park assist BUICK ENCORE 2014 Owner's Manual

Black plate (1,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-9
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-9 Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Vehicle Features
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-15
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16 Rear Vision
Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-17
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-18
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-19
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Black plate (3,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
In Brief 1-3
1.Air Vents on page 8-6.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals on
page 6-4.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer on page 6-2.
3. Instrument Cluster on page 5-8.
4. Driver Information Center (DIC) Display. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5-21.
5. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5-2.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 5-4.
6. Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-28.
Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6-3.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator. See Passenger
Sensing System on page 3-30.
7. Infotainment Display.
8. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System on page 6-3. 9.
Infotainment on page 7-1.
10. Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4-1.
11. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6-1.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6-5.
Front Fog Lamps on page 6-4.
12. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10-4.
13. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5-13.
14. Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4-1.
15. Cruise Control on page 9-30.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System on page 9-32 (If
Equipped).
16. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5-2.
17. Horn on page 5-2. 18.
Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5-2.
19. Ignition Positions on
page 9-14.
20. Climate Control Systems on
page 8-1 orDual Automatic
Climate Control System on
page 8-3 (If Equipped).
21. Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9-34 (If Equipped).
Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) on page 9-40 (If
Equipped).
22. Power Outlets on page 5-5.
23. Auxiliary Input Jack. See Infotainment on page 7-1.
USB Port. See Infotainment on
page 7-1.
24. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9-23.
25. Safety Locks on page 2-8 or
Safety Locks on page 2-9.

Black plate (17,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
In Brief 1-17
SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9-36.
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If equipped, RVC displays a view of
the area behind the vehicle, on the
center stack display, when the
vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on
page 9-38.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, Ultrasonic Front and
Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA) uses
sensors on the front and rear
bumpers to detect objects while
parking the vehicle. It operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph).
UFRPA uses audio beeps to provide
distance and system information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
front and rear bumpers clean to
ensure proper operation.
See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9-34 for more information.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlet can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There is one accessory power outlet
on the center stack below the
climate control. This outlet is
powered when the key is in ON/
RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or until
the driver door is opened within
10 minutes of turning off the vehicle.
SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9-19.
See Power Outlets on page 5-5.
Sunroof
If equipped, the sunroof only
operates when the ignition is turned
to ON/RUN or Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active.

Black plate (15,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Instruments and Controls 5-15
emission system 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. See your dealer if assistance
is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.The malfunction indicator lamp is
on with the engine running, or if
the light does not come on when
the ignition is turned to ON/RUN
while the engine is off. See your
dealer for assistance in verifying
proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp.
.The OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics) system determines
that critical emission controlsystems have not been
completely diagnosed. The
vehicle would be considered not
ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has
recently been replaced or run
down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take
several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer
can prepare the vehicle for
inspection.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working
MetricEnglish
The brake indicator light should
come on briefly as the engine is
started. If it does not come on have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light 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
immediately.

Black plate (25,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Instruments and Controls 5-25
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when the
brake fluid level is low. SeeBrake
Fluid on page 10-18.
BRAKES OVERHEATED
This message may display if the
brakes are too hot.
RELEASE PARKING BRAKE
This message is displayed if the
parking brake is applied. Release it
before you attempt to drive. See
Parking Brake on page 9-27 for
more information.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message is displayed when
there is a problem with the brake
assist system. Take the vehicle to
your dealer.
Door Ajar Messages
DOOR(S) OPEN
A vehicle symbol will be displayed
on the DIC showing which door is
open along with this message.
Close the door completely.
REAR ACCESS OPEN
This message will display when the
liftgate is open. Close the liftgate
completely.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
ENGINE OVERHEATED —
IDLE ENGINE
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down.
ENGINE OVERHEATED —
STOP ENGINE
This message displays and a
continuous chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches
unsafe temperatures for operation.
Stop and turn off the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled
to a safe operating temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When the engine oil is changed, be
sure to reset the Oil Life System.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10-9, Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5-21, Engine
Oil on page 10-7, and Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-2.

Black plate (27,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Instruments and Controls 5-27
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING
UNAVAILABLE
If equipped with the Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) system, this
message may display if the LDW
system cannot activate due to a
temporary condition. SeeLane
Departure Warning (LDW) on
page 9-40.
PARK ASSIST OFF
This message displays when the
park assist system has been turned
off or when there is a temporary
condition causing the system to be
disabled. See Ultrasonic Parking
Assist on page 9-34.
PARK ASSIST FAULT CLEAN
BUMPER
This message displays if snow,
mud, ice, or dirt is blocking the
sensors on the bumpers. Clean the
bumpers.
SERVICE FRONT CAMERA
If this message remains on after
continued driving, the vehicle needs
service. Do not use the Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) and
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
features. Take the vehicle to your
dealer.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Ultrasonic Front
and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA)
system. Do not use this system to
help you park. See Ultrasonic
Parking Assist on page 9-34.
SERVICE SIDE DETECTION
SYSTEM
If this message remains on after
continued driving, the vehicle needs
service. Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) features will not work. Take
the vehicle to your dealer.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT OFF
This message indicates that the
driver has turned the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system off.
SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
This message indicates that Side
Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) and Rear
Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are
disabled either because the sensor
is blocked and cannot detect
vehicles in the blind zone, or the
vehicle is passing through an open
area, such as the desert, where
there is insufficient data for
operation. This message may also
activate during heavy rain or due to
road spray. The vehicle does not
need service. For cleaning, see
“Washing the Vehicle” under
Exterior Care on page 10-68.

Black plate (33,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Instruments and Controls 5-33
Button Volume
This allows the selection of the
volume level when a button is
pressed.
Select Normal or High.
Reverse Tilt Mirror
This feature tilts the outside mirrors
when the vehicle is in R (Reverse)
allowing the driver to view the curb
for parallel parking.
Select On or Off.
Auto Reverse Gear Wiper
When selected, the rear wiper will
intermittent wipe when the vehicle is
shifted into R (Reverse). When
deselected, the rear wiper will
continuously wipe when the vehicle
is shifted into R (Reverse).
Select or Deselect.Collision Detection System
Select the Collision Detection
System menu and the following may
display:
.Park Assist
.Side Blind Zone Alert
Park Assist
This allows the Ultrasonic Parking
Assist feature, audible only, to be
turned on or off.
Press Park Assist when highlighted.
Select On, Off, or Towbar attached.
Press
4.
Side Blind Zone Alert
This allows this feature to be turned
on or off. See Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA) on page 9-36.
Select On or Off.
Lighting
Select the Lighting menu and the
following may display:
.Exit Lighting
.Vehicle Locator Lights
Exit Lighting
This allows the selection of how
long the exterior lamps stay on
when leaving the vehicle when it is
dark outside.
Select Off, 30 Seconds, 1 Minute,
or 2 Minutes.
Vehicle Locator Lights
This allows the headlamps, parking
lamps, taillamps, and most of the
interior lamps to turn on briefly when
Kis pressed.
Select or Deselect.
Power Door Locks
Select Power Door Locks and the
following may display:
.Open Door Anti Lock Out
.Auto Door Unlock
.Delayed Door Lock

Black plate (1,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-7
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-14
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-23
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Driver Assistance Systems
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-34
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-43
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-43
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46

Black plate (7,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Driving and Operating 9-7
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTires on
page 10-35.
.Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to
your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find a
safe place to park the vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep the interior
temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
.Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(stalled car, accident).

Black plate (15,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Driving and Operating 9-15
The key must be fully extended to
start the vehicle.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal applied.
1 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/
OFF):When the vehicle is stopped,
turn the ignition switch to LOCK/
OFF to turn the engine off.
This position locks the steering
wheel, ignition, and transmission.
The ignition switch can bind in the
LOCK/OFF position with the wheels
turned off center. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY. If this does not work,
then the vehicle needs service.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags. If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with
an automatic transmission, the
shift lever must be in P (Park) to
turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 9-27.{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
{Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.