brakes BUICK ENCORE GX 2023 User Guide

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
204 Driving and Operating
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 Mode0204.
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.
.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) 0108 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 110 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).

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Driving and Operating 205
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.
Press the AWD button on the center console
to activate the system. The AWD light will
flash briefly while the system is engaging
and stay lit to indicate AWD is active. Press
the button again to disable the system. The
light will flash briefly while the system
disables and then stay off.
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed.
When operated in two-wheel drive, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better fuel
economy.
When using a compact spare tire on an
AWD vehicle, the system automatically
detects the compact spare and reduces AWD performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. See
Compact Spare Tire 0307.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
206 Driving and Operating
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0103.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 0102 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0103.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages. Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Driving and Operating 207
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
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 0240.
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
0 185.
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 Settings >
Vehicle > Collision / Detection Systems. The

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
208 Driving and Operating
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.StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0190 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
210 Driving and Operating
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC), the cruise control system may
automatically brake to slow the vehicle
down to maintain the set following gap
between you and the vehicle in front of you
or while navigating a sharp turn.
5:Press to turn the cruise control system
on and off. A white indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster when cruise is
turned on.
*: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory. +RES :
If there is a set speed in memory,
press up briefly to resume that speed or
press and hold to accelerate. If cruise control
is already active, use to increase vehicle
speed.
−SET : Press down briefly to set the speed
and activate cruise control. If cruise control
is already active, use to decrease vehicle
speed.
Setting Cruise Control
If
5is on when not in use, −SET or +RES
could get bumped and go into cruise when
not desired. Keep
5off when cruise is not
being used.
To set a speed:
1. Press
5to turn the cruise system on.
2. Get to the speed desired.
3. Press −SET down and release. The desired
set speed briefly appears in the
instrument cluster.
4. Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after cruise
control has been set to the desired speed.
See Instrument Cluster 093. Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
*is
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, briefly press
+RES up. The vehicle returns to the previous
set speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold +RES up until the vehicle
accelerates to the desired speed, then
release it.
.To increase the speed in small increments,
briefly press +RES up. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 093. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
212 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver”later in this section.
Complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0185
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or when
the camera sensor is blocked by snow,
ice, or dirt. The system may not
detect a vehicle ahead. Keep the
windshield and headlamps clean.
.When visibility is poor due to rain,
snow, fog, dirt, insect residue, or dust;
when other foreign objects obscure
the camera’s view; or when the
vehicle in front or oncoming traffic
causes additional environmental
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
obstructions, such as road spray. ACC
performance is limited under these
conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast changes
in tire traction can cause excessive
wheel slip.
.With extremely heavy cargo loaded in
the cargo area or rear seat.
.When towing a trailer.
5:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on. RES+ :
Press the control up briefly to
resume the previous set speed or to increase
vehicle speed if ACC is already activated. To
increase speed by about 1 km/h (1 mph),
press RES+ up briefly. To increase speed to
the next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer, hold RES+.
SET− :Press the control down briefly to set
the speed and activate ACC or to decrease
vehicle speed if ACC is already activated. To
decrease speed by about 1 km/h (1 mph),
press SET– down briefly. To decrease speed
to the next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer, hold SET–.
*: Press to disengage ACC without erasing
the selected set speed.
[: Press to select a following gap setting
for ACC of Far, Medium, or Near.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 093. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Driving and Operating 213
Switching Between ACC and Regular
Cruise Control
To switch between ACC and regular cruise
control, press and hold
**. A Driver
Information Display (DIC) message displays.
See Vehicle Messages 0116.
ACC IndicatorRegular Cruise Control
Indicator
When ACC is engaged, a green
oindicator
will be lit on the instrument cluster and the
following gap will be displayed. When the
regular cruise control is engaged, a green
Jindicator will be lit on the instrument
cluster; the following gap will not display.
When the vehicle is turned on, the cruise
control mode will be set to the last mode
