climate control BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 1/28/21
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle
model names, and vehicle body designs
appearing in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo, BUICK, the
BUICK Emblem, and ENCORE GX are
trademarks and/or service marks of General
Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute
the name“General Motors of Canada
Company” for Buick Motor Division wherever
it appears in this manual.
This manual describes features that may or
may not be on the vehicle because of
optional equipment that was not purchased
on the vehicle, model variants, country
specifications, features/applications that may not be available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner’s
manual.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to confirm
the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick
reference.Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be obtained
from your dealer, at www.helminc.com,
or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide
en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à
l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84588301 C Third Printing©2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
To start the vehicle:1. Press and release
Qon the RKE
transmitter.
2. Immediately after completing Step 1, press and hold
/until the turn signal
lamps flash. If the vehicle's lights cannot
be seen, press and hold
/for at least
four seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the park lamps will
turn on and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The doors will be locked
and the climate control system will operate
automatically if the vehicle has the
automatic system, or at the same setting as
when the vehicle was last turned off.
With an automatic climate control system
and if equipped with heated seats, the
heated seats turn on during colder outside
temperatures and shut off when the ignition
is turned on.
The rear window defogger and heated
mirrors, if equipped, turn on during colder
outside temperatures and turn off when the
ignition is turned on. After entering the vehicle during a remote
start, press the brake and ENGINE START/
STOP with the transmitter in the vehicle to
drive the vehicle.
If the vehicle is left running, it automatically
shuts off after 15 minutes unless a time
extension has been done.Extending Engine Run Time
To extend the engine run time by
15 minutes, repeat Steps 1 and 2 while the
engine is still running. An extension can be
requested 30 seconds after starting. The
engine run time can only be extended if it is
the first remote start since the vehicle has
been driven. Remote start can be extended
one time.
If the remote start procedure is used again
while the engine is still running, 15 minutes
will be added on for a total of 30 minutes.
For example, if
Qand then/are pressed
again while the engine is still running,
15 minutes will be added on for a total of
30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or remote
start with an extension are allowed between
ignition cycles. After the vehicle's engine has been started
two times using the remote start button or
a start with an extension, the ignition must
be turned on and then back off before the
remote start procedure can be used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To manually shut off a remote start:
.Press and hold/until the lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.
Conditions in Which the Remote Start
Will Not Work
The vehicle cannot be started using the
remote start feature if the RKE transmitter is
in the vehicle, the hood is open, the vehicle
is not in P (Park), the hazard flashers are on,
the vehicle is on, two remote starts or a
start with an extension have been used,
or there is an emission control system
malfunction.
The engine turns off during a remote start if
the coolant temperature gets too high or if
the oil pressure gets low.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
1. Unlock the door by pulling the insidehandle, by pressing the driver power
door lock switch, or by using the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever down to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
Doors
Liftgate
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it
is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch
open, or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the body and
the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
See Engine Exhaust 0204.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area above
and behind the liftgate is clear before
opening it.
Manual Liftgate
To unlock the liftgate, pressKon the
power door lock switch or press
Kon the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
twice within five seconds. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
To open the liftgate, press the touch pad
under the liftgate handle and lift up.
With Keyless Access, the liftgate can be
opened when locked if the RKE transmitter
is within 1 m (3 ft) of the touch pad. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Do not leave the transmitter or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply
into the adjacent lane, you could hit a
vehicle that is driving next to you. Check
the inside mirror or glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
To adjust a mirror: 1. Press
}or|to choose the driver or
passenger mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows on the control pad to move the mirror in the
desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can
be seen.
4. Press
}or|again to deselect the
mirror. If you do not deselect the mirror,
the mirror adjustment will turn off after
about one minute.
Memory Mirrors
The vehicle may have memory mirrors. See
Memory Seats 038.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
The vehicle may have LCA. See Lane Change
Alert (LCA) 0235.
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
(If equipped), the mirrors can be folded
inward by hand to prevent damage when
going through tight maneuvers such as an
automatic car wash. Afterward, fold the
mirror outward by hand to return it to the
original position.
Heated Mirrors
K:Press to heat the mirrors.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual
Automatic Climate Control System 0182.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
40 Seats and Restraints
Seat Exit Memory
Seat Exit Memory is not linked to an RKE
transmitter. The position saved to
Bis
used for all drivers. To turn Seat Exit
Memory on or off, see "Vehicle
Personalization Settings" previously in this
section and Vehicle Personalization 0114.
If turned on, the position saved to
Bis
automatically recalled when one of the
following occurs:
.The vehicle is turned off and the driver
door is opened within a short time.
.The vehicle is turned off with the driver
door open.
To stop Seat Exit Memory movement, press
any of the following memory controls:
.Power seat
.Memory SET, 1, 2, orB
.Power mirror, with the driver or
passenger side mirror selected
Obstructions
If something has blocked the driver seat
while recalling a memory position, the recall
may stop. Remove the obstruction and try
the recall again. If the memory position still
does not recall, see your dealer.
Heated Front Seats
{Warning
If temperature change or pain to the skin
cannot be felt, the seat heater may cause
burns. To reduce the risk of burns, use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of time. Do
not place anything on the seat that
insulates against heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, cover, or similar item. This may
cause the seat heater to overheat. An
overheated seat heater may cause a burn
or may damage the seat.
If equipped, the controls are on the climate
control panel. The engine must be running
to operate the heated seats.
Press
MorLto heat the driver or
passenger seat cushion and seatback.
