sensor BUICK ENCORE 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0161.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 099.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer 097.
3. Instrument Cluster 076.
4. Driver Information Center (DIC) Display. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 086.
5. Windshield Wiper/Washer 072.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 073.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 098.
7. Infotainment Controls. See Overview (8
Inch Screen) 0105 or
Overview (7 Inch Screen) 0138.
8. Climate Control Systems 0159.
9. Instrument Panel Storage 067.
10. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 181.
11. Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0185.
Hazard Warning Flashers 099.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System 044.
12. Park Assist 0191 (If Equipped).
13. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0195 (If
Equipped). 14. Engine START/STOP button. See
Ignition
Positions 0174.
15. Steering Wheel Controls 072.
16. Horn 072.
17. Steering Wheel Adjustment 071.
18. Cruise Control 0186.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 192 (If Equipped).
19. Hood Release. See Hood0203.
20. Instrument Panel Storage 067.
21. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View).
22. Exterior Lamp Controls 097.
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0 100.

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
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
44 Seats and Restraints
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system
for the front outboard passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator will
light on the instrument panel when the
vehicle is started.
United States
Canada
The words ON and OFF, or the symbols for
on and off, will be visible during the system
check. When the system check is complete,
either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol
for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 080. The passenger sensing system turns off the
front outboard passenger frontal airbag and
knee airbag (if equipped) under certain
conditions. No other airbag is affected by
the passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works with
sensors that are part of the front outboard
passenger seat. The sensors are designed to
detect the presence of a properly seated
occupant and determine if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag (if equipped) should be allowed to
inflate or not.
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly secured in a rear seat
in the correct child restraint for their weight
and size.
Whenever possible, children aged 12 and
under should be secured in a rear seating
position.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in the
front. This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great if the airbag
inflates.
{Warning
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
passenger frontal airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the
inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the passenger
frontal airbag inflates and the passenger
seat is in a forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
airbag(s), no system is fail-safe. No one
can guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual circumstance,
even though the airbag(s) are off.
Never put a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat, even if the airbag is off.
If securing a forward-facing child restraint
in the front outboard passenger seat,
always move the seat as far back as it
will go. It is better to secure child
restraints in the rear seat. Consider using
another vehicle to transport the child
when a rear seat is not available.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Seats and Restraints 47
SeeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 047 for more
information about modifications that can
affect how the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an object,
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired,
remove the object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion
and seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0289.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel, ceiling
trim, or pillar garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or
with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 73
{Warning
Before driving the vehicle, always clear
snow and ice from the hood, windshield,
roof, and rear of the vehicle, including all
lamps and windows. Reduced visibility
from snow and ice buildup could lead to
a crash.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades
before using them. If frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced.
See Wiper Blade Replacement 0220.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper
motor. A circuit breaker will stop the motor
until it cools down.
Rainsense™
If equipped with Rainsense, a sensor near
the top center of the windshield detects the
amount of water on the windshield and
controls the frequency of the windshield
wiper.
Keep the sensor free from debris to allow
for best system performance. INT :
When enabled, move the windshield
wiper lever to INT. Turn the
xINT band
on the wiper lever to adjust the sensitivity.
.Turn the band up for more sensitivity to
moisture.
.Turn the band down for less sensitivity to
moisture.
.Move the windshield wiper lever out of
the INT position to deactivate Rainsense.
Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
When using an automatic car wash, move
the windshield wiper lever to OFF. This
disables the automatic Rainsense windshield
wipers and/or manual windshield wipers.
With Rainsense, if the transmission is in
N (Neutral) and the vehicle speed is very
slow, the wipers will automatically stop at
the base of the windshield.
The wiper operations return to normal when
the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral)
or the vehicle speed has increased.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The rear wiper/washer controls are on the
end of the windshield wiper lever.
ON : Press the upper portion of the button
for continuous rear window wipes.
OFF : The rear wiper turns off when the
button is returned to the middle position.
INT : Press the lower portion of the button
for rear intermittent wipes.
m=REAR : Push the windshield wiper lever
forward to spray washer fluid on the rear
window. The lever returns to its starting
position when released.
