BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 Owner's Guide

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
30 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to
improve fuel economy performance. This
may result in a pulsing sound when either
rear window is down and the front windows
are up. To reduce the sound, open either a
front window or the sunroof, if equipped.
Power Windows
{Warning
Children could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Never leave the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter in a vehicle with
children. When there are children in the(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
rear seat, use the window lockout switch
to prevent operation of the windows. See
Keys06.
The power windows work when the ignition
is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0203.
Using the window switch, press to open or
pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily disabled if
they are used repeatedly within a
short time.
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear passenger
window switches from working.
.Press2to engage the rear window
lockout feature. The indicator light is on
when engaged.
.Press2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without holding
the window switch. Press the switch down
fully and quickly release to express open the
window.
If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express close the
window.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 31
Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power Windows
Programming may be necessary if the
vehicle battery has been disconnected or
discharged. If the window is unable to
express-up, program each express-close
window: 1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be programmed. Then close it and continue
to pull the switch briefly after the
window has fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue to press the switch briefly after the window has
fully opened.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block glare.
Detach the sun visor from the center mount
to pivot to the side window and,
if equipped, extend along the rod.
Roof
Sunroof
If equipped, the ignition must be on or in
ACC/ACCESSORY, or Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) must be active to operate the
sunroof. See Ignition Positions 0196 and
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0203.
1. Sunroof Switch (SLIDE)
2. Sunshade Switch (SLIDE)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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32 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Sunroof Switch
Express-Open/Express-Close :To
express-open the sunroof, fully press and
release
i(1). Press the switch again to
stop it. To express-close the sunroof, fully
press and release
g(1). Press the switch
again to stop it.
Open/Close (Manual Mode) : To open the
sunroof, press to the first position, and hold
i(1) until the sunroof reaches the
desired position. Press and hold
g(1) to
close it.
Vent : From the closed position,
i(1) to
vent the sunroof.
Sunshade Switch
Express-Open/Express-Close : To
express-open the sunshade, fully press and
release
r(2). To express-close the
sunshade, fully press and release
s(2).
Press the switch again to stop it.
Open/Close (Manual Mode) : To open the
sunshade, press to the first position, and
hold
r(2) until the sunshade reaches the
desired position. Press
s(2) to close the
sunshade. When the sunroof is opened, an air deflector
will automatically raise.
The air deflector will retract when the
sunroof is closed.
Automatic Reversal System
The sunroof has an automatic reversal
system that is only active when the sunroof
is operated in express-close mode.
If an object is in the path while express
closing, the reversal system will detect an
object, stop, and open the sunroof or power
sunshade slightly.
If frost or other conditions prevent closing,
override the feature by closing the sunroof
in manual mode. To stop movement, release
the switch.
In the event of closing difficulties like frost
or other conditions, it is possible to override
the reversal system. To override the reversal
system, close in manual mode. To stop the
movement, release the switch.
Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof
seal or in the track. This could cause an
issue with sunroof operation or noise.
It could also plug the water drainage
system. Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose debris. Wipe
the sunroof seal and roof sealing area using
a clean cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Seats and Restraints 33
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . 44
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 48
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 53
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 54
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . 54
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Head Restraints
{
Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, there is a
greater chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted
properly.
Front Seats
The vehicle's front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard seating
positions.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
34 Seats and Restraints
Adjust the head restraint so that the top of
the restraint is at the same height as the
top of the occupant's head. This position
reduces the chances of a neck injury in a
crash.
To raise or lower the head restraint, press
the button located on the side of the head
restraint, and pull up or push the head
restraint down, and release the button. Pull
and push on the head restraint after the
button is released to make sure that it is
locked in place.
The front seat outboard head restraints are
not removable.
Rear Seats
The vehicle’s rear seats have adjustable head
restraints in the outboard seating positions.
The height of the head restraint can be
adjusted. Pull the head restraint up to raise
it. Try to move the head restraint to make
sure it is locked in place.