Press the control once for the highest
setting. With each press of the control, the
heated seat will change to the next lower
setting, and then the off setting. Three
lights indicate the highest setting and one
light the lowest.
The passenger seat may take longer to
heat up.
Remote Start Heated Seats
When it is cold outside, the heated seats
can be turned on automatically during a
remote vehicle start. The heated seats will
be canceled when the ignition is turned on.
Press the heated seat controls to use the
heated seats after the vehicle is started.
The heated seat indicator lights on the
control do not turn on during a remote
start.
The temperature performance of an
unoccupied seat may be reduced. This is
normal.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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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Instruments and Controls 115
Auto Rear Defog
When on, this feature turns on the rear
defogger at vehicle start when the interior
temperature is cold and fog is likely. See
“Rear Window Defogger”underDual
Automatic Climate Control System 0182.
Touch Off or On.
Ionizer
If equipped with an ionizer, this feature
helps to clean the air inside the vehicle and
remove contaminants such as pollen, odors,
and dust. See Dual Automatic Climate
Control System 0182.
Touch Off or On.
Collision / Detection Systems
Touch and the following may display:
.Forward Collision System
.Front Pedestrian Detection
.Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier
.Lane Change Alert
.Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols
.Rear Cross Traffic Alert
.Park Assist Forward Collision System
This setting can alert of a potential crash
with a detected vehicle ahead and can apply
brakes to help reduce a collision’s severity.
Touch Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Front Pedestrian Detection
This feature may help avoid or reduce the
harm caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians. See
Front Pedestrian
Braking (FPB) System 0233.
Touch Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier
This setting determines if an alert will
appear when Adaptive Cruise Control brings
the vehicle to a complete stop and the
vehicle ahead of you starts moving again.
See Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0214.
Touch Off or On.
Lane Change Alert
This allows the feature to be turned on or
off. See Lane Change Alert (LCA) 0235.
When Lane Change Alert is disabled, Side
Blind Zone Alert is also disabled.
Touch Off or On. Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols
This setting enables the Rear Camera Park
Assist Symbols. See
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing 0224.
Touch Off or On.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
This setting specifies if you see alerts when
the vehicle detects approaching rear cross
traffic when in R (Reverse). See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing 0224.
Touch Off or On.
Park Assist
This setting specifies if you have alerts
when a object is detected near your vehicle
during low speed.
Touch Off or On.
Comfort and Convenience
Touch and the following may display:
.Chime Volume
.Handsfree Liftgate/Trunk Control
.Reverse Tilt Mirror
.Rain Sense Wipers
.Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Lighting 127
When the battery's state of charge is low,
the voltage is raised slightly to quickly bring
the charge back up. When the state of
charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the
vehicle has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or
down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for
all vehicles. This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all of the power
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of
the following are on, such as: headlamps,
high beams, rear window defogger, climate
control fan at high speed, heated seats,
engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads
plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of
the battery. It does this by balancing the
generator's output and the vehicle's
electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power
demands of some accessories.Normally, these actions occur in steps or
levels, without being noticeable. In rare
cases at the highest levels of corrective
action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might be
displayed and it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as
possible.
Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the interior lamps if
they are left on for more than 10 minutes
when the ignition is off. This helps to
prevent the battery from running down.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes
after the ignition is turned off, if the parking
lamps or headlamps have been manually
left on. This protects against draining the
battery. To restart the 10-minute timer, turn
the exterior lamp control to the off position
and then back to the parking lamp or
headlamp position.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the ignition must be on or in
ACC/ACCESSORY.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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168 Infotainment System
Touch Off or On.
Apple CarPlay
This feature allows you to interact directly
with your mobile device on the infotainment
display. SeeApple CarPlay and Android Auto
0 163.
Touch Off or On.
Apps
Touch and the following may display:
.Update Apps Automatically: This allows
downloaded applications to be updated
automatically.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.About Apps: Touch to view the versions
of the apps software.
Audio
Depending on the current audio source,
different options will be available.
Touch and the following may display:
.Tone Settings: Touch to adjust Equalizer,
Fade/Balance, or Sound Mode. See
“Infotainment System Sound Menu” in
AM-FM Radio 0133.
.Auto Volume: This feature adjusts the
volume based on the vehicle speed. Touch Off, Low, Medium-Low, Medium,
Medium-High, or High.
.Bose AudioPilot Noise Compensation
Technology (If Equipped): This feature
adjusts the volume based on the noise in
the vehicle and the speed.
Touch Off or On.
.Manage Favorites: Touch to display a list
of Audio, Mobile Devices, and Navigation
favorites.
Favorites can be moved, renamed,
or deleted.
To move, touch and hold 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.
.RDS: This allows the Radio Data System
(RDS) to be turned on or off.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.HD Radio: This allows HD Radio reception
to be turned on or off.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.Explicit Content Filter: This setting allows
access to explicit content SiriusXM
channels.
Touch Off or On.
.Manage Phones: Select to connect to a
different phone source, disconnect a
phone, or delete a phone.
.Reset Music Index: This allows the music
index to be reset if you are having
difficulty accessing all of the media
content on your device.
Touch Yes or No.
Climate
If equipped, touch and the following may
display:
.Auto Fan Speed: This setting specifies the
amount of airflow when the climate
control fan setting is Auto Fan.
Touch Low, Medium, or High.
.Auto Defog: This setting automatically
turns the front defogger on when the
vehicle engine is started.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.