reduce engine power BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 Owner's Manual

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-
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-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
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-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 189
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that time, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
.Keep enough distance between you and
the vehicle in front of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is
being driven, brake normally but do not
pump the brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the engine
stops, there will be some power brake assist
but it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering system,
do not drive over curbs, parking barriers,
or similar objects at speeds greater than
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving
over other objects such as lane dividers
and speed bumps. Damage caused by
misuse of the vehicle is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
The vehicle has electric power steering.
It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered, but may require increased effort.
If the steering assist is used for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is not
moving, power assist may be reduced. If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is held
against that position for an extended period
of time, power steering assist may be
reduced.
Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
210 Driving and Operating
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0241.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 188.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. HSA
brake hold duration may be selectable.
Standard Hold automatically releases the
brakes after a few seconds. Extended Hold
applies the Electric Parking Brake if the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes. If hold duration is selectable, see "Extended Hill Start Assist" in
Vehicle
Personalization 0114. The brakes may also
release under other conditions. Do not rely
on HSA to hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
326 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(1) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 261.
(2) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter. (3)
Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced.
(5) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0262.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed. (7)
Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0269.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0272.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0274.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
(11) The oil pump drive belt and the timing
belt on the LIH engine must be replaced at
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 15 years,
whichever comes first.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
328 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 261.
(2) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(3) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced. (5)
Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0262.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0269.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0272.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0274.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
(11) The oil pump drive belt and the timing
belt on the LIH engine must be replaced at
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 15 years,
whichever comes first.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0314.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.