service BUICK ENCORE 2021 Owner's Guide

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
144 Infotainment System
reduce interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or hills,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater
than for FM, especially at night. The longer
range can cause station frequencies to
interfere with each other. Static can also
occur when things like storms and power
lines interfere with radio reception. When
this happens, try reducing the treble on the
radio.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
provides digital radio reception. Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in
and out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges, garages,
or tunnels may cause loss of the SiriusXM
signal for a period of time. Some cellular
services may interfere with SXM reception
causing loss of signal.
Mobile Device Usage
Mobile device usage, such as making or
receiving calls, charging, or just having the
mobile device on may cause static
interference in the radio. Unplug the mobile
device or turn it off if this happens.
Multi-Band Antenna
The roof antenna is for AM, FM, SiriusXM,
OnStar, and GPS (Global Positioning System),
if equipped. Keep clear of obstructions for
clear reception. If the vehicle has a sunroof,
and it is open, reception can also be
affected.
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices
When using media devices such as USB
devices, and mobile devices, consider the
source. Untrusted media devices could
contain files that affect system operation or
performance. Avoid use if the content or
origin cannot be trusted.
USB Port (7 Inch Screen)
Audio stored on a USB device may be
listened to.This vehicle is equipped with two USB ports
in the center console. These ports are for
data and charging. There may also be two
USB ports for charging only at the rear of
the center console.
Caution
To avoid vehicle damage, unplug all
accessories and disconnect all accessory
cables from the vehicle when not in use.
Accessory cables left plugged into the
vehicle, unconnected to a device, could be
damaged or cause an electrical short if
the unconnected end comes in contact
with liquids or another power source such
as the accessory power outlet.
Playing from a USB
A USB mass storage device can be connected
to the USB port.
Audio extensions supported by the USB are:
.MP3
.AAC
.OGG
.3GP

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
148 Infotainment System
Browse functionality will be provided where
supported by the Bluetooth device. This
media content will not be part of the
MyMedia source mode.
Some smartphones support sending
Bluetooth music information to display on
the radio. When the radio receives this
information, it will check to see if any is
available and display it. For more
information about supported Bluetooth
features, see my.buick.com/learn.
OnStar System
OnStar System (7 Inch Screen)
4G LTE
If equipped with 4G LTE, up to seven
devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and
laptops, can be connected to high-speed
Internet through the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi
hotspot.
Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) to
connect to an OnStar Advisor for assistance.
See www.onstar.com for vehicle availability,
details, and system limitations. Service and
connectivity may vary by make, model,
year, carrier, availability, and conditions. 4G
LTE service is available in select markets. 4GLTE performance is based on industry
averages and vehicle systems design. Some
services require a data plan.
The OnStar App
If equipped, the infotainment system has
OnStar controls in the embedded OnStar app
on the Home Page. Most OnStar functions
that can be performed with the buttons can
be done using the app. To open the app,
touch the OnStar icon on the Home Page.
App updates require a corresponding service
plan. Features vary by region and model.
Features are subject to change. For more
information, see my.buick.com/learn or
press
Q.
Services
The Services tab displays the default view
for the app. Use this page to launch the
available OnStar services. Touch a service to
open its display. Touch Wi-Fi to launch the
connections manager. Turn-by-Turn and
Advisor Call are the other tiled options. Account
The Account tab displays a snapshot of the
account linked with the vehicle. If there is
no such account, this tab will show all
values as
——. The call advisor call icon will
be active even if there is no active account.
Advisor Call
Selecting Advisor Call is the same as
pressing
Qor calling 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827). The X option in the upper
right corner of the screen does not end the
call, but returns to the previous screen.
Turn-by-Turn Directions
With a connected plan, an OnStar Advisor
can download a destination to the vehicle or
its embedded navigation system,
if equipped. Select Turn-by-Turn Directions
from the Services tab of the OnStar app to
call an Advisor or select a recent or favorite
destination. Touch the navigation icons to
select home, address or place. A destination
transfer from OnStar will show the detail
view of the destination when it is
transferred from OnStar to the Navigation
application. See www.onstar.com for a
coverage map. Services vary by model. Map
coverage is available in the United States,
Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
152 Infotainment System
.While the active call is on the handset,
touch the Handset option to switch to the
hands-free mode.
Making a Call Using Contacts and Recent
Calls
Calls can be made through the Bluetooth
system using personal cell phone contact
information for all cell phones that support
the Phone Book feature. Become familiar
with the cell phone settings and operation.
Verify the cell phone supports this feature.
The Contacts menu accesses the phone book
stored in the cell phone.
The Recents menu accesses the recents call
list from your cell phone.
To make a call using the Contacts menu:1. Touch the Phone icon on the Home Page.
2. Touch Contacts.
3. The Contacts list can be searched by using the first character. Touch A-Z on
the infotainment display to scroll
through the list of names.
Touch the name to call.
4. Touch the desired contact number to call.
To make a call using the Recents menu: 1. Touch Phone on the Home Page. 2. Touch Recents.
3. Touch the name or number to call.
Making a Call Using the Keypad
To make a call by dialing the numbers:
1. Touch the Phone icon on the Home Page.
2. Touch Keypad and enter a phone number.
3. Touch
#on the infotainment display to
start dialing the number.
Searching Contacts Using the Keypad
To search for contacts using the keypad:
1. Touch the Phone icon on the Home Page.
2. Touch Keypad and enter partial phone numbers or contact names using the
digits on the keypad to search.
Results will show on the right side of the
display. Touch one to place a call.
Accepting or Declining a Call
When an incoming call is received, the
infotainment system mutes and a ring tone
is heard in the vehicle. Accepting a Call
There are two ways to accept a call:
.Pressgon the steering wheel controls.
.Touch Answer on the infotainment
display.
Declining a Call
There are two ways to decline a call:
.Pression the steering wheel controls.
.Touch Ignore on the infotainment display.
Call Waiting
Call waiting must be supported on the
Bluetooth cell phone and enabled by the
wireless service carrier to work.
Accepting a Call
Press
gto answer, then touch Switch on
the infotainment display.
Declining a Call
Press
ito decline, then touch Ignore on
the infotainment display

