ABS BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 User Guide

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
210 Driving and Operating
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.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0241.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
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
0 188.
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 seconds. Extended Hold
applies the Electric Parking Brake if the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes. If hold duration is selectable, see "Extended Hill Start Assist" in
Vehicle
Personalization 0114. The brakes may also
release under other conditions. Do not rely
on HSA to hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
244 Driving and Operating
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. 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, seeEngine
Overheating 0266.
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 0323. 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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
270 Vehicle Care
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 098.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0323.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0331.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
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. See
Stop/Start System0198. 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
AGM 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 0252
and the back cover.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
308 Vehicle Care
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
battery, see Battery - North America 0270.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{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 0252
and the back cover.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
314 Vehicle Care
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0331.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
358 Index
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 328
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180, 182
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . .185
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 54
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 54
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 53
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 59
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 59
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207, 272
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . 163
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . 229
Assistance Systems for Parking and
Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Index 363
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 128
J
JackAuxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . 308
K
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 127
Headlamps and Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Lamps (cont'd)
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 72
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Lights (cont'd)
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . 99
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36