ECO mode BUICK ENCORE 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, BUICK, the
BUICK Emblem, and ENCORE are trademarks
and/or service marks of General Motors LLC,
its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for Buick Motor Division wherever
it appears in this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84709979 B Second Printing©2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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
Keys, Doors, and Windows 23
Slide Switch
Express-Open/Express-Close :Press and
release
D(1) at the second detent to
express-open the sunroof. Press and release
g(1) at the second detent to
express-close the sunroof. Press the switch
again to stop the movement.
Open/Close (Manual Mode) : Press and hold
D(1) at the first detent to open the
sunroof. Press and hold
g(1) at the first
detent to close the sunroof. Release the
switch to stop the movement.
Tilt Switch
Vent : Press and hold
E(2) to vent the
sunroof. Press and hold
g(2) to close
the sunroof vent.
The sunshade opens automatically with the
sunroof, but must be manually closed.
The sunroof will not operate if the vehicle
has an electrical failure.
Automatic Reversal System
The sunroof has an automatic reversal
system that is only active when the sunroof
is operated in express-close mode. If an object is in the path while express
closing, the reversal system will detect
object, stop, and open the sunroof slightly.
If frost or other conditions prevent closing,
override the feature by closing the sunroof
in manual mode. To stop movement, release
the switch.
Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof
seal or in the track. This could cause an
issue with sunroof operation or noise.
It could also plug the water drainage
system. Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose debris. Wipe
the sunroof seal and roof sealing area using
a clean cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Seats and Restraints 41
The seat-mounted side impact airbags for
the driver and front outboard passenger are
in the side of the seatbacks closest to
the door.
The roof-rail airbags for the driver, front
outboard passenger, and second row
outboard passengers are in the ceiling above
the side windows.
Rear Seat Driver Side Shown, Passenger SideSimilar
On vehicles with second row seat-mounted
side impact airbags, they are in the side of
the seatback closest to the door.
{Warning
If something is between an occupant and
an airbag, the airbag might not inflate
properly or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury or even
death. The path of an inflating airbag
must be kept clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an airbag, and
do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any
other airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories that block the
inflation path of a seat-mounted side
impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof of a
vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a
rope or tie‐down through any door or
window opening. If you do, the path of
an inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
This vehicle is equipped with airbags. See
Airbag System 038. Airbags are designed to
inflate if the impact exceeds the specific
airbag system's deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict
how severe a crash is likely to be in time
for the airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants. The vehicle has electronic
sensors that help the airbag system
determine the severity of the impact.
Deployment thresholds can vary with
specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe frontal or near frontal
crashes to help reduce the potential for
severe injuries, mainly to the driver's or
front outboard passenger's head and chest.
Whether the frontal airbags will or should
inflate is not based primarily on how fast
the vehicle is traveling. It depends on what
is hit, the direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash
speeds depending on whether the vehicle
hits an object straight on or at an angle,
and whether the object is fixed or moving,
rigid or deformable, narrow or wide.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate
during vehicle rollovers, in rear impacts,
or in many side impacts.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
42 Seats and Restraints
In addition, the vehicle has advanced
technology frontal airbags. Advanced
technology frontal airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
Knee airbags (if equipped) are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near
frontal impacts. Knee airbags are not
designed to inflate during vehicle rollovers,
in rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags are
designed to inflate in moderate to severe
side crashes depending on the location of
the impact. Seat-mounted side impact
airbags are not designed to inflate in frontal
impacts, near frontal impacts, rollovers,
or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact
airbag is designed to inflate on the side of
the vehicle that is struck.
