brake light BUICK ENCORE 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
2 Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
About Driving the Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or a crash. Be sure to read
the driving guidelines in this manual in the
section called“Driving and Operating” and
specifically Driver Behavior 0164, Driving
Environment 0164, and Vehicle Design
0 164.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means “Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 71
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 78
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 80
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . 83
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Immobilizer Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . 86
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (8 Inch Screen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
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.

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
Instruments and Controls 83
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This warning light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If the light
does not come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving, safely
stop as soon as it is possible and turn off
the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again
to reset the system.If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when the
light stays on.
If the ABS warning light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is
not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light 082.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Light
This light is green if LDW is on and ready to
operate.
This light changes to amber and flashes to
indicate that the lane marking has been
crossed without using a turn signal in that
direction. See
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0195.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green
when a vehicle is detected ahead.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 192.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system is
working normally, the indicator light then
turns off.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 89
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction inperformance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, brakes, thermal, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (8 Inch
Screen)
Use the audio system controls to access the
personalization menus for customizing
vehicle features.
To see if your vehicle has the 8 inch screen,
see
Overview (8 Inch Screen) 0105.
The following are all possible personalization
features. Depending on the vehicle, some
may not be available.
To access the personalization menus: 1. Touch SETTINGS on the Home Page of the infotainment display.
2. Touch the desired feature to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Press BACK on the center stack or touch
Son the infotainment display to return
to the previous menu or exit.

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 169
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. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0185.
.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) 0184.
.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.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 285. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0180.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
174 Driving and Operating
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start. The RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle for the system to
operate.
If the vehicle is not working, the vehicle
may be near a strong antenna signal
causing interference to the Keyless Access
system. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
on or in ACC/ACCESSORY, and the brake
must be applied. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) :
When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the engine
off. If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition
will turn off, and Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) will remain active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0178.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display the
message SHIFT TO PARK.
When the vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition system turn off.
Do not turn the ignition off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a loss of
power assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location. 3. Come to a complete stop, shift to
P (Park), and turn the ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 184.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off. With the
ignition off, pressing ENGINE START/STOP
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after five minutes to
prevent battery rundown.

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
184 Driving and Operating
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 083.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake: 1. Hold the regular brake pedal down.
2. Pull up firmly on the parking brake handle without pressing the release
button. 3. The brake system warning light will
come on, if the ignition is on. See Brake
System Warning Light 082.
To release the parking brake: 1. Hold the regular brake pedal down.
2. Pull the parking brake handle up until the release button can be pressed easily.
3. Hold the release button while lowering the brake handle all the way down.
4. The brake system warning light will turn off, if the ignition is on.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Driving with the parking brake applied will
cause a warning chime to sound and a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
may display. Release the parking brake or
stop the vehicle.