automatic transmission BUICK ENCORE GX 2020 User Guide

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Driving and Operating 249
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.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears,
the transmission could be
damaged. Have the vehicle
serviced right away.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle
is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.
L : Allows the driver to select the
range of gear positions. See Manual
Mode 0249.
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.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the
selection of the range of gear
positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to
limit the top gear and vehicle speed.
The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display a number next to the L
indicating the highest available gear
under manual mode and the driving
conditions when manual mode was
selected.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
250 Driving and Operating
2. Press the plus/minus button onthe shift lever, to increase or
decrease the gear range
available.
When shifting to L (Manual Mode),
the transmission will shift to a preset
lower gear range. For this preset
range, the highest gear available is
displayed next to the L in the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0123 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0127 for more information. All gears below that
number are available to use. For
example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown
next to the L, 1 (First) through
4 (Fourth) gears are shifted
automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth)
gear, press the + (Plus) button or
shift into D (Drive).
L (Manual Mode) will prevent
shifting to a lower gear range if the
engine speed is too high. If vehicle
speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. Slow the
vehicle, then press the
−(Minus)
button to the desired lower gear
range.
While using the ERS, cruise control
can be used.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can
operate in All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) Mode.
The AWD system delivers power to
all four wheels and the system
adjusts as needed to improve
traction.
Press the AWD button on the center
console to activate the system. The
AWD light will flash briefly while the
system is engaging and stay lit to
indicate AWD is active. Press the

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Driving and Operating 253
2. Apply and hold the brakepedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Y
or PARK light is off.
If the
8Service Parking Brake light
or message is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Yor PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.
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.
Automatic EPB Release
Avoid rapid acceleration when the
EPB is applied, to preserve parking
brake lining life.
The EPB will automatically release
when the engine is running, the
transmission is placed into gear,
and an attempt is made to drive
away by pressing the accelerator
pedal.
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicle
is pulling a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 293.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake
pedal applications due to
emergency braking situations and
provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System
(ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to activate
ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal
movement during this time may
occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation
dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature.
HSA does not replace the need to
pay attention and drive safely.
You may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by this system.
Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0226.
When the vehicle is stopped on a
grade, Hill Start Assist (HSA)
prevents the vehicle from rolling in
an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release
to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator
pedal is applied. HSA brake hold
duration may be selectable.
Standard Hold automatically
releases the brakes after a few

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
294 Driving and Operating
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
If the transmission downshifts
too often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode
See Manual Mode 0249.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
. Super Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Park Assist
. Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
. Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:
. Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
. Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO),
when towing a trailer:
. Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0246.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle itself. Get
used to the handling and braking of
the combination by driving on a
level road surface before driving on
public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and
the brakes must be all be rated to
carry the intended cargo.
Inadequate trailer equipment can
cause the combination to operate in
an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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296 Driving and Operating
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, preferably on
level ground, with the transmission
in P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0321.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill. 2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0390. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 321.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 303
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 304
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 305
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 313
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 315
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 321
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . 324 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Battery - North America . . . . . . 326
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 328
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 328
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 330
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 331
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps (Uplevel) . . . 334
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 337
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 338
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 346
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
314 Vehicle Care
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:1. Display the REMAINING OIL
LIFE on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0123 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0127. This display
shows an estimate of the oil’ s
remaining useful life. If 99% is
displayed, that means that 99%
of the current oil life remains.
2. Press and hold
lor the
thumbwheel while the Oil Life
display is active. The oil life will
change to 100%.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in
Maintenance Schedule
0 390, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0399.
Engine Air Filter Life
System
When to Change Engine Air
Filter
If equipped, this feature provides an
indication of when to change the
engine air filter. It is based on
driving conditions, which can cause
when to change to vary greatly. It is
possible an air filter change may not
be indicated for up to four years.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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328 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
. To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only. .
To check the P (Park)
mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
replaced periodically. See
Maintenance Schedule 0390.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper type and
length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0400.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be covered by
(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 349
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials. Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 351.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 232.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0232.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0232.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
366 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
2. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being
changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a
guide to assist in the placement of
the wheel blocks (1), if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and
Tools
The spare tire and tools are located
in the storage compartment in the
rear of the vehicle.
Without Subwoofer
1. Tow Eye
2. Jack
3. Wrench
4. Strap
5. Funnel