tow BUICK ENCLAVE 2021 Owner's Guide

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637843) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
208 Driving and Operating
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It 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). SeeShifting Into Park 0207.
If you are towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0246.
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 0246.
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 0309.
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.
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.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637843) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
210 Driving and Operating
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0246.
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.
P :
This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It 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 0207 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 246.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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212 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park).
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. From the center position, move the shift lever forward.
.If the vehicle is in P (Park), apply the
brake pedal and press the shift lock
release button while moving the shift
lever forward.
.N will illuminate in red. 2. After releasing the shift lever, it will
return to the center position.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. If selecting R (Reverse), press and hold the shift lock
release button.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that
allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car washes.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for more than five minutes.
It may automatically shift into P (Park).
N (Neutral) is not intended for towing. If the
vehicle needs to be towed, see Towing the
Vehicle 0312.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral). 4. Turn off the engine and release the
brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver out of
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
6. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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214 Driving and Operating
Electronic Range Select (ERS), or Manual
Mode, allows for the selection of the range
of gear positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to limit
the top gear and vehicle speed. The shift
position indicator within the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display a
number next to the L indicating the highest
available gear.
To enter Electronic Range Select or
Manual Mode:1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever to activate L (Low). The
L in the shift pattern will illuminate in
red, and the D will switch to white. 2. Tap the left steering wheel control to
reduce the highest gear available, or the
right control to increase the highest gear
available.
3. To exit, pull back on the shift lever a second time. The D in the shift pattern
will illuminate in red, and the L will
switch to white.
When shifting to L (Low), the transmission
will shift to a preset lower gear range. For
this preset range, the highest gear available
will be displayed next to the L in the DIC.
All gears below that number are available to
use. For example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown
next to the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth)
gears are shifted automatically. To shift to 5
(Fifth) gear, tap the right steering wheel
control or shift into D (Drive).
L (Low) will prevent shifting to a lower gear
range if the engine speed is too high. If the
vehicle speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift will not
be completed. Slow the vehicle, then tap the
left steering wheel control to the desired
lower gear range.
Cruise control can be used while in ERS.
Tow/Haul Mode
This feature can assist when towing or
hauling a heavy load. To activate Tow/Haul
Mode, see Driver Mode Control 0218.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
AWD Mode.
Press the button to select All-Wheel
Drive (AWD).
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed. See Driver Mode Control
0 218.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637843) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
216 Driving and Operating
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, press the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pressed. If the switch is
pressed until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0246.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 219
selected, the suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change calibrations to
achieve the desired mode characteristics.
If equipped, the vehicle may have the
following modes: All-Wheel Drive (AWD),
Tour, Sport, and/or Tow/Haul. When not in
AWD, the vehicle is in Front-Wheel Drive
(FWD) which will provide better fuel
economy. All drive modes may display
indicator or mode on message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) except FWD.
AWD Mode
AWD Mode is intended for conditions which
demand more traction. In AWD Mode, the
AWD system delivers power to all four
wheels and the system adjusts as needed toimprove traction. Pressing the AWD Mode
switch will select AWD Mode. The AWD light
will flash briefly while the system is
engaging and stay on to indicate AWD is
active. The AWD light will stay off when
AWD is inactive. AWD Mode can be turned
on and off independently of other modes.
See
All-Wheel Drive 0214.
MODE
To select the Sport Mode or Tow/Haul
Mode, press the MODE switch on the center
stack. Pressing the MODE switch will display
options of all available ride modes in the
DIC and change to the next mode.
Subsequent presses will scroll through the
available modes.
Sport Mode
If equipped, Sport Mode is used when road
conditions or personal preference demand a
more controlled response. When in Sport
Mode, the steering and suspension will
change to provide more precise control and
better cornering performance. Sport Mode is
only available on vehicles equipped with
Real Time Damping. Sport Mode also
changes the StabiliTrak and AWD settings to
allow more wheel slip.
Tow/Haul Mode
If equipped, Tow/Haul Mode can assist
when towing or hauling a heavy load.
It changes transmission shift patterns, and
increases trailer sway control assistance. See
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0246. Tow/Haul Mode is available on
vehicles with the Trailer Towing Package.
Cruise Control
With cruise control the vehicle can maintain
a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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222 Driving and Operating
ACC may automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0217. When road conditions allow ACC to
be safely used, ACC can be turned back on.
Disabling the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC system
will disengage and prevent engagement
of ACC
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver” in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0191.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the sensors are blocked by snow, ice,
or dirt. The system may not detect a
vehicle ahead. Keep the entire front of
the vehicle clean.
.Visibility is low, such as in fog, rain,
or snow conditions. ACC performance
is limited under these conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip.
.When towing a trailer.
5:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on.
RES+ : Press briefly to resume to a previous
set speed or to increase vehicle speed if ACC
is already activated. To increase speed by 1
km/h (1 mph), press RES+ briefly. To increase
speed to the next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on
the speedometer, hold RES+.
SET– :Press briefly to set the speed and
activate ACC or to decrease vehicle speed if
ACC is already activated. To decrease speed
by about 1 km/h (1 mph), press SET– briefly.
To decrease speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
hold SET–.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14637843) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
228 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
attention in curves and be ready to use
the brakes if necessary. Select an
appropriate speed while driving in curves.
ACC may operate differently in a sharp
curve. It may reduce the vehicle speed if the
curve is too sharp.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle down
while navigating the curve and may increase
speed out of the curve, but will not exceed
the set speed.
When following a vehicle and entering a
curve, ACC may not detect the vehicle ahead
and accelerate to the set speed. When this
happens, the vehicle ahead indicator will not
appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not in your
lane and apply the brakes.
ACC may occasionally provide an alert and/
or braking that is considered unnecessary.
It could respond to vehicles in different
lanes, signs, guardrails, and other stationary
objects when entering or exiting a curve.
This is normal operation. The vehicle does
not need service.
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead until it
is completely in the lane. The brake may
need to be manually applied.
Objects Not Directly in Front of Your Vehicle
The detection of objects in front of the
vehicle may not be possible if:
.The vehicle or object ahead is not within
your lane.
.The vehicle ahead is shifted, not centered,
or is shifted to one side of the lane.
Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or roadside
objects may be incorrectly detected when
located along the roadway.
Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When Towing a
Trailer

