ignition BUICK ENCORE GX 2020 Owner's Guide

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
150 Lighting
The exterior lamps turn off
immediately by turning the exterior
lamp control off.
This feature can be changed. See
Vehicle Personalization0135.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM) that estimates
the battery's temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage
for best performance and extended
life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed. The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all of the
power needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, rear
window defogger, climate control fan
at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads
plugged into accessory power
outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action,this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might
be displayed and it is recommended
that the driver reduce the electrical
loads as much as possible.
Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the interior
lamps if they are left on for more
than 10 minutes when the ignition is
off. This helps to prevent the battery
from running down.
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about
10 minutes after the ignition is
turned off, if the parking lamps or
headlamps have been manually left
on. This protects against draining
the battery. To restart the 10-minute
timer, turn the exterior lamp control
to the off position and then back to
the parking lamp or headlamp
position.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the ignition must be on
or in ACC/ACCESSORY.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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182 Infotainment System
Map Data Updates
The map data in the vehicle is the
most up-to-date information
available when the vehicle was
produced. The map data is updated
periodically, provided that the map
information has changed and the
vehicle has a relevant service plan.
Over-the-Air-Vehicle Map
Updates
If equipped, the infotainment system
can receive map updates over the
air. Map updates occur within a
161 km (100 mi) radius around the
home address on file. This
boundary will adjust over time
based on driving patterns. The
vehicle uses a Cloud-connected
service to receive the date and
downloads it to the system’s
onboard SD card, if equipped.
A data plan or compatible mobile
device hotspot is required. The SD
card is required for navigation
system function.
When a map update is available, a
prompt will appear on the
infotainment display. Once theupdate is accepted, it will download
and run in the background without
interruption any infotainment
functions. The download will carry
over ignition cycles, stopping and
starting where it left off. The
updates can be set to download
automatically.
See www.gmnavdisc.com for details
on ordering, purchasing, and
installing a new or replacement SD
card. Features are subject to
change. For more information on
this feature, see my.buick.com/
learn.
Database Coverage
Explanations
Coverage areas vary with respect to
the level of map detail available for
any given area. Some areas feature
greater levels of detail than others.
If this happens, it does not mean
there is a problem with the system.
As the map data is updated, more
detail can become available for
areas that previously had limited
detail. See
Map Data Updates
0 182.
Voice Recognition
If equipped, voice recognition allows
for hands-free operation within the
navigation, audio, phone, and
weather applications. This feature
can be started by pressing
gon the
steering wheel or touching
gon the
infotainment display.
However, not all features within
these areas are supported by voice
commands. Generally, only complex
tasks that require multiple manual
interactions to complete are
supported by voice commands.
For example, tasks that take more
than one or two touches, such as a
song or artist to play from a media
device, would be supported by voice
commands. Other tasks, like
adjusting the volume or seeking up
or down, are audio features that are
easily performed by touching one or
two options, and are not supported
by voice commands.
In general there are flexible ways to
speak commands for completing the
tasks.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Infotainment System 183
If your language supports it, try
stating a one-shot command, such
as“Directions to address street, city, state/province>.” Do not
include the ZIP code while stating
the address during the command.
Another example of a one-shot
Destination Entry command is,
“Directions to Place of Interest at
.” If these commands do not
work, try saying, “Take me to Place
of Interest” or“Find address” and
the system will walk you through by
asking additional questions.
Hybrid Speech Recognition
If equipped, this feature helps
distinguish words by using
Internet-based information along
with the system’ s voice recognition
database. This allows you to speak
more naturally when using voice
recognition.
Using Voice Recognition
Voice recognition becomes available
once the system has been
initialized. This begins when the
ignition is turned on. Initialization
may take a few moments. 1. Press
gon the steering wheel
controls to activate voice
recognition.
2. The audio system mutes and the system plays a prompt.
3. Clearly speak one of the commands described in this
section.
A voice recognition system
prompt can be interrupted while
it is playing by pressing
g
again.
Once voice recognition is started,
both the infotainment display and
instrument cluster show the
selections and visual dialog content.
These displays can be turned on or
off in the Tutorial Mode under
Settings 0195.
There are three voice prompt modes
supported:
. Informative verbal prompts: This
type of prompt will provide more
information regarding the
supported actions. .
Short prompts: This type of
prompt will provide simple
instructions about what can be
stated.
