jump start BUICK ENCORE GX 2023 Owners Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Vehicle Care 249
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 250
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 251
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 259
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . 273
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 274
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Where To Find Fuse Maps for YourVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Where To Find Fuse Maps for Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 280
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 284
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 289
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 292
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 293
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 297
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 299
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 299
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 300
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 307
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 310
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
254 Vehicle Care
1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid 0265.
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0260.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0256.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0260.
5. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0256.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0259.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0266.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump
Starting - North America 0307.
9. Battery - North America 0268.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0280.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America 0307

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Vehicle Care 255
1.3L L3 Engine (L3T)
1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0265.
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0260. 3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil0256.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0256.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0260. 6.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0259.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0266.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump
Starting - North America 0307.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
256 Vehicle Care
9.Battery - North America 0268.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0280.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America 0307
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0258.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0253 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
L3T 1.3L L3 Engine
LIH 1.2L L3 Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L
(1 qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Vehicle Care 269
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0307 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Negative Battery Cable Disconnection
{Warning
Before disconnecting the negative battery
cable, turn off all features, turn the
ignition off, and remove the key,
if equipped, from the vehicle. If this is
not done, you or others could be injured,
and the vehicle could be damaged.
Caution
If the battery is disconnected with the
ignition on or the vehicle in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP), the OnStar
back-up battery will be permanently
discharged and will need to be replaced.
1. Make sure the lamps, features, and accessories are turned off.
2. Turn the ignition off and remove the key, if equipped.
3. Loosen the negative battery cable nut (1).
4. Remove the negative battery cable (2)from the battery.
Negative Battery Cable Reconnection
Caution
When reconnecting the battery:
.Use the original nut from the vehicle
to secure the negative battery cable.
Do not use a different nut. If you
need a replacement nut, see your
dealer.
.Tighten the nut with a hand tool. Do
not use an impact wrench or power
tools to tighten the nut.
The vehicle could be damaged if these
guidelines are not followed.
Caution
Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion
inhibitors on the nut that secures the
negative battery cable to the vehicle. This
could damage the vehicle.
1. Install the negative battery cable (2) to the battery.
2. Install the negative battery cable nut (1) and tighten.
3. Turn the ignition on.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Vehicle Care 307
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
battery, see Battery - North America 0268.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See the warning on the back cover.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
308 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can burn you.
.They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
.They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Trying
to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling
it will not work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
1. Discharged Battery Positive (+) Terminal
2. Discharged Battery Negative (–) Grounding Point
3. Good Battery Negative (–) Terminal
4. Good Battery Positive (+) Terminal
The discharged battery positive (+) terminal
is in the engine compartment on the driver
side of the vehicle.
The discharged battery negative (–)
grounding point is the engine block or an
engine mounting bolt. Connect to a spot as
far away from the discharged battery as
possible. The good battery negative (–) terminal and
good battery positive (+) terminal are on
the battery of the vehicle providing the
jump start.
The discharged battery positive (+) terminal
is under a trim cover. Open the cover to
expose the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a manual
transmission.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Vehicle Care 309
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except
the hazard warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the discharged battery
positive (+) terminal.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the good battery
positive (+) terminal.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the good battery negative
(–) terminal.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the discharged
battery negative (–) grounding point. 9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the
good battery and run the engine at idle
speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical
shorting may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables
do not touch each other or other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
310 Vehicle Care
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or a
mechanical transmission range select
shifter. In the event of a loss of 12-volt
battery power, the electric parking brake
cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary. If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or
electric parking brake is not released, the
vehicle will not move. Try to jump start
the vehicle with a known good 12-volt
battery, shift the car into N (Neutral), and
release the electric parking brake. Refer to
Jump Starting - North America
0307.
.If unsuccessful, the vehicle will not move.
Tire skates or dollies must be used under
the non-rolling tires to prevent vehicle
damage.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Customer Information 339
.Lock-Out Service:Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have
OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest Buick dealer
for warranty service, or if the vehicle was
in a crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is not given when the vehicle
is stuck in sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices.
Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement is up to 7
liters. Propane and other fuels are not
provided through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help you make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service:
If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside
Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and
labor for repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner responsibility.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty service,
contact your dealer and request an
appointment. By scheduling a service
appointment and advising the service
consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience.
If the vehicle cannot be scheduled into the
service department immediately, keep
driving it until it can be scheduled for
service, unless, of course, the problem is
safety related. If it is, please call your
dealership, let them know this, and ask for
instructions.