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Driving and Operating 229
Do not use ACC when driving on steep hills
or when towing a trailer. ACC will not detect
a vehicle in the lane while driving on steep
hills. The driver will often need to take over
acceleration and braking on steep hills,
especially when towing a trailer. If the
brakes are applied, the ACC disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Weather Conditions Affecting ACC
System operation may be limited under
snow, heavy rain, or road spray conditions.
Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object around
the front camera windshield area that would
obstruct the front camera view. Do not install objects on top of the vehicle
that overhang and obstruct the front
camera, such as a canoe, kayak, or other
items that can be transported on a roof rack
system. See
Roof Rack System 085.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps, or fog
lamps, as this may limit the camera’s ability
to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The radar sensor on the front of the vehicle
can become blocked by snow, ice, dirt,
or mud. This area needs to be cleaned for
ACC to operate properly.
If ACC will not operate, regular cruise control
may be available. See “Switching Between
ACC and Regular Cruise Control” previously
in this section. Always consider driving
conditions before using either cruise control
system.
For cleaning instructions, see “Washing the
Vehicle” underExterior Care 0314.
System operation may also be limited under
snow, heavy rain, or road spray conditions.
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving 0191.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash. (Continued)

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Driving and Operating
(5 ft) behind the vehicle within a zone 25 cm
(10 in) high off the ground and below
bumper level. These detection distances may
be shorter during warmer or humid weather.
Blocked sensors will not detect objects and
can also cause false detections. Keep the
sensors clean of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and
slush; and clean sensors after a car wash in
freezing temperatures.
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not detect
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals,
or objects located below the bumper or
that are too close or too far from the
vehicle. It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To prevent
injury, death, or vehicle damage, even
with Park Assist, always check the area
around the vehicle and check all mirrors
before moving forward or backing.
Front and Rear Park Assist
Rear Park Assist
The instrument cluster may have a park
assist display with bars that show “distance
to object” and object location information
for the Park Assist system. As the object
gets closer, more bars light up and the bars
change color from yellow to amber to red.
An obstacle is also indicated by audible beeps. The interval between the beeps
becomes shorter as the vehicle gets closer
to the obstacle.
When an object is first detected in the rear
both sides of the Safety Alert Seat will pulse
two times. When an object is very close
(<0.6 m (2 ft) in the vehicle rear, or <0.3 m
(1 ft) in the vehicle front), a continuous beep
will sound from the front or rear. Beeps for
FPA are higher pitched than for RPA.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, RCTA shows a red warning
triangle with a left or right pointing arrow
on the infotainment display to warn of
traffic coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side of
the vehicle. When an object is detected,
three beeps sound from the left or right,
depending on the direction of the detected
vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when towing
a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer is
towed.