airbag BUICK ENCORE 2016 Owner's Guide

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
156 Driving and Operating
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 0167.{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. 1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) :
This is the
position in which you can operate
things like the radio and the
windshield wipers when the engine
is off.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position
when the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to
start the vehicle if the battery is
allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
3 (START) : This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for
driving.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
186 Driving and Operating
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light)
0 106. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect
vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also
access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 069 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 069.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
188 Vehicle Care
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING: Most motor vehicles,
including this one, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals.
See
Battery - North America 0207
and Jump Starting - North
America 0246.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, safety belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Vehicle Care 189
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the warranty.Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 069.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering
Information 0287.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
190 Vehicle Care
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, seeServicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 069.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0274.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release handle
inside the vehicle. It is located
on the lower left side of the
instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicleand move the secondary hood
release lever toward the right
side of the vehicle.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Vehicle Care 237
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System 0229.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0151.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, roll bars, traction control, electronic stability
control, or All-Wheel Drive, the
performance of these systems can
also be affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0235 and
Accessories and
Modifications 0189.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter tires,
compact spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production
tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Customer Information 287
If the airbag has inflated, seeWhat
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 064.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and
service of the vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
Owner Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all
models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner Manual, and Warranty
Manual.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
–
$40.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Without Pouch: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Customer Information 289
However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual
problems between you, your
dealer, or General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may call
the Vehicle Safety Hotline
toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
http://www.safercar.gov;or
write to:
Administrator, NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other
information about motor
vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov
.
Reporting Safety Defects
to the Canadian
Government
If you live in Canada, and you
believe that the vehicle has a safety
defect, notify Transport Canada
immediately, and notify General Motors of Canada Company. Call
Transport Canada at
1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
80 rue Noel
Gatineau, QC J8Z 0A1
Reporting Safety Defects
to General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or
Transport Canada) in a situation like
this, notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232–5136
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777
(English) or 1-800-263-7854
(French), or write:
General Motors of Canada
Company
Customer Care Centre,
Mail Code: CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Vehicle Data
Recording and
Privacy
The vehicle has a number of
computers that record information
about the vehicle’s performance and
how it is driven. For example, the
vehicle uses computer modules to
monitor and control engine and
transmission performance, to
monitor the conditions for airbag
deployment and deploy them in a
crash, and, if equipped, to provide
antilock braking to help the driver
control the vehicle. These modules
may store data to help the dealer
technician service the vehicle.
Some modules may also store data
about how the vehicle is operated,
such as rate of fuel consumption or
average speed. These modules may
retain personal preferences, such as
radio presets, seat positions, and
temperature settings.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
304 OnStar
(cell and/or landline) your RFC
(Registro Federal de Contribuyentes
[taxpayer ID] and your personal
identification number (NIP) for
OnStar services.
We may also collect information
from your vehicle including: your
Vehicle identification number (VIN):
the make, model and year of your
vehicle; the Vehicle license plate
number; information about your
selling or preferred GM distributor;
information about the operation of
the vehicle (including diagnostic
trouble codes, oil life remaining, tire
pressure, fuel economy and
odometer readings); information
about collisions involving the
vehicle, the direction from which it
was hit, which airbags have
deployed and safety belt usage;
information about the use of the
vehicle and its features, such as
whether a mobile device has been
paired with your vehicle; and in
limited circumstances, the
geographical location and
approximate GPS (global
positioning satellite) speed of the
vehicle.Your personal and vehicle data will
be treated for the following
purposes: (i) to provide you with
services you have requested
(automatic accident response,
remote and emergency services,
assistance if your vehicle is stolen,
step-by-step directions); (ii) to keep
our records up to date so that we
are able to answer your inquiries;
(iii) for troubleshooting and research
purposes; (iv) to protect the safety
of you or others; (v) to prevent fraud
or misuse of the OnStar service; (vi)
in the cases set forth by law or the
authorities; (vii) to carry out
marketing and general promotional
activities; (viii) to allow OnStar,
General Motors de México, S. de
R.L. de C.V., General Motors LLC
and all subsidiaries, affiliates or any
company of the same corporate
group to which OnStar belongs, to
carry out advertising activities
(offering you products, services and
information); and (ix) for business
prospecting and statistical market
analysis.
It is important to mention that
purposes (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and
(vi), give rise to and are necessary
to maintain our legal relationship.
On the other hand, purposes (vii),
(viii) and (ix), do not give rise to and
are not necessary to maintain our
legal relationship and therefore for
these purposes we make available
a mechanism set up at our
Customer Service Center in the
telephone: 01800-0834994 or via
your e-mail:
[email protected], so
that, if applicable, you can indicate
your refusal to have your personal
data being processed for the
purposes indicated in purposes (vii),
(viii) and (ix).
In order to know the integral version
of this privacy notice, please visit
our web page www.onstar.com.mx.
OnStar - Software
Acknowledgements
Certain OnStar components include
libcurl and unzip software and other
third party software. Below are the
notices and licenses associated
with libcurl and unzip and for other

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Index 309
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 3
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 186
Additional Information
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296, 301
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 198
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 65
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Airbag System (cont'd)
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 61
Airbags Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 105
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 178
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 166, 208
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 167 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31