Ignition BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 Workshop Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
272 Vehicle Care
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions, transfer
case fluid does not require maintenance
unless there is a fluid leak or unusual noise.
If required, have the transfer case serviced
by your dealer.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of P (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of P (Park), contact your dealer for
service.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's holding
ability: With the engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be replaced
periodically. See Maintenance Schedule
0 323.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0332.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the front wiper blades:
1. Lift the wiper arm from the windshield until no further movement is possible.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
294 Vehicle Care
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0294.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0347.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 193.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire may display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message, if equipped, come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to
the correct inflation pressure. Using the DIC,
it may be possible to view the tire pressure
levels. For additional information and details about the DIC operation and displays, see
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0
104 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107.
The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 193, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0292.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 297, Tire Rotation 0297, and Tires0286.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 295
Caution (Continued)
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire pressure warning
light, defined above, flashes for about
one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC
warning message may also display. The
malfunction light and DIC warning message,
if equipped, come on at each ignition cycle
until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause these to come
on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced
with the spare tire. The spare tire does
not have a TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after the road tire is
replaced and the sensor matching processis performed successfully. See "TPMS
Sensor Matching Process" later in this
section.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was
not done or not completed successfully
after rotating the tires. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after successfully
completing the sensor matching process.
See "TPMS Sensor Matching Process" later
in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The malfunction light and the
DIC message, if equipped, should go off
when the TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match
the original equipment tires or wheels.
Tires and wheels other than those
recommended could prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. See
Buying
New Tires 0299.
.Operating electronic devices or being near
facilities using radio wave frequencies
similar to the TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction. If the TPMS is not functioning properly, it
cannot detect or signal a low tire pressure
condition. See your dealer for service if the
TPMS malfunction light and DIC message,
if equipped, come on and stay on.
Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and audible
alerts outside the vehicle to help when
inflating an underinflated tire to the
recommended cold tire pressure.
When the low tire pressure warning light
comes on:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe, level place.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
4. Add air to the tire that is underinflated. The turn signal lamp will flash. When
the recommended pressure is reached,
the horn sounds once and the turn signal
lamp will stop flashing and briefly turn
solid.
Repeat these steps for all underinflated tires
that have illuminated the low tire pressure
warning light.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
296 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Do not exceed the maximum
pressure listed on the tire sidewall.
SeeTire Sidewall Labeling 0288 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0193.
If the tire is overinflated by more than
35 kPa (5 psi), the horn will sound multiple
times and the turn signal lamp will continue
to flash for several seconds after filling
stops.
To release and correct the pressure, while
the turn signal lamp is still flashing, briefly
press the center of the valve stem. When
the recommended pressure is reached, the
horn sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash within
15 seconds after starting to inflate the tire,
the tire fill alert has not been activated or is
not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are on, the
tire fill alert visual feedback will not work
properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill alert
properly under the following conditions:
.There is interference from an external
device or transmitter.
.The air pressure from the inflation device
is not sufficient to inflate the tire.
.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
.There is a malfunction in the horn or turn
signal lamps.
.The identification code of the TPMS
sensor is not registered to the system.
.The battery of the TPMS sensor is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate due to
TPMS interference, move the vehicle about
1 m (3 ft) back or forward and try again.
If the tire fill alert feature is not working,
use a tire pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification code
needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel
position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors.
Also, the TPMS sensor matching process
should be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message, if equipped, should go off at the
next ignition cycle. The sensors are matched
to the tire/wheel positions, using a TPMS relearn tool, in the following order: driver
side front tire, passenger side front tire,
passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear.
See your dealer for service or to purchase a
relearn tool. A TPMS relearn tool can also be
purchased. See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or call
1-800-GM TOOLS (1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the first
tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall
to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition on without starting the vehicle or place the vehicle in Service
Mode. See Ignition Positions 0196.
3. Use SELECTor
o/pto select the
Vehicle in the Base Level Driver
Information Center (DIC). Or Use SELECT
or
o/pto select the Info page in the
Uplevel Driver Information Center (DIC).
4. Use the thumbwheel to scroll to the Tire Pressure Learn Menu Item (Base DIC) or
the Tire Pressure Menu Item screen
(Uplevel DIC).

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
310 Vehicle Care
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except
the hazard warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
terminal of the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
grounding point for the discharged
battery. 9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the
good battery and run the engine at idle
speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical
shorting may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables
do not touch each other or other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 313
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Make sure that the ignition is off.
4. Remove any tape, glue, or excessmaterial from the negative battery post.
5. Connect the battery. See “Negative
Battery Cable Reconnection” under
Battery - North America 0270.
6. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not be towed
with two wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles Only)
To tow a front-wheel-drive vehicle from the
front with two wheels on the ground: 1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping
device designed for towing.
5. Turn the vehicle off.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake. 8. Disconnect the negative battery cable at
the battery. See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” Battery - North America
0 270.
9. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
OnStar 351
.Receive a Diagnostic check of the vehicle's
key operating systems.
.Receive Roadside Assistance.
.Manage Wi-Fi Settings, if equipped.
Press
>to get a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor available 24/7 to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan or respond to an
AMBER Alert.
.Get assistance in severe weather or other
crisis situations and find evacuation
routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require an active safety
and security plan. With Automatic Crash
Response, built-in sensors can automatically
alert a specially trained OnStar Advisor who
is immediately connected in to the vehicle
to help.
Press
>for a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor who can contact emergency
service providers, direct them to your exact
location, and relay important information. With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially trained
Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, to provide a central point of
contact, assistance, and information during a
crisis.
With Roadside Assistance, Advisors can
locate a nearby service provider to help with
a flat tire, a battery jump, or an empty
gas tank.
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance, OnStar
Advisors can use GPS to pinpoint the
vehicle and help authorities quickly
recover it.
.With Remote Ignition Block, if equipped,
OnStar can block the engine from being
restarted.
.With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work with law
enforcement to gradually slow the
vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked and the
vehicle alarm sounds, a notification by text,
e-mail, or phone call will be sent. If the
vehicle is stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the vehicle.
OnStar Additional
Information
In-Vehicle Audio Messages
Audio messages may play important
information at the following times:
.Prior to vehicle purchase. PressQto set
up an account.
.After change in ownership and at
90 days.
Transferring Service
PressQto request account transfer
eligibility information. The Advisor can
cancel or change account information.
Selling/Transferring the Vehicle
Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827)
immediately to terminate your OnStar or
connected services if the vehicle is disposed
of, sold, transferred, or if the lease ends.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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OnStar 353
Languages
The vehicle can be programmed to respond
in multiple languages. Press
Qand ask for
an Advisor. Advisors are available in English,
Spanish, and French. Available languages
may vary by country.
Potential Issues
OnStar cannot perform Remote Door Unlock
or Stolen Vehicle Assistance after the vehicle
has been off continuously for 10 days
without an ignition cycle. If the vehicle has
not been started for 10 days, OnStar can
contact Roadside Assistance or a locksmith
to help gain access to the vehicle.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
.Obstruction of the GPS can occur in a
large city with tall buildings; in parking
garages; around airports; in tunnels and
underpasses; or in an area with very
dense trees. If GPS signals are not
available, the OnStar system should still
operate to call OnStar. However, OnStar
could have difficulty identifying the exact
location.
.In emergency situations, OnStar can use
the last stored GPS location to send to
emergency responders. A temporary loss of GPS can cause loss of
the ability to send a Turn-by-Turn
Navigation route. The Advisor may give a
verbal route or may ask for a call back after
the vehicle is driven into an open area.
Cellular and GPS Antennas
Cellular reception is required for OnStar to
send remote signals to the vehicle. Do not
place items over or near the antenna to
prevent blocking cellular and GPS signal
reception.
Unable to Connect to OnStar Message
If there is limited cellular coverage or the
cellular network has reached maximum
capacity, this message may come on. Press
Qto try the call again or try again after
driving a few miles into another
cellular area.
Vehicle and Power Issues
OnStar services require a vehicle electrical
system, wireless service, and GPS satellite
technologies to be available and operating
for features to function properly. These
systems may not operate if the battery is
discharged or disconnected.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
The OnStar system is integrated into the
electrical architecture of the vehicle. Do not
add any electrical equipment. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0249. Added electrical
equipment may interfere with the operation
of the OnStar system and cause it to not
operate.
Vehicle Software Updates
OnStar or GM may remotely deliver
software updates or changes to the vehicle
without further notice or consent. These
updates or changes may enhance or
maintain safety, security, or the operation
of the vehicle or the vehicle systems.
Software updates or changes may affect or
erase data or settings that are stored in the
vehicle, such as saved navigation
destinations or pre-set radio stations.
Neither OnStar nor GM is responsible for
any affected or erased data or settings.
These updates or changes may also collect
personal information. Such collection is
described in the OnStar privacy statement or
separately disclosed at the time of
installation. These updates or changes may
also cause a system to automatically
communicate with GM servers to collect
information about vehicle system status,

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
362 Index
FuelAdditives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 241
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 281
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 285
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Gauges (cont'd)
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 90
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . . 152
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Guidance Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Head-up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 123
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 276
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Headlamps (cont'd)
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180, 182
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . 44
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180, 182
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Indicator Pedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 62
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349