automatic transmission BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0184.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0124.
IntelliBeam System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0121.
3. Instrument Cluster 090.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0104 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 083.
5. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0123.
Anti-Theft Alarm System. See Vehicle
Alarm System 024.
6. Hazard Warning Flashers 0124.
7. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 129.
8. Climate Control Systems 0180.
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 182.
Heated Front Seats 040. (If Equipped).
9. Power Outlets 086.
10. Wireless Charging 087 (If Equipped). 11. Auto Stop Disable Switch. See
Stop/Start
System 0198.
All-Wheel Drive Button (If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0237 (If
Equipped).
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0210.
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0 224 (If Equipped).
12. Electric Parking Brake 0209.
13. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 205.
14. USB Port 0137.
Auxiliary Jack 0139.
15. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0196.
16. Steering Wheel Controls 083.
17. Horn 083.
18. Steering Wheel Adjustment 083 (Out
of View).
19. Cruise Control 0212.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0214
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 083 (If
Equipped). Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0
229 (If Equipped).
20. Head-Up Display Controls (HUD) (If Equipped). See Head-Up Display (HUD)
0 109.
21. Hood Release. See Hood0253.
22. Exterior Lamp Controls 0121.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Instruments and Controls 85
.Move the windshield wiper lever out of
the AUTO position to deactivate
Rainsense.
To enable or disable this feature, see “Rain
Sense Wipers” underVehicle Personalization
0 114.
Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
When using an automatic car wash, move
the windshield wiper lever to OFF. This
disables the automatic Rainsense windshield
wipers and/or manual windshield wipers.
With Rainsense, if the transmission is in
N (Neutral) and the vehicle speed is very
slow, the wipers will automatically stop at
the base of the windshield.
The wiper operations return to normal when
the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral)
or the vehicle speed has increased.
Windshield Washer
e: Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to spray windshield washer fluid
and activate the windshield wipers. The
wipers will continue until the lever is
released or the maximum wash time is
reached. When the windshield wiper lever is
released, additional wipes may occur
depending on how long the windshield washer had been activated. See
Washer
Fluid 0267 for information on filling the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The ignition must be on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY to operate the rear window
wiper/washer.
Rear Wiper with Rainsense Shown, without
Rainsense Similar
Turn the end of the windshield wiper lever
to operate the rear window wiper/washer.
OFF : Turns the wiper off.
INT : Intermittent wipes.
ON : Slow wipes.
f:Push the windshield wiper lever
forward to spray washer fluid on the rear
window and the Rear Mirror Camera Lens.
If equipped, See Rear Camera Mirror 027.
The wipers will clear the rear window and
either stop or return to your preset speed.
For more washer cycles, press and hold the
lever.
The rear window wiper/washer will not
operate if the liftgate is open or ajar. If the
liftgate is opened while the rear wiper is on,
the wiper returns to the parked position and
stops.
Rear Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
When using an automatic car wash, move
the rear wiper control to OFF to disable the
rear wiper. In some vehicles, if the
transmission is in N (Neutral) and the
vehicle speed is very slow, the rear wiper
will automatically park.
The wiper operations return to normal when
the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral)
or the vehicle speed has increased.
Reverse Gear Wipes
If the rear wiper control is off, the rear
wiper will automatically operate
continuously when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse) and the front windshield wiper is

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Instruments and Controls 111
.Adaptive Cruise Control and set speed
.Lane Departure Warning/Lane Keep Assist
.Oil Pressure Low
.Engine Overheated
.Transmission Hot
.Engine Oil Hot
.Press Brake
.Vehicle Ahead
.Auto Stop
.Pedestrian Advisory
.Pedestrian Alert
Some vehicle messages or alerts displayed in
the HUD may be cleared by using the
steering wheel controls. See Vehicle
Messages 0113.
The HUD control is to the left of the
steering wheel.
To adjust the HUD image:
1. Adjust the driver seat.
2. Start the engine.
3. Use the following settings to adjust the HUD.
$:Press or lift to center the HUD image.
The HUD image can only be adjusted up and
down, not side to side.
O: Press up to open/close the screen.
!: Press down to select the display
view. Each press will change the
display view.
Press and hold at least four seconds to view
Open Source Software. And view of Open
Source Software will remain until
!is
pressed and held again at least
four seconds.
D: Lift and hold to brighten the display.
Press and hold to dim the display. Continue
to hold to turn the display off. The HUD image will automatically dim and
brighten to compensate for outside lighting.
The HUD brightness control can also be
adjusted as needed.
The HUD image can temporarily light up
depending on the angle and position of
sunlight on the HUD display. This is normal.
Polarized sunglasses could make the HUD
image harder to see.
HUD Views
There are four views in the HUD. Some
vehicle information and vehicle messages or
alerts may be displayed in any view.
Metric

