can also be programmed. See
Vehicle Personalization (8 Inch Screen) 089
or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically when all
doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
If a vehicle door is unlocked, and then
opened and closed, the doors will lock either
when your foot is removed from the brake
or the vehicle speed becomes faster than
13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
.PressKon the power door lock switch.
.Shift the transmission into P (Park). Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be
programmed. See
Vehicle Personalization (8
Inch Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Lockout Protection
If the vehicle is on or in ACC/ACCESSORY
and the power door lock switch is pressed
with the driver door open, all the doors will
lock and only the driver door will unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is requested
while a door is open, when all doors are
closed the vehicle will check for RKE
transmitters inside. If an RKE transmitter is
detected and the number of RKE
transmitters inside has not reduced, the
driver door will unlock and the horn will
chirp three times.
Lockout Protection can be manually
overridden with the driver door open by
pressing and holding
Qon the power door
lock switch.
Open Door Anti-Lockout
If Open Door Anti-Lockout has been turned
on and the vehicle is off, the driver door is
open, and locking is requested, all the doors
will lock and the driver door will remain unlocked. The Open Door Anti-Lockout
feature can be turned on or off. See
Vehicle
Personalization (8 Inch Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
If equipped, the safety lock is located on the
inside edge of the rear doors. To use the
safety lock:
1. Insert the key into the safety lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the
horizontal position.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Seats and Restraints 43
The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There may be some smoke
and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn on the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers,
and shut off the fuel system after the airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See
Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0292 and
Event Data Recorders 0292.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 71
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 78
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 80
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . 83
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Immobilizer Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . 86
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (8 Inch Screen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you.
4. Lift the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
82 Instruments and Controls
.If equipped with capped fuel fill: A loose
or missing fuel cap may cause the light
to come on. SeeFilling the Tank (Capless
Fuel Fill) 0197 or
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill) 0198.
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 0196.
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
0 200. 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.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish
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.
When the vehicle is on, the brake system
warning light also comes on when the
parking brake is set. The light stays on if
the parking brake does not fully release. If it
stays on after the parking brake is fully
released, there is a brake problem. Have the
brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal
might be harder to push, or the brake pedal
may go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have
the vehicle towed for service. See Towing
the Vehicle 0255.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 83
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This warning light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If the light
does not come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving, safely
stop as soon as it is possible and turn off
the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again
to reset the system.If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when the
light stays on.
If the ABS warning light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is
not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light 082.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Light
This light is green if LDW is on and ready to
operate.
This light changes to amber and flashes to
indicate that the lane marking has been
crossed without using a turn signal in that
direction. See
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0195.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green
when a vehicle is detected ahead.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 192.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system is
working normally, the indicator light then
turns off.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 89
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction inperformance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, brakes, thermal, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (8 Inch
Screen)
Use the audio system controls to access the
personalization menus for customizing
vehicle features.
To see if your vehicle has the 8 inch screen,
see
Overview (8 Inch Screen) 0105.
The following are all possible personalization
features. Depending on the vehicle, some
may not be available.
To access the personalization menus: 1. Touch SETTINGS on the Home Page of the infotainment display.
2. Touch the desired feature to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Press BACK on the center stack or touch
Son the infotainment display to return
to the previous menu or exit.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 163
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 164
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 178
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 180
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 181
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . 195
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Filling the Tank (Capless Fuel Fill) . . . . . . 197
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill) . . . . . 198
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . 200
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . 200
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 200