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Infotainment System 153
Switching Between Calls (Call Waiting
Calls Only)
To switch between calls, touch Phone on the
Home Page to display Call View. While in
Call View, touch the call information of the
call on hold to change calls.
Three-Way Calling
Three-way calling must be supported on the
Bluetooth cell phone and enabled by the
wireless service carrier to work.
To start a three-way call while in a
current call:1. In the Call View, touch Add Call to add another call.
2. Initiate the second call by selecting from Recents, Contacts, or Keypad.
3. When the second call is active, touch the merge icon to conference the three-way
call together.
Ending a Call
.Pression the steering wheel controls.
.Touch#on the infotainment display,
next to a call, to end only that call.
Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Tones
The in-vehicle Bluetooth system can send
numbers during a call. This is used when
calling a menu-driven phone system. Use the
Keypad to enter the number.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
If equipped, Android Auto and/or Apple
CarPlay capability may be available through
a compatible smartphone. If available, the
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay icons will
change from gray to color on the Home
Page of the infotainment display.
To use Android Auto and/or Apple CarPlay:
For Wired Phone Projection
1. Download the Android Auto app to your smartphone from the Google Play store.
There is no app required for Apple
CarPlay.
2. Connect your Android phone or Apple iPhone by using the factory-provided
phone USB cable and plugging into a
USB data port. For best performance, it is
highly recommended to use the device’s
factory-provided USB cable. Aftermarket
or third-party cables may not work. 3. When the phone is first connected to
activate Apple CarPlay or Android Auto,
accept the terms and conditions on both
the infotainment system and the phone.
4. Follow the instructions on the phone.
The Android Auto and Apple CarPlay icons
on the Home Page will illuminate depending
on the smartphone. Android Auto and/or
Apple CarPlay may automatically launch
upon USB connection. If not, touch the
Android Auto or Apple CarPlay icon on the
Home Page to launch.
Press
{on the center stack to return to the
Home Page.
For Wireless Phone Projection (if equipped)
Verify your phone is wireless compatible by
visiting the Google Android Auto or Apple
CarPlay support page.
1. Download the Android Auto app to your smartphone from the Google Play store.
There is no app required for Apple
CarPlay.
2. For first time connection, there are two ways to set up wireless projection:
.Connect your Android phone or Apple
iPhone by using the factory-provided
phone USB cable and plugging into a

