Oil filter BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
106 Instruments and Controls
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. It will not reset itself. Do not
reset the Oil Life display at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, seeEngine Oil Life
System 0260.
Air Filter Life : Shows an estimate of the
engine air filter’s remaining useful life and
the state of the system. Engine Air Filter Life
95% means 95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of the
system. When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time of the
next oil change. When the REPLACE SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience.
The Air Filter Life display must be reset after
the engine air filter replacement. To reset,
see Engine Air Filter Life System 0260.
Tire Pressure : Shows the approximate
pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is shown in amber. See
Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 293 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0294.
Following Distance : When Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) is not engaged, the current
follow time to the vehicle ahead is displayed
as a time value on this page. If equipped
and when ACC has been engaged, the
display switches to the gap setting page.
This page shows the current gap setting
along with the vehicle ahead indicator.
Brake Pad Life : This displays an estimate of
the remaining life of the front and rear
brake pads. Messages will display based on
brake pad wear and the state of the system.
Reset the Brake Pad Life display after
replacing the brake pads. See Brake Pad Life
System 0268
Units : Press
lor thumbwheel on the turn
signal lever while units is displayed. Select
imperial or metric units by turning adjuster
wheel. Confirm by pressing
lor
thumbwheel.
ECO Drive Assist Menu (ECO) Items
This menu is only available on some
vehicles. Press MENU on the turn signal
lever until the ECO menu is displayed. Use
mor thumbwheel up/down to scroll
through the menu items. Not all items are
available on every vehicle. The following is a
list of all possible menu items:
Fuel Economy : The center displays the
approximate instantaneous fuel economy as
a number and bar graph. Displayed above
the bar graph is a running average of fuel
economy for the most recently traveled
selected distance. Displayed below the bar
graph is the best average fuel economy that
has been achieved for the selected distance.
The selected distance is displayed at the top
of the page as “last xxx mi/km.”
Top Consumers : List of top comfort
consumers currently switched on is
displayed in descending order. Fuel saving
potential is indicated.
During sporadic driving conditions, the
engine will activate the heated rear window
automatically. In this event, the heated rear
window is indicated as one of the top
consumers, without activation by the driver.
Economy Trend : Shows history of the
Average Fuel Economy from the last 50 km
(30 mi). Each bar represents about 5 km
(3 mi) of driving. During driving the bars will

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 109
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. It will not reset itself. Do not
reset the Oil Life display at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, seeEngine Oil Life
System 0260.
Tire Pressure : Shows the approximate
pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is shown in
amber. See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 293 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0294.
Air Filter Life : Shows an estimate of the
engine air filter’s remaining useful life and
the state of the system. Engine Air Filter Life
95% means 95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of the
system. When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time of the
next oil change. When the REPLACE SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. The Air Filter Life display must be reset after
the engine air filter replacement. To reset,
see
Engine Air Filter Life System 0260.
Brake Pad Life : This displays an estimate of
the remaining life of the front and rear
brake pads. Messages will display based on
brake pad wear and the state of the system.
Reset the Brake Pad Life display after
replacing the brake pads. See Brake Pad Life
System 0268.
Fuel Economy : Displays average fuel
economy, the best fuel economy over the
selected distance, and a bar graph showing
instantaneous fuel economy.
Follow Distance : When Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) is not engaged, the current
follow time to the vehicle ahead is displayed
as a time value on this page.
If equipped and when ACC has been
engaged, the display switches to the gap
setting page.
This page shows the current gap setting
along with the vehicle ahead indicator.
Top Consumers : List of top comfort
consumers currently switched on is
displayed in descending order. Fuel saving
potential is indicated. During sporadic driving conditions, the
engine will activate the heated rear window
automatically. In this event, the heated rear
window is indicated as one of the top
consumers, without activation by the driver.
Economy Trend :
Shows history of the
Average Fuel Economy from the last 50 km
(30 mi). Each bar represents about 5 km
(3 mi) of driving. During driving the bars will
shift to always reflect the most recent
distance on the right side. Press and hold
the center toggle switch to clear the graph
or press
pto reset through the menu.
ECO Index : Provides feedback on the
efficiency of current driving behavior. The
bar graph shows a value that is based on
current fuel consumption compared to what
is expected from the vehicle with good and
bad driving habits.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{Warning
If the HUD image is too bright or too
high in your field of view, it may take
you more time to see things you need to
(Continued)

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Vehicle Care 251
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 252
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 252
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 253
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . 275
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 276
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 281
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 284
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 285
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . 290
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 294
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 298
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 300
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 300
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 302
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 308
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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256 Vehicle Care
1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid 0267.
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0262.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0258.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0262.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0258.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0261.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0268.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump
Starting - North America 0308.
9. Battery - North America 0270.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0281.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America 0308

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Vehicle Care 257
1.3L L3 Engine (L3T)
1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0267.
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0262. 3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil0258.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0258.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0262. 6.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0261.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0268.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump
Starting - North America 0308.

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Vehicle Care 259
Caution (Continued)
engine has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the MAX mark, the engine
could be damaged. You should drain out
the excess oil or limit driving of the
vehicle and seek a service professional to
remove the excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0255 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range between the
MIN and MAX marks. Push the dipstick all
the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0331.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the
dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been approved by GM
as meeting the dexos1 specification are
marked with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil for
1.3L L3 engine.
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil for
1.2L L3 engine. Cold Temperature Operation:
In an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below −29 °C (−20 °F), an
SAE 0W-30 oil may be used for the 1.2L L3
engine. An oil of this viscosity grade will
provide easier cold starting for the engine at
extremely low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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260 Vehicle Care
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is not
necessary for up to a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a
year and, at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service people
who will perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper level.If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Display the REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0104 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107. This display shows an estimate of
the oil’s remaining useful life. If 99% is
displayed, that means that 99% of the
current oil life remains.
2. Press and hold
lor the thumbwheel
while the Oil Life display is active. The
oil life will change to 100%.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not been
reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should have this
done at your dealer.
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule 0323, and be sure to
use the fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0331.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.

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Vehicle Care 261
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Select Engine Air Filter Life on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0104 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107.
3. Press
lor the thumbwheel to move to
the Reset/Disable display area. Select
Reset then press
lor press the
thumbwheel. Then press Yes to confirm
the reset. 4. 100% AIR FILTER LIFE will be displayed
when the Engine Air Filter Life System is
successfully reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 255.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system, see
Maintenance Schedule 0323 for intervals on
inspecting and replacing the engine air
cleaner/filter.
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Do
not clean the engine air cleaner/filter with
water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter:
1. Remove the two push pins.
2. Press a hook both sides and disassemble two hooks.

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Service and Maintenance 323
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0193.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0239.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0253.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 258.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0292.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0297.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0267.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0260.
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.

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324 Service and Maintenance
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
SeeEngine Air Filter Life System 0260.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
See Tire Rotation 0297.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0258 and
Engine Oil Life System 0260.
.Check the air filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine air filter
and reset the engine air filter life system.
See Engine Air Filter Life System.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0262.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0267.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0292.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 297.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 314.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0314.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and driveshafts
for excessive wear, lubricant leaks, and/or
damage including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center bearing
excessive looseness, loose or missing
fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 049.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0314.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0272.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 272.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0274.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof031.