maintenance 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
60 Seats and Restraints
will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices 0341.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 095.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
broken airbag coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 051. See your dealer for
service.
Replacing Airbag System Parts
after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the airbag systems
in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system
may not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in
serious injury or even death. To help
make sure the airbag systems are
working properly after a crash, have
them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See your dealer
for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after
the vehicle is started or comes on when you
are driving, the airbag system may not work
properly. Have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Light 095.
Child Restraints
Older Children
Older children who have outgrown booster
seats should wear the vehicle’s seat belts.
The manufacturer instructions that come
with the booster seat state the weight and
height limitations for that booster. Use a
booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until
the child passes the fit test below:
.Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the
knees bend at the seat edge? If yes,
continue. If no, return to the booster seat.
.Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the
shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes,
continue. If no, try using the rear seat

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 97
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message. If a short distance must be
driven with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is in Service Mode. SeeIgnition
Positions 0196.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0252. If the light is flashing :
A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady : A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless fuel funnel adapter,
make sure that it has been removed. See
“Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0239. The
diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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98 Instruments and Controls
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. SeeRecommended Fuel 0239.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. See
Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 249. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is in Service Mode.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish The vehicle brake system consists of
electronically controlled hydraulic brake
circuits. If a fault is detected, valves are
adjusted to allow the brake pedal to push
brake fluid directly into the hydraulic brake
circuits.
When a fault occurs, the brake system
warning light comes on, and Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages may
display.
Vehicle speed may also be limited and the
amount of brake pedal force applied may
need to increase. Have the vehicle brake
system serviced as soon as possible.
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
The brake system warning light may also
come on when the parking brake is set,
if the vehicle has low brake fluid, or if the
brakes are severely faded. See
Brake Fluid
0 269. If the brakes are overheated, DIC
messages may display, and the vehicle
speed may be limited. If the brake fluid is
not low, if the brakes are not overheated,
and if the parking brake is fully released,
then the vehicle has a brake problem.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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102 Instruments and Controls
the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 294.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Oil pressure can vary with engine speed,
outside temperature, and oil viscosity.
On some models, the oil pump will vary
engine oil pressure according to engine
needs. Oil pressure may change quickly as
the engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning light or
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
indicates oil pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's oil as
soon as possible.
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does
not start, there could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. See Immobilizer
Operation 025.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 105
Type 2
worx:Move thumbwheel up (w) or
down (
x) in a list.
oorp: Press to move between the
interactive display zones in the cluster.
Thumbwheel : Press to open a menu or
select a menu item. Press and hold to reset
values on certain screens.
Trip/Fuel Menu (TRIP) Items
Press SELECT on the turn signal lever until
the VEHICLE 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:
Speed :
Shows the vehicle speed in either
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (mph).
Trip 1/2 or A/B : Shows the current distance
traveled, in either kilometers (km) or
miles (mi), since the trip odometer was last
reset.
This also shows the approximate average
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles
per gallon (mpg). This number is calculated
based on the number of L/100 km (mpg)
recorded since the last time this menu item
was reset. This number reflects only the
approximate average fuel economy that the
vehicle has right now, and will change as
driving conditions change.
Fuel Range : Shows the approximate
distance the vehicle can be driven without
refueling. LOW will be displayed when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The fuel range
estimate is based on an average of the
vehicle's fuel economy over recent driving
history and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank. Instantaneous Fuel Economy :
Displays the
current fuel economy in liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per
gallon (mpg). This number reflects only the
approximate fuel economy that the vehicle
has right now and changes frequently as
driving conditions change. This display
cannot be reset.
Vehicle Information Menu (VEHICLE)
Items
Press MENU on the turn signal lever until
the VEHICLE 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:
Remaining Oil Life : Shows an estimate of
the oil's remaining useful life. If REMAINING
OIL LIFE 99% is displayed, that means 99%
of the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 258. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0323.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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108 Instruments and Controls
If equipped with steering wheel controls, see
“Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)”
later in this section.
