heating BUICK ENCORE 2019 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
In Brief 17
Climate Controls
The heating, cooling, defrosting, and ventilation for the vehicle can be
controlled with these systems.
Climate Control System
1. Temperature Control
2. Air Delivery Modes
3. Fan Control
4. Defrost
5. Rear Window Defogger6. Air Conditioning
7. Recirculation
See Climate Control Systems 0147
(if equipped).

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Instruments and Controls 105
Controls
Steering Wheel
Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you.
4. Lift the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place. Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.
Steering Wheel Controls
The infotainment system can be
operated by using the steering
wheel controls. See
“Steering Wheel
Controls” in the infotainment
manual.
Heated Steering Wheel
(: If equipped, press to turn on or
off. A light on the button displays
when the feature is turned on. The steering wheel takes about
three minutes to start heating.
Horn
Pressaon the steering wheel pad
to sound the horn.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper/washer lever
is on the right side of the steering
column.
Move the lever to one of the
following positions:
HI : Use for fast wipes.
LO : Use for slow wipes.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
116 Instruments and Controls
English Uplevel Shown
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the
warning area at the high end of the
gauge, the engine is too hot.
This reading indicates the same
thing as the warning light. It means
that the engine coolant has
overheated. If the vehicle has been
operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. See Engine
Overheating 0218.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder
light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver seat belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Passenger Seat Belt Reminder
Light
The vehicle may also have a
passenger seat belt reminder light.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind passengers to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if
the front passenger remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the front passenger seat belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger seat belt
reminder light and chime may turn
on if an object is put on the seat
such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Climate Controls 147
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . 147
Dual Automatic ClimateControl System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Maintenance
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
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
7. Recirculation The following are climate control
settings that use more fuel:
.
Defrost mode
. Extreme temperature settings
. High fan speed settings
To help reduce fuel usage:
. Select a temperature setting that
is higher in hot weather and
lower in cold weather.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Climate Controls 149
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
1. Driver and Passenger HeatedSeats (If Equipped)
2. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
3. Air Delivery Modes
4. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
5. Defrost
6. Rear Window Defogger
7. Fan Controls 8. Air Conditioning
9. Recirculation
10. Heated Steering Wheel (If Equipped)
The following are climate control
settings that use more fuel:
. Defrost mode
. Extreme temperature settings
. High fan speed settings To help reduce fuel usage:
.
Use the full automatic control as
described under “Automatic
Operation” following.
. Select a temperature setting that
is higher in hot weather and
lower in cold weather.
. Turn off the air conditioning
when it is not needed.
. Only use defrost to clear the
windows.
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls
the fan speed, air delivery, air
conditioning, and recirculation in
order to heat or cool the vehicle to
the desired temperature.
When AUTO is lit, all four functions
operate automatically. Each function
can also be manually set and the
selected setting is displayed.
Functions not manually set will
continue to be automatically
controlled, even if the AUTO
indicator is not lit.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Driving and Operating 161
.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
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 assist. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear. .
Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, crash).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated. For Slippery Road Driving:
.
Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0181.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0179.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Driving and Operating 171
.Tow/Haul Mode or other driver
modes have been selected.
. The vehicle is on a steep hill or
grade.
. The driver door has been
opened or driver seat belt has
been unbuckled.
. The hood has been opened.
. The Auto Stop has reached the
maximum allowed time.
Engine Heater
Vehicles may have an engine
heater. The engine heater can help
in cold weather conditions at or
below −18 °C (0 °F) for easier
starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up. Plug in the
heater at least four hours before
starting the vehicle. An internal
thermostat in the plug end of the
cord will prevent engine heater
operation at temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked
in a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is in
the driver side of the engine
compartment, near the battery.
It is shipped from the factory
with a tie holding it in place.
Use care in removing the tie so
that the cord is not damaged.
Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
(Continued)

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Vehicle Care 201
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 202
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 203
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 211
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 213
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 218
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Battery - North America . . . . . . 222
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 223
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 223
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 224
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 225
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 227
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 230
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 231
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 231
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 240
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Vehicle Care 215
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tankand Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0218.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
.
Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
218 Vehicle Care
5. Replace the pressure captightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system
cools down again, see your
dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge to warn of the
engine overheating. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0115. If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
299.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
. Climbs a long hill on a hot day
. Stops after high-speed driving
. Idles for long periods in traffic