car battery BUICK ENCORE GX 2020 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
102 Instruments and Controls
Clock
Set the time and date using the
infotainment system. See "Time /
Date" underSettings0195.
Power Outlets
Power Outlets 12-Volt Direct
Current
The vehicle has 12-volt outlets that
can be used to plug in electrical
equipment, such as a cell phone or
MP3 player.
{Warning
Power is always supplied to the
rear cargo power outlet. Do not
leave electrical equipment
plugged in when the vehicle is not
in use because the vehicle could
catch fire and cause injury or
death.
Caution
Leaving electrical equipment
plugged in for an extended period
of time while the ignition is off will
drain the battery. Always unplug
electrical equipment when not in
use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum
15 amp rating.
Certain accessory plugs may not be
compatible with the accessory
power outlet and could overload
vehicle and adapter fuses. If a
problem is experienced, see your
dealer. When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
the equipment. See
Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0302.
Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from
the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. The power
outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.
Power Outlet 110V/120V
Alternating Current
If equipped with this power outlet, it
can be used to plug in electrical
equipment that uses a maximum
limit of 150 watts.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Instruments and Controls 117
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
The vehicle brake system consists
of electronically controlled hydraulic
brake circuits. If a fault is detected,
valves are adjusted to allow the
brake pedal to push brake fluid
directly into the hydraulic brake
circuits.
When a fault occurs, the brake
system warning light comes on, and
Driver Information Center (DIC)
messages may display.
Vehicle speed may also be limited
and the amount of brake pedal force
applied may need to increase. Have
the vehicle brake system serviced
as soon as possible. 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.
The brake system warning light may
also come on when the parking
brake is set, if the vehicle has low
brake fluid, or if the brakes are
severely faded. See
Brake Fluid
0 324. If the brakes are overheated,
DIC messages may display, and the
vehicle speed may be limited. If the
brake fluid is not low, if the brakes
are not overheated, and if the
parking brake is fully released, then
the vehicle has a brake problem.
Have the vehicle brake system
serviced as soon as possible.
If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully.
The pedal might be harder to push,
or the 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 0374.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Infotainment System 181
.The vehicle is traveling at high
speed.
. The vehicle changes directions
more than once, or the vehicle is
turning on a turn table in a
parking lot.
. The vehicle is entering and/or
exiting a parking lot, garage, or a
lot with a roof.
. The GPS signal is not received.
. A roof carrier is installed on the
vehicle.
. Tire chains are installed on the
vehicle.
. The tires are replaced or worn.
. The tire pressure for the tires is
incorrect.
. This is the first navigation use
after the map data is updated.
. The 12-volt battery has been
disconnected for several days.
. The vehicle is driving in heavy
traffic where driving is at low
speeds, and the vehicle is
stopped and started repeatedly.Problems with Route
Guidance
Inappropriate route guidance can
occur under one or more of the
following conditions:
.The turn was not made on the
road indicated.
. Route guidance might not be
available when using automatic
rerouting for the next right or
left turn.
. The route might not be changed
when using automatic rerouting.
. There is no route guidance when
turning at an intersection.
. Plural names of places might be
announced occasionally.
. It could take a long time to
operate automatic rerouting
during high-speed driving.
. Automatic rerouting might
display a route returning to the
set waypoint if heading for a
destination without passing
through a set waypoint. .
The route prohibits the entry of a
vehicle due to a regulation by
time or season or any other
regulation which may be given.
. Some routes might not be
searched.
. The route to the destination
might not be shown if there are
new roads, if roads have
recently changed, or if certain
roads are not listed in the map
data. See Maps0171.
To recalibrate the vehicle's position
on the map, park with the vehicle
running for two to five minutes, until
the vehicle position updates. Make
sure the vehicle is parked in a
location that is safe and has a clear
view of the sky and away from large
obstructions.
If the System Needs
Service
If the navigation system needs
service, see your dealer.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
232 Driving and Operating
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.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 254.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Mode. See All-Wheel Drive 0250.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out,
see
Towing the Vehicle 0374.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may show
how much weight it may properly
carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.

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
304 Vehicle Care
Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 363
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 371
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including
this one, as well as many of its
service parts and fluids, contain
and/or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and
systems, many fluids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0326
and
Jump Starting - North America
0 372 and the back cover.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 309
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 322.
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0317.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0311.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 317. 5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil 0311.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0315.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes 0323.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting - North
America 0372. 9.
Battery - North America 0326.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0338.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0372

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 311
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 322.
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0317.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0311.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0311.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 317.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0315.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes 0323.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting - North
America 0372.
9. Battery - North America 0326.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0338.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0372Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0313.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0
308 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
320 Vehicle Care
1. Remove the coolant surge tankpressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the
indicated level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until you
can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
indicated level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system
cools down again, see your
dealer.Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Automatic Coolant Service Fill
Instruction
If equipped, this feature assists in
filling and removing air from the
cooling system after service of
components or when coolant is
added after being too low.
To activate the fill and air removal
process:
1. With a cold system, open the surge tank cap and add coolant
to the COLD FILL mark on the
surge tank.
2. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
3. Turn the ignition to Service Mode. See Ignition Positions
0 236.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
326 Vehicle Care
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. For
replacement of the battery, see your
dealer.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle has a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. SeeStop/Start
System 0239. It has an Absorbed
Glass Mat (AGM) 12–volt battery.
Installation of a standard 12–volt
battery will result in reduced 12–volt
battery life.
When using a 12–volt battery
charger on the 12–volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an ACM
battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0304 and the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
not careful. SeeJump Starting -
North America 0372 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection
{Warning
Before disconnecting the negative
battery cable, turn off all features,
turn the ignition off, and remove
the key, if equipped, from the
vehicle. If this is not done, you or
others could be injured, and the
vehicle could be damaged.