To lower the head restraint, press the
button on the top of the seatback and push
the head restraint down. Try to move the
head restraint after the button is released to
make sure it is locked in place.
Folding the Rear Head Restraint
The head restraint can be folded rearward to
allow for better visibility when the rear seat
is unoccupied.
To fold the head restraint, press the button
on the side of the head restraint.

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Seats and Restraints 35
The head restraint will fold rearward
automatically.
When an occupant or child restraint is in the
seat, always return the head restraint to the
full upright position. Pull the head restraint
up and forward until it locks into place.
Push and pull on the head restraint to make
sure that it is locked.
Always adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same height as
the top of the occupant's head.
Rear outboard head restraints are not
removable.
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment
Seat Position
{Warning
You can lose control of the vehicle if you
try to adjust a driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. Adjust the driver seat
only when the vehicle is not moving.
To adjust a manual seat:1. Pull the handle at the front of the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the handle. 3. Try to move the seat back and forth to
be sure it is locked in place.
Height Adjustment
If equipped, move the lever up or down to
manually raise or lower the seat.
Power Seat Adjustment
{Warning
You can lose control of the vehicle if you
try to adjust a driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. Adjust the driver seat
only when the vehicle is not moving.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
36 Seats and Restraints
{Warning
The power seats will work with the
ignition off. Children could operate the
power seats and be injured. Never leave
children alone in the vehicle.
To adjust the seat:
.Move the seat forward or rearward by
sliding the control forward or rearward.
.Raise or lower the front part of the seat
cushion by moving the front of the
control up or down.
.Raise or lower the entire seat by moving
the rear of the control up or down.To adjust the seatback, see
Reclining
Seatbacks 036.
To adjust the lumbar support, see Lumbar
Adjustment 036.
Lumbar Adjustment
Press and hold the control forward to
increase or rearward to decrease support.
Reclining Seatbacks
{Warning
If either seatback is not locked, it could
move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
That could cause injury to the person
sitting there. Always push and pull on
the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the lever. If necessary, move the seat belt out of the way to access the lever.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Seats and Restraints 37
2. Move the seatback to the desiredposition, then release the lever to lock
the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to an upright
position: 1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback, and the
seatback returns to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
{Warning
Sitting in a reclined position when the
vehicle is in motion can be dangerous.
Even when buckled up, the seat belts
cannot do their job.
The shoulder belt will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in front of
you. In a crash, you could go into it,
receiving neck or other injuries.
The lap belt could go up over your
abdomen. The belt forces would be there,
not at your pelvic bones. This could cause
serious internal injuries.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
For proper protection when the vehicle is
in motion, have the seatback upright.
Then sit well back in the seat and wear
the seat belt properly.
Do not have a seatback reclined if the
vehicle is moving.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
.Tilt the top of the control rearward to
recline.
.Tilt the top of the control forward to
raise.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
38 Seats and Restraints
Memory Seats
If equipped, memory seats allow two drivers
to save and recall their unique seat positions
for driving the vehicle, and a shared exit
position for getting out of the vehicle. Other
feature positions may also be saved, such as
power mirrors, if equipped. Memory
positions are linked to RKE transmitter 1 or 2
for automatic memory recalls.
Before saving, adjust all available memory
feature positions. Turn the vehicle on and
then press and release SET; a beep will
sound. Then immediately press and hold 1,
2, or
B(Exit) until two beeps sound. To
manually recall these positions, press and hold 1, 2, or
Buntil the saved position is
reached. Follow the instructions under
“Saving Memory Positions.”
The vehicle identifies the current driver’s RKE
transmitter number (1–8). See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
Only RKE transmitters 1 and 2 can be used
for automatic memory recalls. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) welcome message
indicating the transmitter number may
display for the first few ignition cycles
following a transmitter change. For Seat
Entry Memory to work properly, save the
positions to the memory button (1 or 2)
matching the RKE transmitter number
displayed in the DIC welcome message.
