ECU BUICK ENCORE GX 2023 Owners Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remote Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Key Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Doors
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 28
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with a
remote key is dangerous and children or
others could be seriously injured or killed.
They could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the vehicle
move. The windows will function with
the remote key in the vehicle, and
children or others could be caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with a remote key.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
When all additional remote keys are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
6. Put the key back into the remote key.
7. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 016.
Programming without Recognized
Remote Keys
If two currently recognized remote keys are
not available, follow this procedure to
program up to eight remote keys. 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 remote keys you wish
to program must be with you. 1. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks016.
Insert the vehicle key of the remote key
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
remote keys will no longer work with
the vehicle. Remaining remote keys can
be relearned during the next steps.
The DIC display should now show READY
FOR REMOTE # 1.
4. Place the new remote key in remote keypocket. 5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the
remote key is learned the DIC display
will show that it is ready to program the
next remote key.
6. Remove the remote key from the remote key pocket and press the remote key
K
orQbutton.
To program additional remote keys,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional remote keys are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Put the key back into the remote key.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 016.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low Remote
Key Battery
For improved vehicle security, the remote
key is equipped with a motion sensor. When
starting the vehicle, if the remote key has
been idle for a while, move the remote key
slightly and try starting the vehicle. When
starting the vehicle, if the remote key
battery is depleted or there is signal
interference, the DIC may display NO
REMOTE DETECTED, REPLACE BATTERY IN KEY,

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
To replace the cap:1. Position the bottom edge of the cap under the lower edge of the metal
piece (2). The tabs (3) attach to the
metal piece (2) at the positions (1).
2. Rotate the cap upward and install into place.
3. Check that the cap is secure.
Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns freely when
either the wrong key is used, or the correct
key is not fully inserted. The free-turning
door lock feature prevents the lock from
being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it
to the vertical position with the correct key
fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it
again. If this does not reset the lock, turn
the key halfway around in the cylinder and
repeat the reset procedure.
Power Door Locks
Q: Press to lock the doors.
K:Press to unlock the doors.
Delayed Locking
This feature delays the locking of the doors
until five seconds after all doors are closed.
Delayed locking can only be turned on when
the Open Door Anti-Lockout feature has
been turned off.
When
Qis pressed on the power door lock
switch while the door is open, a chime will
sound three times indicating delayed locking
is active.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
With Keyless Access, the liftgate can be
opened when locked if the remote key is
within 1 m (3 ft) of the touch pad. See
Remote Key Operation08.
Use the pull cup to lower and close the
liftgate. Do not press the touch pad while
closing the liftgate. This may cause the
liftgate to be unlatched.
The liftgate has an electric latch. If the
battery is disconnected or has low voltage,
the liftgate will not open. The liftgate will
resume operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
Always close the liftgate before driving.
Power Liftgate Operation
{Warning
You or others could be injured if caught
in the path of the power liftgate. Make
sure there is no one in the way of the
liftgate as it is opening and closing.
Caution
Driving with an open and unsecured
liftgate may result in damage to the
power liftgate components.
If equipped, the power liftgate switch is on
the driver door. The vehicle must be in
P (Park).
The modes are:
.MAX: Opens to maximum height.
.3/4: Opens to a reduced height that can
be set from 3/4 to fully open. Use to
prevent the liftgate from opening into
overhead obstructions such as a garage
door or roof-mounted cargo. The liftgate
can be manually opened all the way.
.OFF: Opens manually only.
To power open or close the liftgate, select
MAX or 3/4 mode.
.Pressbtwice quickly on the remote
key until the liftgate moves.
.Press8on the driver door. The driver
door must either be unlocked or locked
without the security armed.
.Press the touch pad on the underside of
the liftgate handle after unlocking all
doors. A locked vehicle can be opened if
the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the
touch pad.
.Presslon the bottom edge of the
liftgate to the left of the latch to close.
Press any liftgate button, the touch pad,
or
bon the remote key while the liftgate
is moving to stop it. Pressing any liftgate
button or pressing
btwice quickly on the
remote key restarts the operation in the

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Lens Cleaning
If equipped, use a cotton swab to clean
the lens.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features;
however, they do not make the vehicle
impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm system.
The indicator light on the instrument panel
near the windshield indicates the status of
the system.
Off :Alarm system is disarmed.
On Solid : Vehicle is secured during the
delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash : Vehicle is unsecured. A door, the
hood, or the liftgate is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Close the liftgate and the hood. Turn off
the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
.Use the remote key.
.Use the Keyless Access system.
.With a door open, press the
inside
Q.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the alarm system
is operating. Pressing
Qon the remote
key a second time will bypass the
30-second delay and immediately arm
the alarm system.
The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the
doors are locked with the key.
If the driver door is opened without first
unlocking with the remote key, the horn will
chirp and the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started,
or the door is not unlocked by pressing
K
on the remote key during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
The alarm will also be activated if a
passenger door, the liftgate, or the hood is
opened without first disarming the system.
When the alarm is activated, the turn
signals flash and the horn sounds for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will then
re-arm to monitor for the next unauthorized
event.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the remote key.