. Auto informative prompts: This
type of prompt plays during the
first few speech sessions, then
automatically switches to the
short prompt after some
experience has been gained
through using the system.
If a command is not spoken, the
voice recognition system says a
help prompt.
Prompts and Infotainment
Displays
While a voice recognition session is
active, there may be corresponding
options showing on the displays.
A selection can be made by
manually touching the option, or by
speaking the number for the option
to select. Manual interaction in the
voice recognition session is
permitted. Interaction during a voice
session may be completed entirely
using voice commands while some
manual commands may expedite a

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Infotainment System 189
Phone
Bluetooth (Overview)
The Bluetooth-capable system can
interact with many mobile devices,
allowing:
.Placement and receipt of calls in
a hands-free mode.
. Sharing of the device’s address
book or contact list with the
vehicle.
To minimize driver distraction,
before driving, and with the vehicle
parked:
. Become familiar with the
features of the mobile device.
Organize the phone book and
contact lists clearly and delete
duplicate or rarely used entries.
If possible, program speed dial
or other shortcuts.
. Review the controls and
operation of the infotainment
system. .
Pair mobile device(s) to the
vehicle. The system may not
work with all mobile devices.
See “Pairing” later in this
section.
Vehicles with a Bluetooth system
can use a Bluetooth-capable mobile
device with a Hands-Free Profile to
make and receive phone calls. The
infotainment system and voice
recognition are used to control the
system. The system can be used
while the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY. The range of the
Bluetooth system can be up to 9.1 m
(30 ft). Not all mobile devices
support all functions and not all
mobile devices work with the
Bluetooth system. See
my.buick.com for more information
about compatible mobile devices.
Controls
Use the controls on the center stack
and the steering wheel to operate
the Bluetooth system. Steering Wheel Controls
g:
Press to answer incoming calls
and start voice recognition on your
connected Bluetooth mobile device.
i: Press to end a call, decline a
call, or cancel an operation. Press
to mute or unmute the infotainment
system when not on a call.
Infotainment System Controls
For information about how to
navigate the menu system using the
infotainment controls, see Using the
System 0155.
Audio System
When using the Bluetooth mobile
device system, sound comes
through the vehicle's front audio
system speakers and overrides the
audio system. The volume level
while on a mobile device call can be
adjusted by pressing the steering
wheel controls or the volume control
on the center stack. The adjusted
volume level remains in memory for
later calls. The volume cannot be
lowered beyond a certain level.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Infotainment System 203
recognize the non-Teen Driver key
to start the vehicle. The Teen Driver
settings will not be active.
For a keyed ignition system:1. Start the engine.
2. For automatic transmissions, the vehicle must be in P (Park).
For manual transmissions, the
vehicle must be stopped with
the parking brake set.
3. From the Settings menu, touch Vehicle and then Teen Driver.
4. Enter the PIN.
5. Touch Setup Keys. The system displays instructions for
registering or unregistering a
key. A confirmation message
displays.
Manage Settings
Audio Volume Limit : Allows the
audio volume limit to be turned on
or off. Touch Set Audio Volume Limit
to choose the maximum allowable
audio volume level. Set Audio Volume Limit :
Allows a
maximum radio volume to be set.
Use the arrows to choose the
maximum allowable level for the
audio volume.
Teen Driver Speed Limiter : Limits
the maximum speed of the vehicle.
When the speed limiter is turned on
and the vehicle is started with a
Teen Driver key, the DIC displays a
message that the top speed is
limited.
On certain vehicles, when the
Speed Limiter is turned ON, the
vehicle’s maximum acceleration will
be limited. The DIC will display a
message that the acceleration is
limited.
Teen Driver Speed Warning :
Allows the speed warning to be
turned on or off. Touch Set Teen
Driver Speed Warning to set the
warning speed.
Set Teen Driver Speed Warning :
Displays a warning in the DIC when
exceeding a selectable speed.
Choose the desired speed warning
level. The speed warning does not
limit the speed of the vehicle. SiriusXM Explicit Content Filter (if
equipped) :
Allows the SiriusXM
Explicit Content Filter to be turned
ON or OFF. When ON, the teen
driver will not be able to listen to
SiriusXM stations that contain
explicit content, and the Explicit
Content Filter selection in the Audio
Settings will be unavailable for
change.
