ECU BUICK ENCORE GX 2024 Owner's Guide

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Storage 85
Cargo Cover
{Warning
An unsecured cargo cover could strike
people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash. Store the cargo cover securely or
remove it from the vehicle.
{Warning
Do not place objects on the cargo cover.
Sudden stops or turns can cause objects
to be thrown in the vehicle. You or
others could be injured.
Use the cargo cover to cover items in the
rear of the vehicle.
Installing the Cargo Cover1. Slide the cargo cover into the two front corner brackets and push down until it
snaps in place.
2. Attach the cords to the fixed retainers on the liftgate.
Removing the Cargo Cover
Disengage the cords on the liftgate, lift up
on the cover, and pull the cover out of the
vehicle.
Cargo Tie-Downs
The vehicle may be equipped with four
cargo tie-downs in the rear compartment.
Cargo Management System
Lift the load floor to access the cargo
management system.
After storing items, make sure to properly
secure the load floor.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Storage 87
Caution
Loading cargo on the roof rack that
weighs more than 75 kg (165 lb) or hangs
over the rear or sides of the vehicle may
damage the vehicle. Do not load cargo
exceeding 75 kg (165 lbs) and always load
cargo so that it rests evenly between the
crossrails and does not block the vehicle
lamps or windows. Fasten the cargo
securely.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo when
driving, check to make sure crossrails and
cargo are securely fastened. Loading cargo
on the roof rack will make the vehicle’s
center of gravity higher. Avoid high speeds,sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking,
or abrupt maneuvers; otherwise it may
result in loss of control. If driving for a long
distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds,
occasionally stop the vehicle to make sure
the cargo remains in its place. Do not
exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading the vehicle. For more information on
vehicle capacity and loading, see
Vehicle
Load Limits 0159.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
88 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 99
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 101
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 103 Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 104
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
All-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Disabled Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Traction Control System (TCS)/ Electronic Stability Control Light . . . . . 106
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Auto Stop Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Adaptive Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 109
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . 109
Vehicle Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Universal Remote System Operation . . . 116

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
108 Instruments and Controls
Caution (Continued)
4. Restart the vehicle. If the engine oilpressure light stays on for more
than 10 seconds, turn the vehicle
back off. Do not restart the vehicle.
See your dealer for service.
This light should come on briefly when the
engine starts. When the engine is off and
the vehicle is on, the light should remain
illuminated. If it does not come on under
either condition, contact your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on when the
engine is running, it may not have adequate
oil pressure. The oil level may be low or
there may be some other oil system
problem. Turn the engine off when it is safe
to do so and contact 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.
Auto Stop Indicator
This light comes on when the engine is in
an Auto Stop.
See Stop/Start System 0165.
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 029.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Instruments and Controls 109
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
0 118.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps
are in use, except when only the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) are active. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 0117.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light is white when the
cruise control is on and ready, and turns
green when the cruise control is set and
active.
See Cruise Control 0176.
Adaptive Cruise Control Light
If equipped, this light is white when the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is on and
ready, and turns green when the ACC is set
and active.
See Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0177.
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or
not securely latched. Before driving, check
that all doors are properly closed.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC is displayed in the instrument
cluster. It shows the status of many vehicle
systems.
yorz:Use the thumbwheel to scroll to
the previous or next selection.
V: Press the thumbwheel to open a menu
or select a menu item. Press and hold to
reset certain displays.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Instruments and Controls 113
Average Fuel Economy displays 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
current, approximate average fuel economy
and changes as driving conditions change.
To reset these values, touch reset on the
touchscreen display when the Trip
Information dialog is selected.
When selected, the following options may
be chosen in the dialog: Reset Trip 1, Reset
Trip 2, and Show in Cluster.
Fuel Economy :Displays average fuel
economy, the best fuel economy over the
selected distance, and a bar graph showing
instantaneous fuel economy. Values are
displayed in liters per 100 kilometers
(L/100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg). This
number reflects only the approximate fuel
economy and changes frequently as driving
conditions change. Only the best score can
be reset.
If the vehicle is equipped with an Active Fuel
Management indicator, the engine operating
mode may be shown in the bottom corner
of this display. When selected, the following options may
be chosen in the dialog: Change Distance,
Reset Best Score, and Add to Driver Display.
The distance for average fuel economy and
the best fuel economy can be changed to:
40 km (25 mi), 80 km (50 mi), and 725 km
(300 mi).
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing the thumbwheel. The
messages that require immediate action
cannot be cleared until that action is
performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Ride Control Systems
.Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.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