Type 2
worx:Move thumbwheel up (w) or
down (
x) in a list.
oorp: Press to move between the
interactive display zones in the cluster.
Thumbwheel : Press to open a menu or
select a menu item. Press and hold to reset
values on certain screens.
DIC Info Pages
The following is the list of all possible DIC
info page displays. Some may not be
available for your particular vehicle. Some
items may not be turned on by default but
can be turned on through the Options app.
See “DIC Info Page Options” earlier in this
section.
Speed : Shows the vehicle speed in either
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (mph). The vehicle odometer is also
shown on this page.
Trip 1 or Trip 2, Average Fuel Economy :
Shows the current distance traveled, in
either kilometers (km) or miles (mi), since
the trip odometer was last reset.
The Average Fuel Economy display shows
the approximate average liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per
gallon (mpg). This number is calculated
based on the number of L/100 km (mpg)
recorded since the last time this menu item
was reset. This number reflects only the
approximate average fuel economy that the
vehicle has right now, and will change as
driving conditions change. Fuel Information :
Shows the approximate
distance the vehicle can be driven without
refueling. LOW will be displayed when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The fuel range
estimate is based on an average of the
vehicle's fuel economy over recent driving
history and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank. The Instantaneous Fuel
Economy display shows the current fuel
economy in either liters per 100 kilometers
(L/100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg). This
number reflects only the approximate fuel
economy that the vehicle has right now and
changes frequently as driving conditions
change.
Oil Life : Shows an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. If REMAINING OIL LIFE
99% is displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 258. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0323.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
180 Climate Controls
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . 185
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the
vehicle can be controlled with this system. 1. Temperature Control
2. Air Delivery Mode Controls

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Climate Controls 185
.Move slider knobs away from the
occupant for shut off closing.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
air inlets at the base of the windshield
that could block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle, which may
improve long term system performance.
.Keep the path under the front seats clear
of objects to help circulate the air inside
of the vehicle more effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system. Check with your dealer
before adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.
.Do not attach any devices to the air vent
slats. This restricts airflow and may cause
damage to the air vents.
Caution
Use of air fresheners may cause
permanent damage to plastics and
painted surfaces. If an air freshener
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
comes in contact with any plastic or
painted surface in the vehicle, blot
immediately and clean with a soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution.
Damage caused by air fresheners would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The filter reduces dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air that is
pulled into the vehicle. The filter should be
replaced as part of routine scheduled
maintenance.
SeeMaintenance Schedule 0323.
See your dealer regarding replacement of
the filter.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0 323.
Caution
Damage caused by improper refrigerant
usage could lead to costly repairs and
may not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Refrigerant systems should
only be serviced by qualified personnel.
Always use the correct refrigerant.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 187
Driving Information
Driver Behavior
Driving is an important responsibility. Driver
behavior, the driving environment, and the
vehicle's design all affect how well a vehicle
performs.
Being aware of these factors can help in
understanding how the vehicle handles and
what can be done to avoid many types of
crashes, including a rollover crash.
Most serious injuries and fatalities to
unbelted occupants can be reduced or
prevented by the use of seat belts. In a
rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. In addition,
avoiding excessive speed, sudden or abrupt
turns, and drunken or aggressive driving can
help make trips safer and avoid the
possibility of a crash.
Driving Environment
Be prepared for driving in inclement
weather, at night, or during other times
where visibility or traction may be limited,such as on curves, slippery roads, or hilly
terrain. Unfamiliar surroundings can also
have hidden hazards.
Vehicle Design
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
This is because they have a higher ground
clearance and a narrower track or shorter
wheelbase than passenger cars. While these
design characteristics provide the driver with
a better view of the road, these vehicles do
have a higher center of gravity than other
types of vehicles. A utility vehicle does not
handle the same as a vehicle with a lower
center of gravity, like a car, in similar
situations.
Safe driver behavior and understanding of
the environment can help avoid a rollover
crash in any type of vehicle, including utility
vehicles.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible.
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.On AWD vehicles, see
All-Wheel Drive
0 207.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.