ECU BUICK ENCORE GX 2024 Owners Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Keys, Doors, and Windows 9
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Remote Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Remote Key Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Doors
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 31
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
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-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
7. Put the key back into the remote key.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. SeeDoor Locks 018.
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,
or NO REMOTE DETECTED PLACE KEY IN KEY
POCKET THEN START YOUR VEHICLE, follow
the steps shown below. To start the vehicle:
1. Place the remote key in the remote key
pocket, with the buttons facing the front
of the vehicle.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the remote key battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the
remote key. The remote key contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the remote key when
it has been exposed to extreme heat.
These surfaces can be hot to the touch at
temperatures above 59 °C (138 °F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the remote key.
Static from your body could damage the
remote key.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
The remote key must be within 1 m (3 ft) of
the liftgate or door being opened. Press the
button on the door handle to open. See
Remote Key Operation010.
Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder Access (In
Case of Dead Battery)
To access the driver door key lock cylinder:
1. Insert the key into the slot on the bottom of the cap.
2. Lift the key upward to remove the cap.
3. Insert the key into the cylinder and turn to lock or unlock.
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
22 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Warning (Continued)
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
See Engine Exhaust 0168.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area above
and behind the liftgate is clear before
opening it.
Manual Liftgate
To unlock the liftgate, pressKon the
power door lock switch or press
Kon the
remote key twice within five seconds. See
Remote Key Operation 010.
To open the liftgate, press the touch pad
under the liftgate handle and lift up.
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 Operation 010.
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Keys, Doors, and Windows 23
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
reverse direction. Pressing the touch pad on
the liftgate handle will restart the motion,
but only in the opening direction.
Caution
Manually forcing the liftgate to open or
close during a power cycle can damage
the vehicle. Allow the power cycle to
complete. The power liftgate may be temporarily
disabled under extreme low temperatures,
or after repeated power cycling over a short
period of time. If this occurs, the liftgate can
still be operated manually.
If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) while
the power function is in progress, the
liftgate will continue to completion. If the
vehicle is accelerated before the liftgate has
completed moving, the liftgate may stop or
reverse direction. Check for DIC messages
and make sure the liftgate is closed and
latched before driving.
Falling Liftgate Detection
If the power liftgate automatically closes
after a power opening cycle, it indicates that
the system is reacting to excess weight on
the liftgate or a possible support strut
failure. A repetitive chime will sound while
the falling liftgate detection feature is
operating. Remove any excess weight. If the
liftgate continues to automatically close
after opening, see your dealer for service
before using the power liftgate.
Interfering with the power liftgate motion
or manually closing the liftgate too quickly
after power opening may resemble a
support strut failure. This could also activate
the falling liftgate detection feature. Allow

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Keys, Doors, and Windows 29
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.
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 0306.
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 010.
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Seats and Restraints 37
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Buckle To Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . 49
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 54
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 58
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 59
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . 59
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
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-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Seats and Restraints 45
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. If the heated seats are on
high, the level may automatically be
lowered after approximately 30 minutes.
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.
To enable or disable remote start heated
seats, select Settings > Vehicle > Remote
Lock, Unlock, and Start > Remote Start Auto
Heat Seats > ON or OFF.
See
Remote Vehicle Start 017.
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
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. For more
information, see Where Are the Airbags?
0 57 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
{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 037
2. Move the seat as far back as possible. See Seat Adjustment 039 or
Power Seat Adjustment 039
3. Lift the lever fully and fold the seatback
forward. If necessary, move the seat belt
out of the way to access the lever.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
52 Seats and Restraints
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. SeePassenger Sensing
System 061.
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 054.
Position the release pushbutton on the
buckle so that the seat belt could be
quickly unbuckled if necessary.4. If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster, move it to the height that is
right for you. See “Shoulder Belt Height
Adjuster” later in this section for
instructions on use and important safety
information.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt.
It may be necessary to pull stitching on the
seat belt through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants.