BUICK ENCORE 2021 User Guide

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen transmitters no longer work. Any
remaining transmitters will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can have up to
eight transmitters matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
transmitters. To program, the vehicle must
be off and all of the transmitters, both
currently recognized and new, must be
with you.1. Remove the key from the RKE transmitter.
2. Place the two recognized transmitters inthe center console front cupholder.
3. Insert the vehicle key of the new transmitter into the key lock cylinder on
the outside of the driver door and turn
the key to the unlock position five times
within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2,
3, 4 or 5.
4. Remove the two recognized transmitters from the cupholder.
5. Place the new transmitter in the cupholder 6. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the
transmitter is learned, the DIC will show
that it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
7. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press
K.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 10 seconds to exit
programming mode.
Programming without Recognized
Transmitters
If two currently recognized transmitters are
not available, follow this procedure to
program up to eight transmitters. This
feature is not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must
be off and all of the transmitters to be
programmed must be with you. 1. Remove the key from the RKE transmitter.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
2. Insert the vehicle key of the transmitterinto the key lock cylinder on the outside
of the driver door and turn the key to
the unlock position five times within
10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO
LEARN and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC will again show REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time, all previously known
transmitters will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be
relearned during the next steps.
The DIC display should now show READY
FOR REMOTE # 1.
5. Place the new transmitter in the frontcupholder.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will show
that it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
7. Return the key back into the transmitter.
8. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press
K.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 10 seconds to exit
programming mode.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
Note that, for improved vehicle security, the
RKE transmitter is equipped with a motion
sensor. When starting the vehicle, if the RKE
transmitter has been idle for a while, move
the RKE transmitter slightly and try starting
the vehicle.
When starting the vehicle, if the RKE
transmitter battery is depleted or there is
signal interference, the DIC may display NO
REMOTE DETECTED, REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY, or NO REMOTE DETECTED
PLACE KEY IN KEY POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE. If any of these messages appear on
the DIC, follow the steps below.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To start the vehicle:
1. Place the transmitter in the centerconsole front cupholder with the buttons
facing the front of the vehicle.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C (138
°F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY
IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
The battery is not rechargeable. To replace
the battery:
1. Press the button on the back of the RKEtransmitter and pull the key out. Never
pull the key out without pressing the
button.
2. Separate the two halves of thetransmitter using a flat tool inserted into
the area near the key slot.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on thebattery and sliding it toward the bottom
of the transmitter.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery
down until it is held in place. Replace
with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
6. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will use the
previous settings during a remote start.
Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view. Check local
regulations for any requirements.
Do not use remote start if the vehicle is low
on fuel as it may run out of fuel.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.
Starting the Vehicle
To start the engine using the remote start
feature:
1. Press and release
Q.
2. Immediately after completing Step 1, press and hold
/for at least
four seconds or until the turn signal
lamps flash. The turn signal lamps
flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.
When the engine starts, the parking lamps
will turn on and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The doors will be locked
and the climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run for
15 minutes. After 30 seconds, repeat the
steps if a 15-minute extension is desired.
Remote start can be extended only once.
Press ENGINE START/STOP and the brake
with the RKE Transmitter in the vehicle to
drive. Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can also be extended
by another 15 minutes, if during the first
15 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are repeated while
the engine is still running. An extension can
be requested 30 seconds after starting. This
provides a total of 30 minutes.
The remote start can only be extended once.
When the remote start is extended, the
second 15-minute period is added on to the
first 15 minutes for a total of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
remote start with an extension, are allowed
between ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and then off
before the remote start procedure can be
used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:
.Press and hold/until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off. Conditions in Which Remote Start Will
Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will not
operate if:
.A transmitter is in the vehicle.
.The vehicle is on.
.The hood is not closed.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.The malfunction indicator lamp is on.
.The engine coolant temperature is
too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Two remote vehicle starts, or a single
remote start with an extension, have
already been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors can be
unlocked and opened while the vehicle
is moving. The chance of being thrown
(Continued)

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
Warning (Continued)
out of the vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat
belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from happening.
To lock or unlock the doors from the
outside:
.PressKorQon the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
.Use the key in the driver door. To lock or unlock the doors from inside the
vehicle:
.PressKorQon the power door lock
switch.
.Pulling an interior door handle will unlock
the door. Pulling the door handle again
unlatches it.
Keyless Access
The RKE transmitter must be within 1 m
(3 ft) of the liftgate or door being opened.
Press the button on the door handle to
open. See “Keyless Access Operation” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns freely when
either the wrong key is used, or the correct
key is not fully inserted. The free-turning
door lock feature prevents the lock from
being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it
to the vertical position with the correct key
fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it
again. If this does not reset the lock, turn
the key halfway around in the cylinder and
repeat the reset procedure.
Power Door Locks
K: Press to unlock the doors.
Q:Press to lock the doors.
Delayed Locking
This feature delays the locking of the doors
until five seconds after all doors are closed.
Delayed locking can only be turned on when
the Open Door Anti-Lockout has been
turned off.
When
Qis pressed on the power door lock
switch while the door is open, a chime will
sound three times indicating delayed locking
is active.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The doors will lock automatically
five seconds after all doors are closed. If a
door is reopened before that time, the
five-second timer will reset when all doors
are closed again.
Press
Qon the door lock switch again or
press
Qon the RKE transmitter to lock the
doors immediately.
This feature can also be programmed. See
Vehicle Personalization (8 Inch Screen) 089
or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically when all
doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
If a vehicle door is unlocked, and then
opened and closed, the doors will lock either
when your foot is removed from the brake
or the vehicle speed becomes faster than
13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
.PressKon the power door lock switch.
.Shift the transmission into P (Park). Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be
programmed. See
Vehicle Personalization (8
Inch Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Lockout Protection
If the vehicle is on or in ACC/ACCESSORY
and the power door lock switch is pressed
with the driver door open, all the doors will
lock and only the driver door will unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is requested
while a door is open, when all doors are
closed the vehicle will check for RKE
transmitters inside. If an RKE transmitter is
detected and the number of RKE
transmitters inside has not reduced, the
driver door will unlock and the horn will
chirp three times.
Lockout Protection can be manually
overridden with the driver door open by
pressing and holding
Qon the power door
lock switch.
Open Door Anti-Lockout
If Open Door Anti-Lockout has been turned
on and the vehicle is off, the driver door is
open, and locking is requested, all the doors
will lock and the driver door will remain unlocked. The Open Door Anti-Lockout
feature can be turned on or off. See
Vehicle
Personalization (8 Inch Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
If equipped, the safety lock is located on the
inside edge of the rear doors. To use the
safety lock:
1. Insert the key into the safety lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the
horizontal position.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on: 1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by using the power door lock
switch, or by using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside.
To cancel the safety lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the safety lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the vertical
position. Do the same for the other door.
Doors
Liftgate
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it
is driven with the liftgate, hatch/trunk
open, or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the body and
the hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate or hatch/trunk open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0180.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area above
and behind the liftgate is clear before
opening it. To open the liftgate, press
Kon the power
door lock switch or press
Kon the RKE
transmitter to unlock all doors. See Power
Door Locks 015 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
Press the touch pad below the license plate
and lift up.
The liftgate may also be opened while the
vehicle is locked by pressing the touch pad
while the RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft)
of the rear of the vehicle.
To close the liftgate, push from the center
to ensure that it fully latches.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features;
however, they do not make the vehicle
impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
If equipped with an anti-theft alarm system,
the indicator light, on the instrument panel
near the windshield, shows the status of the
system.
Off :Alarm system is disarmed.
On Solid : Vehicle is secured during the
delay to arm the system.
Fast Flast : Vehicle is unsecured. A door, the
liftgate, or the hood is open. Slow Flash :
Alarm system is armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of two ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
.With a door open, pressQon the
interior of the door.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the alarm system
is operating. Pressing
Qon the RKE
transmitter a second time will bypass
the 30-second delay and immediately
arm the alarm system.
The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the
doors are locked with the key.
If any door or the hood is opened without
first unlocking with the RKE transmitter, the
horn will chirp and the lights will flash to
indicate pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not
started, or the door is not unlocked by
pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter during
the 10-second pre-alarm, the alarm will be
activated. The alarm will also be activated if any door
or the the hood is opened without first
disarming the system. When the alarm is
activated, the turn signals flash and the
horn sounds for about 30 seconds. The
alarm system will then re-arm to monitor
for the next unauthorized event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Start the vehicle.
Avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
exited and all doors are closed.
.Always unlock the vehicle with the RKE
transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the key will
not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn chirps and the
lights flash three times, an attempted
break-in has occurred while the system was
armed.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0290.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the transmitter leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when ENGINE START/STOP is pressed and a
valid transmitter is found in the vehicle.
The security light in the instrument cluster
comes on when there is a problem with
arming or disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
The system has one or more transmitters
matched to an immobilizer control unit in
your vehicle. Only a correctly matched transmitter will start the vehicle. If the
transmitter is ever damaged, you may not
be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the vehicle off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition modes
(ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and the RKE
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try
another transmitter. Or, you may try placing
the transmitter in the front cupholder. See
“Starting the Vehicle with a Low Transmitter
Battery”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07.
If the engine does not start with the other
transmitter or when the transmitter is in the
pocket in the front cupholder, the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system and have
a new transmitter programmed to the
vehicle.
Do not leave the transmitter or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply
into the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on the right. Check the inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.