Black plate (1,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
2014 Buick Encore Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-3
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-29
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 Climate Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-14
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-23
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-28
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 9-32
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-46
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Black plate (20,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
1-20 In Brief
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-800-252-1112
TTY Users (U.S. Only):
1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
New Buick owners are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Assistance
Program.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 13-5.
OnStar®
If equipped, this vehicle has a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to a live Advisor
for Emergency, Security, Navigation,
Connection, and Diagnostic
Services. See OnStar Overview on
page 14-1.
Black plate (1,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Doors
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . 2-11
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-12
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . 2-15
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-15
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition 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 keys in the
ignition, and children or others
could be caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with the
ignition key.
Black plate (4,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
/(Remote Vehicle Start):
If equipped, press
Qand then press
and hold
/to start the engine from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Vehicle
Start on page 2-5.
The buttons on the keys are
disabled when there is a key in the
ignition.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter
To program a new key:
1. Insert the original, already
programmed key in the ignition
and turn to the key to the ON/
RUN position.
2. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
3. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to the
ON/RUN position within
five seconds.
The security light will turn off
once the key has been
programmed.
4. Repeat Steps 1–3 if additional keys are to be programmed.
If a key is lost or damaged, see your
dealer to have a new key made. Programming without a
Recognized Transmitter
U.S. owners are permitted to
program a new key to their vehicle
when a recognized key is not
available. Canadian regulations
require that Canadian owners see
their dealer for programming new
keys when a recognized keys is not
available.
If there are no currently recognized
keys available, follow this procedure
to program the first key.
This procedure will take
approximately 30 minutes to
complete for the first key. The
vehicle must be off and all of the
keys you wish to program must be
with you.
1. Insert the new vehicle key into
the ignition.
2. Turn to ON/RUN. The security light will come on.
Black plate (5,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-5
3. Wait 10 minutes until thesecurity light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn to
ON/RUN; the key is learned and
all previously known keys will no
longer work with the vehicle.
Remaining keys can be learned by
following the procedure in
“Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter.”
Battery Replacement
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery:
{Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
1. Extend the key blade and open the battery cover on the back of
the transmitter by prying with a
finger.
2. Remove the used battery by pushing on the battery and
sliding it toward the key blade.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Push the battery
down until it is held in place.
Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
4. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature
that allows you to start the engine
from outside the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start): This
button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
The climate control system will use
the previous settings during a
remote start. The rear defog may
come on during remote start based
on cold ambient conditions. The
rear fog indicator light does not
come on during remote start. If the
vehicle has heated seats, they may
come on during a remote start. See
Heated Front Seats on page 3-8.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
require a person using remote start
to have the vehicle in view. Check
local regulations for any
requirements.
Black plate (11,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-11
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
If equipped with an anti-theft alarm
system, the indicator light, on the
instrument panel near the
windshield, shows the status of the
system.
Arming the System
1. Close all doors, the hood, andthe liftgate.
2. Lock the vehicle using the transmitter or the power door
lock button with the door open.
The indicator light on the
instrument panel should come
on and flash for about
30 seconds.
3. After 30 seconds, or if the
Q
button on the transmitter is
pressed twice, the alarm system
will arm, and the indicator light
will begin to slowly flash to show
that the alarm is operating.
If any door or the hood is opened
without first unlocking with the
transmitter, the turn signals will flash
and the horn will sound for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will
then re-arm to monitor for the next
unauthorized event.
The theft-deterrent alarm system will
not activate if the doors are locked
with the key.
Disarming the System
To disarm the system, either unlock
the doors using the transmitter,
or start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
.Lock the vehicle with the
transmitter after all occupants
have left the vehicle and all
doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with the
transmitter. Unlocking the driver
door with the backup key will not
disarm the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident,
turn off the alarm by pressing
Kon
the transmitter, or start the vehicle
with a recognized transmitter in the
vehicle. The alarm will not stop if
you unlock the driver door with
the key.
Black plate (12,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
2-12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn chirps
three times, an attempted break-in
has occurred while the system was
armed.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13-15.
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 key is
removed from the ignition. The system is automatically
disarmed when the vehicle is
started with the correct key. The key
uses a transponder that matches an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle and automatically disarms
the system. Only an authorized key
starts the vehicle. The vehicle may
not start if the key is damaged.
The security light in the instrument
cluster comes on if there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes 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 engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged
or the light continues to stay on, try
another ignition key. If the engine
does not start with the other key, the
vehicle needs service. If the vehicle
does start, the first key may be
damaged. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Black plate (1,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
Seats and Restraints 3-1
Seats and
Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Safety Belts
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16 Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-22
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-25
When Should an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34 Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-34
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-35
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Infants and Young
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-40
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-42
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger
Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51