ECU BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 Owner's Guide

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
80 Storage
The vehicle may be equipped with four
cargo tie-downs in the rear compartment.
Cargo Management System
Lift the load floor to access the cargo
management system.
After storing items, make sure to properly
secure the load floor.
The cargo management system has a height
adjustment. Place the load floor on the
holders.
To access the spare tire, lift the load floor
and place it into the load floor holding slots.
SeeTire Changing 0304.
Convenience Net
This vehicle may have a convenience net in
the rear of the vehicle. Attach it to the
cargo tie-downs for storing small loads.
Do not use the net to store heavy loads.
Roof Rack System
{
Warning
If something is carried on top of the
vehicle that is longer or wider than the
roof rack—like paneling, plywood, or a
mattress —the wind can catch it while
the vehicle is being driven. The item (Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Storage 81
Warning (Continued)
being carried could be violently torn off,
and this could cause a collision and
damage the vehicle. Never carry
something longer or wider than the roof
rack on top of the vehicle unless using a
GM certified accessory carrier.
If equipped, the roof rack can be used to
load items. For roof racks that do not have
crossrails included, GM certified crossrails
can be purchased as an accessory. See your
dealer.
Caution
Loading cargo on the roof rack that
weighs more than 75 kg (165 lb) or hangs
over the rear or sides of the vehicle may
damage the vehicle. Do not load cargo
exceeding 75 kg (165 lbs) and always load
cargo so that it rests evenly between the
crossrails and does not block the vehicle
lamps or windows. Fasten the cargo
securely.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo when
driving, check to make sure crossrails and
cargo are securely fastened. Loading cargo
on the roof rack will make the vehicle’s
center of gravity higher. Avoid high speeds,
sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking,
or abrupt maneuvers; otherwise it may
result in loss of control. If driving for a long
distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds,
occasionally stop the vehicle to make sure
the cargo remains in its place. Do not
exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading the vehicle. For more information on
vehicle capacity and loading, see Vehicle
Load Limits 0193.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
82 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 94
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 96
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 99
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . 100
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Universal Remote System
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 120

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
102 Instruments and Controls
the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 294.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Oil pressure can vary with engine speed,
outside temperature, and oil viscosity.
On some models, the oil pump will vary
engine oil pressure according to engine
needs. Oil pressure may change quickly as
the engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning light or
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
indicates oil pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's oil as
soon as possible.
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does
not start, there could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. See Immobilizer
Operation 025.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
104 Instruments and Controls
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or
not securely latched. Before driving, check
that all doors are properly closed.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level)
The DIC displays information about your
vehicle. It also displays warning messages if
a system problem is detected. SeeVehicle
Messages 0113. All messages appear in the
DIC display in the center of the instrument
cluster.
DIC Operation and Displays
.TRIP
.VEHICLE
.ECO
Some of the displayed functions differ
between vehicle driving and standstill and
some functions are only active when the
vehicle is driving. See Vehicle Personalization
0 114.
Type 1
The DIC has different displays which can be
accessed by using the DIC buttons on the
turn signal lever.
DIC Buttons
1.
l: Press to set, or press and hold to
clear, the menu item displayed.
2.
m: Use the band to scroll through the
items in each menu.
3. SELECT : Press to access the cluster
applications. This button is also used to
return to or exit the last screen displayed on
the DIC.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Instruments and Controls 113
English
Performance View : This displays digital
speed, indicators from speed view along
with rpm reading, transmission positions,
and gear shift indicator (if equipped).
Care of the HUD
Clean the screen with a soft cloth sprayed
with glass cleaner. Wipe the lens gently,
then dry it.
HUD Troubleshooting
If you cannot see the HUD image when the
ignition is on, check that:
.Nothing is covering the HUD cover.
.The HUD brightness setting is not too
dim or too bright.
.The HUD is adjusted to the proper height.
.Polarized sunglasses are not worn.
.The screen is clean. If the HUD image is not correct, contact
your dealer.
Reflected LED Alert Display (RLAD)
When the screen is closed, the HUD with
the integrated RLAD can display red spots
reflected in the windshield for the Forward
Collision Alert and Front Pedestrian Alert.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another. The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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118 Instruments and Controls
3. Re-enter the four-digit code.
Touch Lock or Unlock to lock or unlock the
system. Touch Back to go back to the
previous menu.
Universal Remote System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0347.
Universal Remote System
Programming
If equipped, these buttons are in the
overhead console.
This system can replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate devices
such as garage door openers, security systems, and home automation devices.
These instructions refer to a garage door
opener, but can be used for other devices.
Do not use the Universal Remote system
with any garage door opener that does not
have the stop and reverse feature. This
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.
Read these instructions completely before
programming the Universal Remote system.
It may help to have another person assist
with the programming process.
Keep the original hand-held transmitter for
use in other vehicles as well as for future
programming. Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated. See
“Erasing Universal Remote System Buttons”
later in this section.
To program a garage door opener, park
outside directly in line with and facing the
garage door opener receiver. Clear all people
and objects near the garage door.
Make sure the hand-held transmitter has a
new battery for quick and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
Programming the Universal Remote
System
For questions or programming help, see
www.homelink.com/gm or call
1-800-355-3515.
Programming involves time-sensitive actions,
and may time out causing the procedure to
be repeated.
