engine BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
2 Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
About Driving the Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or a crash. Be sure to read
the driving guidelines in this manual in the
section called“Driving and Operating” and
specifically Driver Behavior 0187, Driving
Environment 0187, and Vehicle Design
0 187.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means “Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable

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
8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Q:Press to lock all doors. The turn signal
indicators may flash and/or the horn may
sound on the second press to indicate
locking. See Vehicle Personalization 0114.
If the driver door is open when
Qis
pressed, and Open Door Anti Lock Out is
enabled through vehicle personalization, all
doors will lock and then the driver door will
immediately unlock. See Vehicle
Personalization 0114. If the passenger door
is open when
Qis pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
Qmay also arm the theft-deterrent
system. See Vehicle Alarm System 024.
K:Press to unlock the driver door. Press
unlock again within five seconds to unlock
all doors. The RKE transmitter can be
programmed to unlock all doors on the first
button press. See Vehicle Personalization
0 114. When remotely unlocking the vehicle
at night the back-up lamps will come on for
about 30 seconds to light your approach to
the vehicle. The turn signal indicators may
flash to indicate unlocking. See Vehicle
Personalization 0114.
Pressing
Kwill disarm the theft-deterrent
system. See Vehicle Alarm System 024.
/:Press and releaseQand then
immediately press and hold
/for at least
four seconds to start the engine from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start 013.
7:Press and release one time to initiate
vehicle locator. The exterior lamps flash and
the horn chirps three times. Press and hold
7for three seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signal
lamps flash for 30 seconds, or until
7is
pressed again or the vehicle is started.
b: Press twice quickly to open or close
the liftgate.
Press once to stop the liftgate from moving.
Keyless Access Operation
With the Keyless Access system, you can
lock and unlock the doors and access the
liftgate without removing the RKE
transmitter from your pocket, purse,
briefcase, etc. The RKE transmitter should be
within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door being
opened. The buttons are on the outside door
handles. Keyless Access can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first lock/unlock
press from the driver door. See
Vehicle
Personalization 0114.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to seating
positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory
Seats 038.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the driver
door handle, pressing the lock/unlock button
on the driver door handle will unlock the
driver door. If the lock/unlock button is
pressed again within five seconds, all
passenger doors will unlock.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
heard. Passive locking will then remain
disabled until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and an RKE
transmitter is left in the vehicle, the horn
will chirp three times after all doors are
closed. To turn on or off see Vehicle
Personalization 0114.
Remote No Longer in Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and
then all doors are closed, the vehicle will
check for RKE transmitters inside. If an RKE
transmitter is not detected, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display NO
REMOTE DETECTED and the horn will chirp
three times. This occurs only once each time
the vehicle is driven.
Keyless Liftgate Opening
Press the touch pad on the liftgate handle
to open the liftgate if the RKE transmitter is
within 1 m (3 ft).
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak transmitter
battery, see Door Locks015.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen transmitters no longer work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight transmitters
matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
transmitters.
To program, the vehicle must be off and all
of the transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be with you.
1. Place the two recognized transmitters in transmitter pocket.
2. Insert the vehicle key of the new transmitter into the key lock cylinder on
the outside of the driver door and turn
the key to the unlock position five times
within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2,
3, 4, ETC.
3. Remove the two recognized transmittersfrom transmitter pocket. Place the new
transmitter in transmitter pocket.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press the
transmitter
KorQbutton.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 3–5.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
6. Put the key back into the transmitter.
7. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. SeeDoor Locks 015.
Programming without Recognized
Transmitters
If two currently recognized transmitters are
not available, follow this procedure to
program up to eight transmitters. This
feature is not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must
be off and all of the transmitters you wish
to program must be with you. 1. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks015.
Insert the vehicle key of the transmitter
into the key lock cylinder on the driver
door handle and turn the key,
counterclockwise, to the unlock position
five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO
LEARN and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC display will again show REMOTE
LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT. 3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After
the third time all previously known
transmitters will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be
relearned during the next steps.
The DIC display should now show READY
FOR REMOTE # 1.
4. Place the new transmitter in transmitterpocket.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next transmitter. 6. Remove the transmitter from the
transmitter pocket and press the
transmitter
KorQbutton.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Put the key back into the transmitter.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 015.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
For improved vehicle security, the RKE
transmitter is equipped with a motion
sensor. When starting the vehicle, if the
transmitter has been idle for a while, move
the transmitter slightly and try starting the
vehicle. When starting the vehicle, if the
transmitter battery is depleted or there is
signal interference, the DIC may display NO
REMOTE DETECTED, REPLACE BATTERY IN KEY,
or NO REMOTE DETECTED PLACE KEY IN KEY
POCKET THEN START YOUR VEHICLE, follow
the steps shown below.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To start the vehicle:
1. Place the transmitter in the transmitterpocket, with the buttons facing the front
of the vehicle.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C
(138 °F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Replace the battery in the transmitter soon
if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
To replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the bottom of theRKE transmitter to remove the key.
Never pull the key out without pressing
the button.
2. Insert a flat, thin object and remove theback cover.
3. Lift the battery with a flat object.
4. Remove the battery. 5. Insert the new battery, positive side
toward the back cover. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
6. Push together the transmitter.
7. Insert the key back into the RKE transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle has a remote starting feature
that starts the engine from outside of the
vehicle.
/:This button is on the RKE transmitter.
Laws in some communities may restrict the
use of remote starters. For example, some
laws may require a person using the remote
start to have the vehicle in view when doing
so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if the
vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle could run
out of fuel.
The RKE transmitter range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.

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-
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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-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Unlock the vehicle using the Keyless
Access system.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
left the vehicle and all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with the RKE
transmitter or use the Keyless Access
system.
Unlocking the driver door with the key will
not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn chirps and the
lights flash three times, the alarm was
activated while the alarm system was
armed.
If the alarm system has been activated, a
message will appear on the DIC.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0347.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the vehicle is turned off.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY and a valid transmitter is
present in the vehicle.
The security light in the instrument cluster
comes on if there is a problem with arming
or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more RKE
transmitters matched to an immobilizer
control unit in the vehicle. Only a correctly
matched RKE transmitter will start the
vehicle. If the transmitter is ever damaged,
the vehicle may not start. When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition
modes, and the RKE transmitter appears to
be undamaged, try another transmitter. Or,
try placing the transmitter into the
transmitter pocket located in the center
console. See Starting the Vehicle With a Low
Transmitter Battery under
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
If the ignition mode will not change with
the other transmitter or with a transmitter
in the transmitter pocket, your vehicle needs
service. If the ignition does change modes,
the first transmitter may be faulty. See your
dealer who can service the theft-deterrent
system and have a new RKE transmitter
programmed to the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement RKE transmitters.
Up to eight transmitters can be
programmed for the vehicle. To program
additional transmitters, see Programming
Transmitters to the Vehicle under Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.