.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 remote
key 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 0343.
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 accessory
mode and a valid remote key 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 remote keys
matched to an immobilizer control unit in
the vehicle. Only a correctly matched
remote key will start the vehicle. If the
remote key 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 remote key appears to be
undamaged, try another remote key. Or, try
placing the remote key into the remote key
pocket located in the center console. See
Starting the Vehicle With a Low remote key
Battery under
Remote Key Operation 08.
If the ignition mode will not change with
the other remote key or with a remote key
in the remote key pocket, your vehicle
needs service. If the ignition does change
modes, the first remote key may be faulty.
See your dealer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have a new
remote key programmed to the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to
learn new or replacement remote keys. Up
to eight remote keys can be programmed
for the vehicle. To program additional
remote keys, see Programming remote keys
to the Vehicle under Remote Key Operation
0 8.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
34 Seats and Restraints
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . 45
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 50
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 54
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 55
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 55
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Head Restraints
{
Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, there is a
greater chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted
properly.
Front Seats
The vehicle's front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard seating
positions.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
42 Seats and Restraints
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.
To enable or disable remote start heated
seats, select Settings > Vehicle > Remote
Lock, Unlock, and Start > Remote Start Auto
Heat Seats > ON or OFF.
SeeRemote Vehicle Start 014.
Folding Seatback
The front passenger seatback may fold flat.
{Warning
If you fold the seatback forward to carry
longer objects, such as skis, be sure any
such cargo is not near an airbag. In a
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
crash, an inflating airbag might force that
object toward a person. This could cause
severe injury or even death. Secure
objects away from the area in which an
airbag would inflate.Where Are the
Airbags? 053. Vehicle Load Limits 0191.
{Warning
Things you put on this seatback can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash. Remove or secure
all items before driving.
To fold the seatback: 1. Lower the head restraint all the way. See Head Restraints 034
2. Move the seat as far back as possible. See Seat Adjustment 036 or
Power Seat Adjustment 0363. Lift the lever fully and fold the seatback
forward. If necessary, move the seat belt
out of the way to access the lever.
4. Continue lowering the seatback until it is completely folded and locks in place.
To raise the seatback: 1. Lift the lever fully to unlock the seatback. Then, raise the seatback and
push it rearward until it re-engages.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked in place.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
48 Seats and Restraints
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the beltacross you. Do not let it get twisted.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you
pull the belt across you very quickly.
If this happens, let the belt go back
slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a passenger
belt is pulled out all the way, the child
restraint locking feature may be
engaged. See Child Restraint Systems
0 65. If this occurs, let the belt go back
all the way and start again. If the
locking feature stays engaged after
letting the belt go back to stowed position on the seat, move the seat
rearward or recline the seat until the
shoulder belt retractor lock releases.
Engaging the child restraint locking
feature in the front outboard seating
position may affect the passenger
sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing
System 057.
If the webbing locks in the latch plate
before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch
plate flat to unlock.
3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until
it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure
it is secure. If the belt is not long
enough, see Seat Belt Extender 050.
Position the release button on the buckle
so that the seat belt could be quickly
unbuckled if necessary.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Seats and Restraints 51
But if a seat belt is not long enough, your
dealer will order you an extender. Only a
GM dealer issued extender should be used.
When you go in to order it, take the
heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender
will be long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone else use
it, and use it only for the seat it is made to
fit. The extender has been designed for
adults. Never use it for securing child
restraints. For more information on the
proper use and fit of seat belt extenders see
the instruction sheet that comes with the
extender.
Safety System Check
Periodically check the seat belt reminder,
seat belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors,
shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped),
and seat belt anchorages to make sure they
are all in working order. Look for any other
loose or damaged seat belt system parts
that might keep a seat belt system from
performing properly. See your dealer to
have it repaired. Torn, frayed, or twisted
seat belts may not protect you in a crash.
Torn or frayed seat belts can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed,
have it replaced immediately. If a belt is
twisted, it may be possible to untwist byreversing the latch plate on the webbing.
If the twist cannot be corrected, ask your
dealer to fix it.
Make sure the seat belt reminder light is
working. See
Seat Belt Reminders 098.
Keep seat belts clean and dry. See Seat Belt
Care 051.
Seat Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
Seat belts should be properly cared for and
maintained.
Seat belt hardware should be kept dry and
free of dust or debris. As necessary, exterior
hard surfaces and seat belt webbing may be
lightly cleaned with mild soap and water.
Ensure there is not excessive dust or debris
in the mechanism. If dust or debris exists in
the system please see the dealer. Parts may
need to be replaced to ensure proper
functionality of the system.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt webbing.
It may severely weaken the webbing. In
a crash, they might not be able to
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
provide adequate protection. Clean and
rinse seat belt webbing only with mild
soap and lukewarm water. Allow the
webbing to dry.
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts
after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the seat belt system
in the vehicle. A damaged seat belt
system may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in serious injury
or even death in a crash. To help make
sure the seat belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of seat
belts may not be necessary. But the seat
belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the seat belt
assemblies inspected or replaced.