
Black plate (1,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 1/8/13
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-9 Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-9
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-16
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-16
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17 Rear Vision
Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-17
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-19
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-20
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Black plate (3,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 1/8/13
In Brief 1-3
1.Air Vents on page 8-6.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals on
page 6-4.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer on page 6-2.
3. Instrument Cluster on page 5-9.
4. Driver Information Center (DIC) Display. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5-22.
5. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5-3.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 5-4.
6. Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9-28/StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9-30.
Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6-3.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator. See Passenger
Sensing System on page 3-29.
7. Infotainment Display. 8. Light Sensor. See
Automatic
Headlamp System on page 6-3.
9. AM-FM Radio on page 7-7.
10. Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4-1.
11. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6-1.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6-5.
Front Fog Lamps on page 6-4.
12. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10-4.
13. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5-14.
14. Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4-1.
15. Cruise Control on page 9-32.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System on page 9-34 (If
Equipped).
16. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5-2. 17.
Horn on page 5-3.
18. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5-2.
19. Ignition Positions on
page 9-15.
20. Climate Control Systems on
page 8-1 orDual Automatic
Climate Control System on
page 8-3 (If Equipped).
21. Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9-36 (If Equipped).
Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) on page 9-40 (If
Equipped).
22. Power Outlets on page 5-6.
23. Auxiliary Input Jack. See Auxiliary Devices on
page 7-13.
USB Port. See Auxiliary
Devices on page 7-13.
24. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9-23.
25. Safety Locks on page 2-7.

Black plate (17,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 1/8/13
In Brief 1-17
$/i:Press to silence the
vehicle speakers only. Press again
to turn the sound on. For vehicles
with OnStar or Bluetooth systems,
press to reject an incoming call,
or to end a current call.
_SRC^: Press the thumbwheel
inward to change the audio source.
Move the thumbwheel up or down to
select the next or previous favorite
radio station, CD, or MP3 track.
+
x−: Press + to increase or −to
decrease the volume.
For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5-2.
Infotainment System
See the infotainment manual for
information on the radio, audio
players, phone, navigation system,
and voice or speech recognition.
There is also information on settings
and downloadable applications (if
equipped).
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC display is in the instrument
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems. The controls for
the DIC are on the turn signal lever.
1. SET/CLR: Press to set or clear
the menu item displayed.
2.
w x: Turn the band to scroll
through the menu items.
3. MENU: Press to display the DIC
menus. This button is also used
to return to or exit the last
screen displayed on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5-22.
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If available, the RVC displays a view
of the area behind the vehicle when
the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse). The display will appear
on the radio screen.
To clean the camera lens above the
license plate, rinse it with water and
wipe it with a soft cloth.
See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on
page 9-38.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, Ultrasonic Front and
Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA) uses
sensors on the front and rear
bumpers to detect objects while
parking the vehicle. It operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph).
UFRPA uses audio beeps to provide
distance and system information.

Black plate (18,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 1/8/13
1-18 In Brief
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
front and rear bumpers clean to
ensure proper operation.
SeeUltrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9-36 for more information.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlet can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There is one accessory power outlet
on the center stack below the
climate control. This outlet is
powered when the key is in ON/
RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or until
the driver door is opened within
10 minutes of turning off the vehicle.
SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9-19.
See Power Outlets on page 5-6.
Sunroof
If equipped, the sunroof only
operates when the ignition is turned
to ON/RUN or Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. Open/Close:
Press and hold the
front or rear of switch (1) to open or
close the sunroof.
Vent: Press and hold the front or
rear of switch (2) to vent or close
the sunroof.
Manually close the sunshade.
The sunroof will not operate if the
vehicle has an electrical failure.
If problems persist, see your dealer.
See Sunroof on page 2-16.

Black plate (16,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 1/8/13
5-16 Instruments and Controls
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. See your dealer if assistance
is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.The malfunction indicator lamp is
on with the engine running, or if
the light does not come on when
the ignition is turned to ON/RUN
while the engine is off. See your
dealer for assistance in verifying
proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp.
.The OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics) system determines
that critical emission control
systems have not been
completely diagnosed. Thevehicle would be considered not
ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has
recently been replaced or run
down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take
several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer
can prepare the vehicle for
inspection.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working
MetricEnglish
The brake indicator light should
come on briefly as the engine is
started. If it does not come on have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light comes on
when the parking brake is set. The
light stays on if the parking brake
does not fully release. If it stays on
after the parking brake is fully
released, there is a brake problem.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately.

Black plate (26,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 1/8/13
5-26 Instruments and Controls
Battery Voltage and
Charging Messages
BATTERY LOW START
VEHICLE
If this message displays, start the
vehicle to prevent further draining of
the battery.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the
vehicle has detected that the battery
voltage is dropping beyond a
reasonable point. The battery saver
system starts reducing features of
the vehicle that may be noticed. At
the point that features are disabled,
this message displays. Turn off
unnecessary accessories to allow
the battery to recharge.
LOW BATTERY
This message is displayed when the
battery voltage is low. SeeBattery
on page 10-19.
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when the
brake fluid level is low. See Brake
Fluid on page 10-18.
BRAKES OVERHEATED
This message may display if the
brakes are too hot.
HILL START ASSIST ACTIVE
This message is displayed when Hill
Start Assist (HSA) is preventing the
vehicle from rolling while driving off
on a grade. See Hill Start Assist
(HSA) on page 9-28.
RELEASE PARKING BRAKE
This message is displayed if the
parking brake is applied. Release it
before you attempt to drive. See
Parking Brake on page 9-27 for
more information.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message is displayed when
there is a problem with the brake
assist system. Take the vehicle to
your dealer.
Compass Messages
CAL
This message is displayed when the
compass needs to be calibrated.
See Compass on page 5-5.
– –
Dashes will be displayed if the
compass needs service. See your
dealer for service.
Cruise Control Messages
CRUISE SET TO XXX
This message displays when the
cruise control is set and shows the
speed it was set to. See Cruise
Control on page 9-32.

Black plate (29,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 1/8/13
Instruments and Controls 5-29
road spray. To clean the system,
clean the outside of the windshield
area in front of the LDW/FCA
camera sensor.
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING
UNAVAILABLE
If equipped with the Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) system, this
message may display if the LDW
system cannot activate due to a
temporary condition. SeeLane
Departure Warning (LDW) on
page 9-40.
PARK ASSIST OFF
This message displays when the
park assist system has been turned
off or when there is a temporary
condition causing the system to be
disabled. See Ultrasonic Parking
Assist on page 9-36.
PARK ASSIST FAULT CLEAN
BUMPER
This message displays if snow,
mud, ice, or dirt is blocking the
sensors on the bumpers. Clean the
bumpers.
SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE
WARNING
This message displays when the
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system is disabled and need
service. See your dealer.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Ultrasonic Front
and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA)
system. Do not use this system to
help you park. See Ultrasonic
Parking Assist on page 9-36.
Ride Control System
Messages
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays when the rear drive system
is overheating. This message turns
off when the rear drive system cools
down. If the warning message stays
on for a while, you need to reset the
warning message. To reset the
warning message, turn the ignition
off and then back on again. If the
message stays on, see your dealer
right away. See All-Wheel Drive on
page 9-26 for more information.
SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays if a problem occurs with
this system. If this message
appears, stop as soon as possible
and turn off the vehicle. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message

Black plate (1,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 1/8/13
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-7
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-10
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-15
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-23
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-28
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Object Detection Systems
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-36
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40