To program up to three devices:
1. Hold the end of the hand-held transmitter about 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3 in)
away from the Universal Remote system
buttons with the indicator light in view.
The hand-held transmitter was supplied
by the manufacturer of the garage door
opener receiver.
2. Press and release one of the three Universal Remote system buttons to be
programmed. Press and hold the
hand-held transmitter button. Do not
release the hand-held transmitter button
until the indicator light changes from a
slow to a rapid flash or continuous light.
Then release the hand-held transmitter
button.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Infotainment System 167
To move, touch and hold on the favorite,
and then drag up or down to rearrange
the position.
.Set Number of Audio Favorites: Touch to
select how many favorites pages can be
viewed from the audio application. The
Auto setting will automatically adjust this
number based on the number of favorites
you have saved. Touch Auto, 5, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30, 35, or 40.
Updates
If equipped, the infotainment system can
download and install select software updates
over a wireless connection. The system will
prompt for certain updates to be
downloaded and installed. There is also an
option to check for updates manually.
To manually check for updates, touch
Settings on the Home Page, followed by
Software Information, and then System
Update. Follow the on-screen prompts. The
steps to check for, download and install
updates may vary by vehicle.
Downloading Over-the-Air vehicle software
updates requires internet connectivity, which
can be accessed through the vehicle’s
built-in 4G LTE connection, if equipped and
active. If required, data plans are provided by a third party. Optionally, a secure Wi-Fi
hotspot such as a compatible mobile device
hotspot, home hotspot or public hotspot can
be used. Applicable data rates may apply.
To connect the infotainment system to a
secured mobile device hotspot, home
hotspot, or a public hotspot, touch Settings
on the Home Page, select the System tab,
followed by Wi-Fi Networks. Select the
appropriate Wi-Fi network, and follow the
on-screen prompts.
Download speeds may vary. On most
compatible mobile devices, activation of the
Wi-Fi hotspot is in the Settings menu under
Mobile Network Sharing, Personal Hotspot,
Mobile Hotspot or similar. Availability of
Over-the-Air software updates varies by
vehicle and country. For more information
on this feature, see my.buick.com/learn.
Preferences
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable the download of
new updates in the background.
About
Touch to view the infotainment system
software information.
Running Applications
If equipped, touch to see a complete list of
applications that are currently running on
the infotainment system.
Return to Factory Settings
Touch and the following may display:
.Reset Vehicle Settings: Resets all vehicle
settings for the current user.
Touch Reset or Cancel.
.Erase Settings and Personal Data: Erases
app data settings, user profiles, and
personal data including mobile
device data.
Touch Erase or Cancel.
.Clear Default Applications: Resets
preferred applications that have been set
to open when selecting a function. No
application data will be lost.
Touch Clear or Cancel.
Apps
The menu may contain the following:
Android Auto
This feature allows you to interact directly
with your mobile device on the infotainment
display. See
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
0 163.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Infotainment System 171
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:
.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 passenger sensing
system to falsely sense an unbuckled
front passenger and mute the radio.
If this happens, remove the object from
the seat. SeePassenger Sensing System
0 55.
.Some safety systems, such as Lane
Departure Warning, if equipped, cannot
be turned off. They may include: Park
Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change
Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward
Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency
Braking, Pedestrian Braking, Lane
Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Light
Control, Traction Control, Stability Control,
and Antilock Brakes.
.The gap setting for the Forward Collision
Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control,
if equipped, cannot be changed.
.When trying to change a safety feature
that is not configurable in Teen Driver,
the DIC displays a message indicating
that Teen Driver is active and the action
is not available.
.Super Cruise, if equipped, is not available.
.Enhanced Low Fuel Warning (if equipped)
–
When the vehicle is low on fuel, the
low fuel light on the instrument cluster
flashes and the DIC low fuel warning
cannot be dismissed.
.Do not tow a trailer.
Report Card
The vehicle owner must secure the driver’s
consent to record certain vehicle data when
the vehicle is driven with a registered Teen
Driver key. There is one Report Card per
vehicle. Data is only recorded when a
registered Teen Driver key is used to
operate the vehicle. The Report Card data is collected from the
time Teen Driver is activated or the last
time the Report Card was reset. The
following items may be recorded:
.Distance Driven
–the total distance
driven.
.Maximum Speed –the maximum vehicle
speed detected.
.Overspeed Warnings –the number of
times the speed warning setting was
exceeded.
.Wide Open Throttle –the number of
times the accelerator pedal was pressed
nearly all the way down.
.Forward Collision Alerts –the number of
times the driver was notified when
approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly
and at potential risk for a crash.
.Forward Automatic Braking, also called
Automatic Emergency Braking (if
equipped) –the number of times the
vehicle detected that a forward collision
was imminent and applied the brakes.
.Reverse Automatic Braking (if equipped) –
the number of times the vehicle detected
that a rearward collision was imminent
and applied the brakes.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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196 Driving and Operating
front and rear axles, weigh the vehicle at a
weigh station. Your dealer can help with
this. Be sure to spread the load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
{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.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.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 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.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
must be in the vehicle for the system to
operate. If the pushbutton start is not
working, the vehicle may be near a strong
radio antenna signal causing interference to
the Keyless Access system. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
Stopping the Engine/Off (No Indicator
Lights)
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP once to turn the engine off.