maintenance BUICK ENCORE 2018 User Guide

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Climate Controls 145
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . 145
Dual Automatic ClimateControl System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Maintenance
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, defrosting, and ventilation for the vehicle can be
controlled with this system.
1. Temperature Control
2. Air Delivery Modes
3. Fan Control
4. Defrost
5. Rear Window Defogger
6. Air Conditioning or Comfort/
Eco Air Conditioning
7. Recirculation Climate Control Influence on Stop/
Start Operation and Fuel Economy
(If Equipped)
The climate control system depends
on other vehicle systems for heat
and power input. Certain climate
control settings can lead to higher
fuel usage and/or fewer auto stops.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
152 Climate Controls
Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air
vents to change the direction of the
airflow.
Use the thumbwheels near the air
vents to control the amount of
airflow or to shut off the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.
. Keep the paths under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively. .
Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
can block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into
the vehicle.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Maintenance
Air Intake
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves
from the air intake at the base of the
windshield that can block the flow of
air into the vehicle.
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
See Maintenance Schedule 0278.
To find out what type of filter to use,
see Maintenance Replacement
Parts 0287.
1. Open the glove box completely and disconnect the damper on
the outboard side.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Driving and Operating 157
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic. If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced. If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Curve Tips
.
Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Driving and Operating 197
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
The vehicle is neither designed nor
intended to tow a trailer.
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) 0116.
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 076 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 76.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 201
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records0288.
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 vehicle
and move the secondary hood
release lever toward the right
side of the vehicle.
3. Lift the hood and release thehood prop from its retainer,
above the radiator. Securely
place the hood prop into the
slot on the underside of
the hood.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
210 Vehicle Care
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
DIC message comes back on when
the vehicle is started, the engine oil
life system has not reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed inMaintenance Schedule
0 278, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0286.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0203.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 278.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter with
water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the air cleaner/
filter:
1.4L L4 Engine (LE2)

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 211
1.4L L4 Engine (LUV)
1. Remove the two screws, tilt the cover, and slide it out of the
assembly.
2. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
3. Lower the cover, slide it into the assembly, then secure with
the two screws.
See Maintenance Schedule 0278
for replacement intervals.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
1.4L L4 Engine (LE2)
1.4L L4 Engine (LUV)
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out
of View)

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
218 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0203 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system. When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See
Brake System Warning
Light 0118.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0278.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0286.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 219
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0203 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0199 and the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0261 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt. Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 221
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
. To check the P (Park)
mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear and cracking.
See Maintenance Schedule 0278.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper type and
length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0287.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not allow
the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
Front Wiper Blade
Replacement
To replace the front wiper blades:
1. Lift the wiper arm from the windshield until no further
movement is possible.
2. Press the release button on the
top side of the wiper and pull
the wiper blade out of the end
of the wiper arm.
3. Install the wiper blade connector by sliding into the
end of the wiper arm until the
button on the wiper blade clicks
into place with the wiper arm.
4. Place the wiper arm with the wiper blade in place back on
the windshield.