towing BUICK ENCLAVE 2020 Owners Manual

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
72 Seats and Restraints A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such as
seat covers, seat heaters, and seat
massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that you
not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 72
for more information about
modifications that can affect how
the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an
object, such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop,
or other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not
desired, remove the object from
the seat.
{ Warning
Stowing articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
(Continued) Warning (Continued) seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see
Publication Ordering Information
0 353 .
{ Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
(Continued) Warning (Continued) are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal may keep the airbag system
from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing,
including improperly repairing or
replacing, any parts of the following:
.
Airbag system, including airbag
modules, front or side impact
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, airbag wiring, or front
center console

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Instruments and Controls 123Caution (Continued)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
0 249 .
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 towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as possible.
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 fuel has been added to the
vehicle using the capless fuel
funnel adapter, make sure that it
has been removed. See “ Filling
the Tank with a Portable Gas
Can ” under Filling the Tank
0 232 . 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.
.
Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, 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 0 231 .
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 0 246 . See
your dealer if assistance is needed.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
124 Instruments and Controls 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 Metric English
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.
If the light comes on and stays on at
start up, 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 0 313 .{ WarningThe 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.
Electric Parking Brake
Light
Metric English
This light comes on when the
parking brake is applied. If the light
continues flashing after the parking
brake is released, or while driving,
there is a problem with the Electric

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 165Trailer Towing General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 244
Conversions and Add-Ons Add-On Electrical
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Driving Information Driving for Better Fuel
Economy Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.
Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the
engine is started, or turn them
off when not required.
.
On AWD vehicles, see Driver
Mode Control 0 202 .
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require. .
Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep
your eyes on the road, keep your
hands on the steering wheel, and
focus your attention on driving.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 177Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out,
see Towing the Vehicle 0 313 .
Vehicle Load Limits It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification/Tire label.
{ Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information
Label
Example Label
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the center pillar
(B-pillar). The tire and loading
information label shows the
number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
178 Driving and Operating The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows
the size of the original
equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see Tires 0 281 and
Tire Pressure 0 288 .
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle
Certification/Tire label. It may
show the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
the front and rear axle. See
“ Certification/Tire Label ” later in
this section. “ Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit –
1.
Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle ’ s
placard. 2.
Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle. 3.
Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs. 4.
The resulting figure equals
the available amount of
cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
5.
Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4. 6.
If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle. ”
See Trailer Towing 0 238 for
important information on towing
a trailer, towing safety rules and
trailering tips.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 187Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{ WarningIt can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in
P (Park) with the parking brake
set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
shift to P (Park). See Shifting Into
Park 0 186 . If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0 234 . If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you
leave it. After you have pressed the
P (Park) button, hold down the
brake pedal. If you cannot see the
P (Park) indicator in the instrument
cluster, it means that the vehicle is
not in P (Park).
If you are towing a trailer and
parking on a hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 234 .
Shifting out of Park This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. The shift
lock release button is designed to
prevent inadvertent shifting out of
P (Park) unless the ignition is in on,
the brake pedal is applied, and the
shift lock release button is pressed.
The shift lock control is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery. If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0 311 .
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press and hold the shift lock
release button.
4. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
188 Driving and Operating 5. The P indicator will turn white
and the gear indicator on the
shift lever will turn red when
the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
6. After releasing the shift lever, it
will return to the center
position.
If the vehicle cannot shift from
P (Park), a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message will be
displayed. See your dealer for
service.
Manual Park Release
{ WarningThe transmission will be placed in
N (Neutral) when the manual park
release is pulled. The vehicle can
roll and you or others could be
injured. Ensure the vehicle is on
level ground. CautionThe manual park release is not
intended to be used for towing.
Damage may result from using
the manual park release in this
way. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
This vehicle includes a manual park
release that can be accessed (if
equipped with an access panel,
otherwise see your dealer) and
used to shift the vehicle into
N (Neutral) when the engine is not
running.
Pulling the manual park release
while the vehicle is on or turning the
ignition on while the manual park
release is pulled, will result in a
Service Transmission message
being displayed.
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
using the manual park release: 1. Ensure the vehicle is on level
ground and set the parking
brake. Release the brake
pedal.
2. Turn the vehicle off.
3. Use a flat-bladed tool to
remove the fastener located in
the lower front corner of the
interior trim panel on the center
console to the right of the
accelerator pedal.
4. Use a flat-bladed tool to pry off
the panel.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 191
Running the Vehicle
While Parked It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0 186 and
Engine Exhaust 0 190 .
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0 234 .Automatic
Transmission
The shift pattern is displayed in the
top of the shift lever. The selected
gear position will illuminate red on
the shift lever, while all others will
be displayed in white. If the shift is
not immediate, as in very cold
conditions, the indicator on the shift
lever may flash until it is fully
engaged. The shift lever always starts from a
center position, represented by an
amber dot on the shift pattern. After
releasing the shift lever, it will return
to the center position.
The transmission does not operate
when the vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in ACC/
ACCESSORY, the transmission can
be shifted into P (Park).
If the ignition is turned off while at a
relatively high vehicle speed, the
transmission will automatically shift
to N (Neutral). Once the vehicle is
stopped, P (Park) can be selected.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
192 Driving and Operating P : This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting
the engine because the vehicle
cannot move easily.
{ WarningIt is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the transmission is not
in P (Park) with the parking brake
set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If the engine
has been left running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and place the
transmission into P (Park). See
Shifting Into Park 0 186 and
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0 234 . This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. The shift
lock release button is designed to
prevent inadvertent shifting out of
P (Park) unless the ignition is on,
the brake pedal is applied, and the
shift lock release button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP to turn off
the vehicle. The transmission will
shift to P (Park) automatically unless
the vehicle is in N (Neutral). See
“ Car Wash Mode ” later in this
section.
The vehicle will not shift into
P (Park) if it is moving too fast. Stop
the vehicle and shift into P (Park). To shift in and out of P (Park), see
Shifting Into Park 0 186 and
Shifting out of Park 0 187 .
SERVICE SHIFTER SEE OWNER ’ S
MANUAL Message
When this message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), the
shift lever needs service. Have the
vehicle serviced as soon as
possible. If the vehicle is
automatically shifting into P (Park),
check to see if the P (Park) button
on top of the shift lever is stuck. To
operate the vehicle, hold the shift
lever in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until
vehicle speed exceeds
15 km/h (10 mph), then release the
shift lever.
R : Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from
D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the
speed is too high, the vehicle will
shift to N (Neutral). Reduce the
vehicle speed and try the shift
again.