Roof-rail airbags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe side crashes depending
on the location of the impact. In addition,
these roof-rail airbags are designed to inflate
during a rollover or in a severe frontal
impact. Roof-rail airbags are not designed to
inflate in rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags
will inflate when either side of the vehicle is
struck, if the sensing system predicts that
the vehicle is about to roll over on its side,
or in a severe frontal impact.In any particular crash, no one can say
whether an airbag should have inflated
simply because of the vehicle damage or
repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system
sends an electrical signal triggering a release
of gas from the inflator. Gas from the
inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to
break out of the cover. The inflator, the
airbag, and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag locations, see
Where Are the
Airbags? 040.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal
collisions, even belted occupants can contact
the steering wheel or the instrument panel.
In moderate to severe side collisions, even
belted occupants can contact the inside of
the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided
by seat belts by distributing the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant's body. Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help contain the head and chest
of occupants in the outboard seating
positions in the first and second rows. The
rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of full or
partial ejection in rollover events, although
no system can prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in many types
of collisions, primarily because the
occupant's motion is not toward those
airbags. See
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
0 41.
Airbags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to seat
belts.What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal, knee (if equipped), and
seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate,
they quickly deflate, so quickly that some
people may not even realize the airbags
inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at
least partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of the airbag
module may be hot for several minutes. For
location of the airbags, see Where Are the
Airbags? 040.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Seats and Restraints 43
The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There may be some smoke
and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn on the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers,
and shut off the fuel system after the airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See
Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0292 and
Event Data Recorders 0292.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 81
driven with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is in Service Mode. SeeIgnition
Positions 0174.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0202.
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :
A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If equipped with capless fuel fill: If fuel
has been added to the vehicle using the
capless funnel adapter, make sure that it
has been removed. See “Filling the Tank
with a Portable Gas Can” underFilling the
Tank (Capless Fuel Fill) 0197 or
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill) 0198.
The diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
82 Instruments and Controls
.If equipped with capped fuel fill: A loose
or missing fuel cap may cause the light
to come on. SeeFilling the Tank (Capless
Fuel Fill) 0197 or
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill) 0198.
A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed may turn the light off.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor drivability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel 0196.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 200. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is in Service Mode.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
When the vehicle is on, the brake system
warning light also comes on when the
parking brake is set. The light stays on if
the parking brake does not fully release. If it
stays on after the parking brake is fully
released, there is a brake problem. Have the
brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal
might be harder to push, or the brake pedal
may go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have
the vehicle towed for service. See Towing
the Vehicle 0255.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
106 Infotainment System
Home Page
The Home Page is where vehicle application
icons are accessed. Some applications are
disabled when the vehicle is moving.
The Home Page can be set up to have up to
five pages with eight icons per page.
Touch
hto go left orkto go right or slide a
finger left/right across the display to access
the pages of icons.
k: Touch to go to the next Home Page.
h:Touch to go to the previous Home Page.
l:Touch this interaction selector to
display the favorites list.
Touch and hold a preset to begin the
process of saving a favorite application. Touch the application icon to store as a
favorite, and the name of the application
will show in the favorites.
Managing Home Page Icons
1. Touch and hold any of the Home Page icons to edit that icon.
2. Drag the icon to a new location on the Home Page or to save it to the
applications tray.
3. Press
{to exit edit mode.
Steering Wheel Controls
If equipped, some audio controls can be
adjusted at the steering wheel.
b/g: For vehicles with Bluetooth, press
to interact with those systems.
$/i: Press to decline an incoming call,
to end speech recognition, or to end a
current call. Press to silence the vehicle
speakers while using the infotainment
system. Press again to turn the sound on.
For vehicles with Bluetooth systems, press
to reject an incoming call or end a
current call.
_SRC^: Press to select an audio source.
Toggle up or down to select the next or
previous favorite radio station, MP3 track,
USB file, iPod/iPhone song, or Bluetooth
music.
Toggle and hold up or down to fast forward
or reverse the radio stations, MP3 tracks,
USB files, iPod/iPhone songs, or Bluetooth
music.
+
x− :Press + or −to increase or decrease
the volume.
Using the System
Home Page Features
Touch the icons on the Home Page to
launch an application.