Carry the linked RKE transmitter when
entering the vehicle.
Vehicle Personalization Settings
.To have the Seat Entry Memory
movement begin when the vehicle is
started, select the Settings menu, then
Vehicle, then Seating Position, and then
Seat Entry Memory. Select On or Off. See
“Seat Entry Memory” later in this section.
.To begin Seat Exit Memory movement
when the vehicle is turned off and the
driver door is opened, or when the vehicle
is turned off with the driver door already opened, select the Settings menu, then
Vehicle, then Seating Position, and then
Seat Exit Memory. Select On or Off. See
“Seat Exit Memory”
later in this section.
.SeeVehicle Personalization 0114 for
additional setting information.
Identifying Driver Number
To identify the driver number: 1. Move your RKE transmitter away from the vehicle.
2. Start the vehicle with another key or RKE transmitter. The DIC should display the
driver number for the other RKE
transmitter. Turn the vehicle off and
remove the key or RKE transmitter from
the vehicle.
3. Start the vehicle with the initial key or RKE transmitter. The DIC should display
the driver number of your RKE
transmitter.
Saving Memory Positions
Read these instructions completely before
saving memory positions.
To save preferred driving positions 1 and 2: 1. Turn the vehicle on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Seats and Restraints 39
A DIC welcome message may indicate
driver number 1 or 2.
2. Adjust all available memory features to the desired driving position.
3. Press and release SET; a beep will sound.
4. Immediately press and hold the 1 or 2 memory button matching the above
DIC welcome message until two beeps
sound.
If too much time passes between
releasing SET and pressing 1, the
memory position will not be saved and
two beeps will not sound. Repeat
Steps 3 and 4.
1 or 2 corresponds to the driver number.
See “Identifying Driver Number”
previously in this section.
5. Repeat Steps 1–4 for a second driver using 1 or 2. RKE transmitters 3–8 will
not save memory positions.
To save the position for
Band Seat Exit
Memory features, repeat Steps 1–4 using
B. This saves the position for getting out
of the vehicle.
Save preferred memory feature positions to
both 1 and 2 if you are the only driver. Manually Recalling Memory Positions
Press and hold 1, 2, or
Bto recall the
previously saved memory positions if you
are driver 1 or 2 identified in the DIC
welcome message.
To stop Manual Memory recall movement,
release 1, 2, or
Bor press any of the
following controls:
.Power seat
.Memory SET
.Power mirror, with the driver or
passenger side mirror selected
Manual Memory recall movement for 1, 2,
or
Bbuttons may be initiated and may
complete to the saved memory position if
the vehicle is in or out of P (Park).
Seat Entry Memory
The vehicle identifies the number of the
current driver’s RKE transmitter (1–8). See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07. If the RKE transmitter is 1 or
2, and Seat Entry Memory is enabled in
vehicle personalization, the positions saved
to the same memory button number 1 or 2
are automatically recalled when the vehicle is turned on, or turned from off to ACC/
ACCESSORY. RKE transmitters 3–8 will not
provide automatic memory recalls.
To turn Seat Entry Memory on or off, see
“Vehicle Personalization Settings”
previously
in this section and Vehicle Personalization
0 114.
The shift lever must be in P (Park) to start
Seat Entry Memory. Seat Entry Memory
recall will complete if the vehicle is shifted
out of P (Park) prior to reaching the saved
memory position.
To stop Seat Entry Memory recall
movement, turn the vehicle off or press any
of the following controls:.Power seat
.Memory SET, 1, 2, orB
.Power mirror, with the driver or
passenger side mirror selected
If the saved memory seat position does not
automatically recall or recalls to the wrong
positions, the driver’s RKE transmitter
number (1 or 2) may not match the memory
button number that positions were saved to.
Try storing the position to the other
memory button or try the other RKE
transmitter.