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
114 Instruments and Controls
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
The following are all possible vehicle
personalization features. Depending on the
vehicle, some may not be available.
For System and Apps features and functions,
see Settings in infotainment system.
To access the vehicle personalization menu:1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home Page on the infotainment display.
2. Touch the desired category to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Touch
9or l to turn off or on a
feature. 5. Touch X to go to the top level of the
Settings menu.
The menu may contain the following:
Rear Seat Reminder
This feature allows for a chime and a
message when the rear door has been
opened before or during operation of the
vehicle.
Touch Off or On.
Climate and Air Quality
Touch and the following may display:
.Auto Fan Speed
.Auto Defog
.Auto Rear Defog
.Ionizer
Auto Fan Speed
This feature will set the auto fan speed.
Touch Low, Medium, or High.
Auto Defog
When set to On, the front defog will
automatically react to temperature and
humidity conditions that may cause fogging.
Touch Off or On.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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170 Infotainment System
2. For automatic transmissions, the vehiclemust be in P (Park). For manual
transmissions, the vehicle must be
stopped with the parking brake set.
3. From the Settings menu, touch Vehicle and then Teen Driver.
4. Enter the PIN.
5. Place the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter key you wish to register in
the transmitter pocket. The key does not
need to be the one that started the
vehicle. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07for transmitter
pocket location.
6. From the Teen Driver menu, touch Setup Keys.
.If the transmitter key has not
previously been registered, the option
to add the key displays. Touch Setup
and a confirmation message displays.
Teen Driver restrictions will be
applied whenever this key is used to
operate the vehicle.
.If the transmitter key has already
been registered, the option to
remove the key displays. If Remove is
touched, the transmitter key is no
longer registered. A confirmation
message displays, and Teen Driver restrictions will not be applied if this
transmitter key is used to operate
the vehicle.
In vehicles with a pushbutton start system,
if a Teen Driver and a non-Teen Driver key
are both present at start up, the vehicle will
recognize the non-Teen Driver key to start
the vehicle. The Teen Driver settings will not
be active.
For a keyed ignition system: 1. Start the engine.
2. For automatic transmissions, the vehicle must be in P (Park). For manual
transmissions, the vehicle must be
stopped with the parking brake set.
3. From the Settings menu, touch Vehicle and then Teen Driver.
4. Enter the PIN.
5. Touch Setup Keys. The system displays instructions for registering or
unregistering a key. A confirmation
message displays.
Manage Settings
Audio Volume Limit : Allows the audio
volume limit to be turned on or off. Touch
Set Audio Volume Limit to choose the
maximum allowable audio volume level. Set Audio Volume Limit :
Allows a
maximum radio volume to be set. Use the
arrows to choose the maximum allowable
level for the audio volume.
Teen Driver Speed Limiter : Limits the
maximum speed of the vehicle. When the
speed limiter is turned on and the vehicle is
started with a Teen Driver key, the DIC
displays a message that the top speed is
limited.
On certain vehicles, when the Speed Limiter
is turned ON, the vehicle’s maximum
acceleration will be limited. The DIC will
display a message that the acceleration is
limited.
Teen Driver Speed Warning : Allows the
speed warning to be turned on or off. Touch
Set Teen Driver Speed Warning to set the
warning speed.
Set Teen Driver Speed Warning : Displays a
warning in the DIC when exceeding a
selectable speed. Choose the desired speed
warning level. The speed warning does not
limit the speed of the vehicle.
SiriusXM Explicit Content Filter (if
equipped) : Allows the SiriusXM Explicit
Content Filter to be turned ON or OFF.
When ON, the teen driver will not be able

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
186 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 187
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 203
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 204
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 205
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 208
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) . . . . . . 214
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Assistance Systems for Parking or
Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 229
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . 232
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 241
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 249

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 199
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. SeeTachometer093. When the
brake pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will restart.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or auto
restarts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery charge is low.
.The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop.
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
.The vehicle transmission is shifted out of
D (Drive) to any gear other than P (Park).
.Tow/Haul Mode or other driver modes
have been selected.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
.The driver door has been opened or driver
seat belt has been unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the maximum
allowed time.
Auto Stop Disable Switch
The automatic engine stop/start feature can
be disabled and enabled by pressing the
switch with the
hsymbol. Auto Stop is
enabled each time you start the vehicle.
When the indicator above
his illuminated,
the system is disabled.
Winter Cover
If equipped, the winter cover can be used to
enhance heater performance in extremely
cold conditions below −0 °C (32 °F). The
winter cover installs over the grille and
restricts airflow to the engine compartment.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 205
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park
0 203 and
Engine Exhaust 0204.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 241.
Automatic Transmission
P : This position locks the front wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the transmission is not in P (Park) with
the parking brake set. The vehicle
can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If the engine has been left
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and place the
transmission into P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0203 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 241.
The vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You must fully
apply the regular brake first and then press
the shift lever button before shifting from
P (Park) when the ignition is on. If you
cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure
on the shift lever, then push the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into
another gear. See Shifting out of Park 0204
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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206 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 193
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral)
with the engine running at high speed
may damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting
the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is
too hot.
Driving under this condition can damage
the vehicle. Stop and idle the engine to
cool the automatic transmission fluid.
This message clears when the
transmission fluid has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission.
The repair will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If the vehicle is stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle
in place.
L : Allows the driver to select the range of
gear positions. See Manual Mode0207.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a lower
gear than normal to improve vehicle
performance. The engine speed may be
higher and there may be an increase in
noise during the following conditions:
.When climbing a grade.
.When driving downhill.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 207
.When driving in hot temperatures or at
high altitude.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the selection
of the range of gear positions. Use this
mode when driving downhill or towing a
trailer to limit the top gear and vehicle
speed. The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a
number next to the L indicating the highest
available gear under manual mode and the
driving conditions when manual mode was
selected.
To use this feature:1. Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button on the shift lever, to increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When shifting to L (Manual Mode), the
transmission will shift to a preset lower gear
range. For this preset range, the highest
gear available is displayed next to the L in
the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0104 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 107 for more information. All gears below
that number are available to use. For
example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to
the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are
shifted automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth)
gear, press the + (Plus) button or shift into
D (Drive). L (Manual Mode) will prevent shifting to a
lower gear range if the engine speed is too
high. If vehicle speed is not reduced within
the time allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. Slow the vehicle,
then press the
−(Minus) button to the
desired lower gear range.
While using the ERS, cruise control can
be used.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode.
The AWD system delivers power to all four
wheels and the system adjusts as needed to
improve traction.