used before the vehicle was turned off.
It is recommended to switch from ACC to
regular cruise control only, when there are
no vehicles ahead of your vehicle.
{Warning
Always check the cruise control indicator
on the instrument cluster to determine
which mode cruise control is in before
using the feature. If ACC is not active, the
vehicle will not automatically brake for
other vehicles, which could cause a crash
if the brakes are not applied manually.
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
If5is on when not in use, it could get
pressed and go into ACC when not desired.
Keep
5off when cruise is not being used.
Select the set speed desired for ACC. This is
the vehicle speed when no vehicle is
detected in its path.
While the vehicle is moving, ACC will not set
at a speed less than 5 km/h (3 mph),
although it can be resumed.
The minimum allowable set speed is
25 km/h (15 mph).
To set ACC while moving: 1. Press
5. 2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press SET–
down and release.
4. Remove your foot from the accelerator.
After ACC is set, it may immediately apply
the brakes if a vehicle ahead is detected
closer than the selected following gap.
ACC can also be set while the vehicle is
stopped and the brake pedal is applied.
The ACC indicator displays on the
instrument cluster. When ACC is turned on,
the indicator will be lit white. The ACC
indicator displays on the instrument cluster
and Head-Up Display (HUD), if equipped.
When ACC is engaged, the indicator will turn
green.
Be mindful of speed limits, surrounding
traffic speeds, and weather conditions when
selecting the set speed.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
214 Driving and Operating
Resuming a Set Speed
If the ACC is set at a desired speed and then
the brakes are applied, ACC is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
To begin using ACC again, press RES+ up
briefly.
.If the vehicle is moving more than 5 km/h
(3 mph), it returns to the previous set
speed.
.If the vehicle is stopped with the brake
pedal applied, press RES+ up and release
the brake pedal. ACC will hold the vehicle
until RES+ or the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
A green ACC indicator and the set speed
display on the instrument cluster. The
vehicle ahead indicator may be flashing if a
vehicle ahead was present and moved. See
“Approaching and Following a Vehicle” later
in this section.
Once ACC has resumed, the vehicle speed
will increase to the set speed under the
following conditions:
.There is no vehicle ahead.
.The vehicle ahead is beyond the selected
following gap.
.The vehicle speed is not being limited
because of a sharp turn.
Increasing Speed While ACC Is at a Set
Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one of the
following:
.Use the accelerator to get to the higher
speed. Briefly press down and release
SET– and release the accelerator pedal.
The vehicle will now cruise at the higher
speed. When the accelerator pedal is
pressed, ACC will not brake because it is
overridden. While overridden, the ACC
indicator will turn blue on the instrument
cluster and Head-Up Display (HUD),
if equipped.
.Press and hold RES+ up until the desired
set speed is displayed, then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in smaller
increments, press RES+ up briefly. For
each press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
.To increase vehicle speed in larger
increments, hold RES+ up. While holding
RES+, the vehicle speed increases to the
next 5 km/h (5 mph) step, then continues
to increase by 5 km/h (5 mph) at a time. The set speed can also be increased while
the vehicle is stopped.
.If stopped with the brake pedal applied,
press RES+ up until the desired set speed
is displayed.
.If ACC is holding the vehicle at a stop and
there is another vehicle directly ahead,
pressing RES+ up will increase the set
speed.
.Pressing RES+ up when there is no longer
a vehicle ahead or the vehicle ahead is
pulling away and the brake is not applied
will cause the ACC to resume
When it is determined that there is no
vehicle ahead or the vehicle ahead is beyond
the selected following gap, then the vehicle
speed will increase to the set speed.
Reducing Speed While ACC Is at a Set
Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one of the
following:
.Use the brake to get to the desired lower
speed. Release the brake and press SET–
down. The vehicle will now cruise at the
lower speed.
.Press and hold SET– down until the
desired lower speed is reached, then
release it.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
216 Driving and Operating
Alerting the Driver
Without Head-Up Display
With Head-Up Display Screen Closed
With Head-Up Display Screen Open
If ACC is engaged, driver action may be
required when ACC cannot apply sufficient
braking because of approaching a vehicle
too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, the red collision
alert symbol will flash on the windshield or
on the HUD, if equipped. Eight beeps will
sound from the front.
See Defensive Driving 0185.
Approaching and Following a Vehicle
The vehicle ahead indicator is in the
instrument cluster and HUD display
(If equipped). It only displays when a vehicle
is detected in your vehicle’s path moving in the same direction. If this symbol is not
displaying, ACC will not respond to or brake
for vehicles ahead.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle down
and adjusts vehicle speed to follow a
detected vehicle ahead at the selected
following gap. The vehicle speed increases or
decreases to follow a detected vehicle in
front of your vehicle. When that vehicle is
traveling slower than your vehicle set speed,
it may apply limited braking, if necessary.
When braking is active, the brake lamps will
come on. The automatic braking may feel or
sound different than if the brakes were
applied manually. This is normal.
Passing a Vehicle While Using ACC
If the set speed is high enough, and the left
turn signal is used to pass a vehicle ahead
in the selected following gap, ACC may
assist by gradually accelerating the vehicle
prior to the lane change.
{Warning
When using ACC to pass a vehicle or
perform a lane change, the following
distance to the vehicle being passed may
be reduced. ACC may not apply sufficient
(Continued)