When Teen Driver is Active:
. If equipped with Buckle to Drive,
shifting out of P (Park) will be
prevented if the driver seat belt,
and in some vehicles the front
passenger seat belt, is not
buckled.
. The radio will mute when the
driver seat belt, and in some
vehicles the front passenger
seat belt, is not buckled. The
audio from any device paired to
the vehicle will also be muted.
. An object placed on the front
passenger seat, such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic
device, could cause the

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Climate Controls 217
The heating, cooling, and ventilation
for the vehicle can be controlled
with this system.1. Temperature Control
2. Air Delivery Mode Controls
3. MAX Defrost
4. Rear Window Defogger
5. Fan Control
6. Driver and Passenger Heated Seats (If Equipped)
7. Recirculation
8. . A/C (Air Conditioning)
]: Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed or turn the
fan off.
Temperature Control : Turn the
knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the
temperature.
Air Delivery Mode Controls :
Press
z,Y, or6to change the
direction of the airflow. The indicator
light in the button will turn on. Any combination of the three buttons
can be selected. The indicator light
in the button will turn on.
To change the current mode, select
one or more of the following:
z:
Clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.
6: Air is directed to the floor
outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the
windshield and the fan runs at a
higher speed. Fog or frost is cleared
from the windshield more quickly.
When the button is pressed again,
the system returns to the previous
mode setting.
For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
A/C : Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. If the
climate control system is turned off or the outside temperature falls
below freezing, the air conditioner
will not run.
@:
Press to turn on recirculation.
An indicator light comes on. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the
inside of the vehicle or to reduce the
entry of outside air and odors.
Rear Window Defogger
K: Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The defogger can be turned off by
turning the ignition off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
If the vehicle is equipped with
heated outside mirrors, they turn on
when the rear window defogger
button is on and help to clear fog or
frost from the surface of the mirror.
See Heated Mirrors 031.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
220 Climate Controls
6:Air is directed to the floor
outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the
windshield and the fan runs at a
higher speed. Fog or frost is cleared
from the windshield more quickly.
When the button is pressed again,
the system returns to the previous
mode setting.
For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
A/C : Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. If the
climate control system is turned off
or the outside temperature falls
below freezing, the air conditioner
will not run.
Pressing this button cancels
automatic air conditioning and turns
off the air conditioner. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation and
the air conditioner runs
automatically as needed. When the
indicator light is on, the air
conditioner runs automatically to cool the air inside the vehicle or to
dry the air needed to defog the
windshield faster.@:
Press to turn on recirculation.
An indicator light comes on. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the
inside of the vehicle or to reduce the
entry of outside air and odors.
Auto Defog : The climate control
system may have a sensor to
automatically detect high humidity
inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate
control system may adjust to
outside air supply and turn on the
air conditioner. The fan speed may
slightly increase to help prevent
fogging. If the climate control
system does not detect possible
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation.
To turn Auto Defog off or on, see
“Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0135.
Ionizer
If equipped with an ionizer, this
feature helps to clean the air inside
the vehicle and remove contaminants such as pollen, odors,
and dust. If the climate control
system is on and the ionizer is
enabled, Ionizer On will be
displayed. To turn the ionizer on or
off, see
“Climate and Air Quality”
under Vehicle Personalization
0 135.
Rear Window Defogger
K:Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on. The
defogger only works when the
ignition is on.
The defogger can be turned off by
turning the ignition to off or ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The rear window defogger can be
set to automatic operation. See
“Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0135.
When auto rear defog is selected,
the rear window defogger turns on
automatically when the interior
temperature is cold and the outside

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Driving and Operating 223
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . 224
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Driving for Better FuelEconomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 229
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 230
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 232
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 236
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 247
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 252
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 253
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 258
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 270
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 271
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 285
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 287
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . 289
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 290
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
230 Driving and Operating
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0344.
. Turn off cruise control.
. Activate All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
mode. See All-Wheel Drive
0 250.
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 and 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.
. Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Mode. See All-Wheel Drive
0 250.
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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236 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.. Put things in the cargo area
of the vehicle. In the cargo
area, put them as far
forward as possible. Try to
spread the weight evenly.
. Never stack heavier things,
like suitcases, inside the
vehicle so that some of
them are above the tops of
the seats.
. Do not leave an unsecured
child restraint in the vehicle.
. Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
. Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 800 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 300 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.