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Infotainment System 155
System
The menu may contain the following:
Time / Date
Use the following features to set the clock:
.Automatic Time and Date: Touch On to
have the time and date automatically set.
When this feature is off, the time and
date can be manually set.
.Set Time: Touch to manually set the time
using the controls on the infotainment
display.
.Set Date: Touch to manually set the date
using the controls on the infotainment
display.
.Automatic Time Zone: Touch Off or On to
disable or enable automatic update of the
time zone based on vehicle location.
When this feature is on, the time zone
cannot be manually set.
.Select Time Zone: Touch to manually set
the time zone.
Touch a time zone from the list.
.Use 24-hour Format: Touch to specify the
clock format shown.
Touch Off or On.Language
This will set the display language used on
the infotainment display.
Touch Language and select the appropriate
language.
Phones
Touch to connect to a different cell phone or
mobile device source, disconnect a cell
phone or media device, or delete a cell
phone or media device.
Wi-Fi Networks
This will show connected and available Wi-Fi
networks.
If a 4G LTE data package is not active on the
vehicle, the infotainment system can be
connected to an external protected Wi-Fi
network, such as a mobile device or home
hotspot, to utilize connected services.
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Touch and the following may display:
.Wi-Fi Services: This allows devices to use
the vehicle hotspot.
Touch the controls on theinfotainment
display to disable or enable.
.Wi-Fi Name: Touch to change the vehicle
Wi-Fi name.
.Wi-Fi Password: Touch to change the
vehicle Wi-Fi password.
.Connected Devices: Touch to show
connected devices.
.Share Hotspot Data: Touch Enable to
allow devices to use the vehicle hotspot
and its data, or touch Disable to allow
devices to only use the vehicle hotspot.
Privacy
If equipped, touch and the following may
display:
.Location Services: This setting determines
if data sharing can be used by features
including Wi-Fi, Hotspot, and applications.
Touch Off to disable data services.
Emergency services and phone calls, such
as calls with OnStar Advisors or others,
will not be affected when Off is selected.
.Voice Recognition Sharing: This setting
determines if voice commands can be
shared with a cloud-based voice
recognition system. Touch Off to prevent
the sharing and possible recording of your
voice commands with this system. This
may limit the system’s ability to
understand your voice commands and
may disable some features.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Climate Controls 159
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Maintenance
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . 161
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
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. Defrost5. Rear Window Defogger
6. Air Conditioning
7. Recirculation

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
162 Climate Controls
4. Replace the air filter.
5. Close the air filter cover and reinstall theglove box.
See your dealer if additional assistance is
needed.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. See Maintenance Schedule
0 267.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
168 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
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.
See
Tires 0232.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
.Check all fluid levels, 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 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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 175
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) :This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing ENGINE START/STOP once will place
the ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins, release ENGINE
START/STOP. Engine cranking will continue
until the engine starts. See Starting the
Engine 0175.
The engine will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes.
With the vehicle off, and the brake pedal
not applied, pressing and holding ENGINE
START/STOP for more than five seconds will
place the vehicle in Service Mode.
The instruments and audio system will
operate as they do in ON/RUN, but the
vehicle will not be able to be driven. The
engine will not start in Service Mode.
Press ENGINE START/STOP again to turn the
vehicle off.Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle when it is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0200.
Starting Procedure 1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter must be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the brake pedal
applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. If the RKE transmitter is not in the
vehicle, if there is interference, or if the
RKE transmitter battery is low, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display a
message. See
Driver Information Center
(DIC) 086 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by pressing ENGINE START/STOP
immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to let
the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there as you
hold ENGINE START/STOP, for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
182 Driving and Operating
R :Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 169.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
M : This position allows shifting similar to a
manual transmission. See Manual Mode
0 183.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
Automatic Transmission Adaptation
Feature : While the vehicle is being driven
and gear shifting takes place, the
transmission will learn and adapt. This
increases durability and maintains the best
shift quality of the life of the vehicle.
During vehicle break-in (initial driving), it is
normal to experience some shift bumps.
Shift quality will improve with the normal
gear shifting as the transmission learns and
adapts.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a lower
gear than normal to improve vehicle
performance. The engine speed may be
higher and there may be an increase in
noise during the following conditions:
.When climbing a grade
.When driving downhill
.When driving in hot temperatures or at
high altitude