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
114 Instruments and Controls
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.
Universal Remote System
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0306.
Universal Remote System
Programming
If equipped, the Universal Remote system
buttons are in the overhead console.
This system can replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate devices
such as garage door openers, security
systems, and home automation devices.
These instructions refer to a garage door
opener, but can be used for other devices.
Do not use the Universal Remote system
with any garage door opener that does not
have the stop and reverse feature. This
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982. Read these instructions completely before
programming the Universal Remote system.
It may help to have another person assist
with the programming process.
Keep the original hand-held transmitter for
use in other vehicles as well as for future
programming. Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated. See
“Erasing Universal Remote System Buttons”
later in this section.
To program a garage door opener, park
outside directly in line with and facing the
garage door opener receiver. Clear all people
and objects near the garage door.
Make sure the hand-held transmitter has a
new battery for quick and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
Programming the Universal Remote
System
For questions or programming help, see
www.homelink.com/gm or call
1-800-355-3515.
Programming involves time-sensitive actions,
and may time out causing the procedure to
be repeated.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
140 Infotainment System
removed from the infotainment menu,
or the DIC will display a message
indicating that Teen Driver is active and
the action is not available.
.Super Cruise or Ultra Cruise, if equipped,
is not available.
.Enhanced Low Fuel Warning
(if equipped)–When the vehicle is low
on fuel, the low fuel light on the
instrument cluster flashes and the DIC
low fuel warning cannot be dismissed.
.Do not tow a trailer if equipped with
Automatic Emergency Braking.
Report Card
The vehicle owner must secure the driver’s
consent to record certain vehicle data when
the vehicle is driven with a registered Teen
Driver key. There is one Report Card per
vehicle. Data is only recorded when a
registered Teen Driver key is used to
operate the vehicle.
The Report Card data is collected from the
time Teen Driver is activated or the last
time the Report Card was reset. The
following items may be recorded:
.Distance Driven –the total distance
driven.
.Maximum Speed –the maximum vehicle
speed detected.
.Overspeed Warnings –the number of
times the speed warning setting was
exceeded.
.Wide Open Throttle –the number of
times the accelerator pedal was pressed
nearly all the way down.
.Forward Collision Alerts (if equipped) –
the number of times the driver was
notified when approaching a vehicle
ahead too quickly and at potential risk for
a crash.
.Forward Automatic Braking, also called
Automatic Emergency Braking (if
equipped) –the number of times the
vehicle detected that a forward collision
was imminent and applied the brakes.
.Reverse Automatic Braking (if equipped) –
the number of times the vehicle detected
that a rearward collision was imminent
and applied the brakes.
.Traction Control –the number of times
the Traction Control System activated to
reduce wheel spin or loss of traction.
.Stability Control –the number of events
which required the use of electronic
stability control.
.Antilock Braking System Active –The
number of Antilock Brake System
activations.
.Tailgating Alerts (if equipped) –the
number of times the driver was alerted
for following a vehicle ahead too closely.
Report Card Data
Cumulative Data is saved for all trips until
the Report Card is reset or until the
maximum count is exceeded. If the
maximum count is exceeded for a Report
Card line item, that item will no longer be
updated in the Report Card until it is reset.
Each item will report a maximum of
1,000 counts. The distance driven will report
a maximum of 64 374 km (40,000 mi).
To delete Report Card data, do one of the
following:
.From the Report Card display, touch
Reset.
.Touch Clear PIN and All Teen Driver Keys
from the Teen Driver menu. This will also
unregister any Teen Driver keys and
delete the PIN.
Forgotten PIN
See your dealer to reset the PIN.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
162 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
800 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeTrailer Towing 0208 for the
trailer towing capabilities of the
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and
electrical systems experience a “break-in”
period during the first 6 400 km (4,000 mi)
of routine driving. As the vehicle is driven,
the mechanical systems adjust to provide
optimal fuel economy and transmission shift
performance.
Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate
during the break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle
noises is normal during this process. Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery
to achieve the best operation of the vehicle,
including fuel economy and the Stop/Start
System. See
Stop/Start System 0165.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start.
The remote key must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
See Remote Key Operation 010.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
166 Driving and Operating
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport. Property damage or
personal injury may result. Always park
the vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
The engine heater, if available, can help in
cold weather conditions at or below −18 °C
(0 °F) for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up. Plug in
the engine heater at least four hours before
starting the vehicle. An internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater 1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the heater cord from the rear compartment.
3. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement.
4. Plug the cord into the receptacle in the front fascia.
5. Plug the other end of the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors,
including where you park your vehicle. See
your local dealer for advice.