Rear Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
When using an automatic car wash, move
the rear wiper control to OFF to disable the
rear wiper. In some vehicles, if the
transmission is in N (Neutral) and the

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 75
Clock
Set the time and date using the
infotainment system. See "Time / Date"
underSettings (8 Inch Screen) 0129 or
Settings (7 Inch Screen) 0154.
Power Outlets
Power Outlet 110/120-Volt Alternating
Current
If equipped, this power outlet is on the rear
of the center console. It can be used to plug
in electrical equipment that uses a
maximum limit of 150 watts.
An indicator light on the outlet turns on to
show it is in use. The light comes on when
the ignition is on and equipment requiring
less than 150 watts is plugged into the
outlet, and no system fault is detected.
The indicator light does not come on when
the ignition is off or if the equipment is not
fully seated into the outlet.
If equipment is connected using more than
150 watts or a system fault is detected, a
protection circuit shuts off the power supply
and the indicator light turns off. To reset
the circuit, unplug the item and plug it back
in or turn the Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) off and then back on. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0178. The power
restarts when equipment using 150 watts or
less is plugged into the outlet and a system
fault is not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for and
may not work properly, if any of the
following are plugged in:
.Equipment with high initial peak wattage,
such as compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools
.Other equipment requiring an extremely
stable power supply, such as
microcomputer-controlled electric blankets
and touch sensor lamps
.Medical equipment
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes
serious enough to cause an expensive repair
or replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could prevent
injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly when
the engine is started to indicate they are
working. When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while driving,
or when one of the gauges shows there
may be a problem, check the section that
explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs
can be costly and even dangerous.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 79
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 the 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
chime nor the light comes on.
Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder
Light
The vehicle may have a front passenger seat
belt reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, this light
flashes and a chime may come on to remind
in front of passenger to fasten the seat belt.
Then the light stays on solid until the belt is
buckled. This cycle may continue several
times if the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the 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 electronic
device. To turn off the reminder light and/or
chime, remove the object from the seat or
buckle the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical
problem with the airbag system. It is
located in the instrument cluster. The
system check includes the airbag sensor(s),
the passenger sensing system (if equipped),the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the airbag
system, see
Airbag System 038.
The airbag readiness light comes on for
several seconds when the vehicle is started.
If the light does not come on then, have it
fixed immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes on
while driving, it means the airbag system
might not be working properly. The
airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury,
have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
98 Lighting
This indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster when the high-beam
headlamps are on.
Flash-to-Pass
To flash the high beams, pull the turn signal
lever all the way toward you. Then
release it.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps can make it easier
for others to see the front of your vehicle
during the day. Fully functional DRL are
required on all vehicles first sold in Canada.
A light sensor on top of the instrument
panel makes the DRL work, so be sure it is
not covered.The DRL system makes the low-beam
headlamps come on at a reduced brightness
when the following conditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
.The engine is running.
When the DRL are on, the taillamps,
sidemarker, instrument panel, and other
lamps will not be on.
The headlamps automatically change from
DRL to the regular headlamps depending on
the darkness of the surroundings. The other
lamps that come on with the headlamps will
also come on.
When it is bright enough outside, the
headlamps go off and the DRL come on.
The DRL turn off when the headlamps are
turned to
Oor the ignition is off. For
vehicles first sold in Canada, this control
only works when the vehicle is parked.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside and the
exterior lamp control is in the automatic
position, the headlamps come on
automatically. See Exterior Lamp Controls
0 97.
The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Make sure it is not
covered, or the headlamps will be on when
they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps
when driving through a parking garage or
tunnel.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 189
Warning (Continued)
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. SeeDefensive Driving 0165.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash.
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt.
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible Alert
Some driver assistance features alert the
driver of obstacles by beeping. To change
the volume of the warning chime, see
“Comfort and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization (8 Inch Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Cleaning
Depending on vehicle options, keep these
areas of the vehicle clean to ensure the best
driver assistance feature performance. Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages may
display when the systems are unavailable or
blocked.
.Front and rear bumpers and the area
below the bumpers
.Front grille and headlamps
.Front camera lens in the front grille or
near the front emblem