Page 179 of 341

Black plate (18,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707490) - 2015 - crc - 2/4/15
9-18 Driving and Operating
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded110-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.
.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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts.
If you do not it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
engine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
.Sunroof
The power windows and sunroof will
continue to work for up to
10 minutes or until any door is
opened. The radio will work when
the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY. Once the key is
turned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF,
Page 181 of 341

Black plate (20,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707490) - 2015 - crc - 2/4/15
9-20 Driving and Operating
the driver seat. To find out how, see
“Shifting Into Park”previously in this
section.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transmission, so you can pull
the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with a shift
lock control. The shift lock control is
designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released.
.Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park) unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN and the
brake pedal is applied. The shift lock control is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See
Jump Starting - North
America on page 10-62.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position. If the shift lever still cannot be
moved from P (Park), see
“Shift
Lock Manual Release.”
Shift Lock Manual Release
The automatic transmission has an
electric park lock. The key must be
in the ON/RUN position, and the
brake pedal pressed so the shift
lever can be moved from the
P (Park) position. If the battery has
lost power, the shift lever cannot be
moved from P (Park) unless the shift
lock manual release is disengaged
manually.
To access the shift lock manual
release:
1. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.
2. Hold the brake pedal down. Apply the parking brake.
Page 186 of 341

Black plate (25,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707490) - 2015 - crc - 2/4/15
Driving and Operating 9-25
climbing hills to stay in gear longer
or to downshift for more power or
engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine
revolutions per minute (rpm):
.The transmission will not allow
shifting to the next higher gear if
the vehicle speed or engine rpm
is too low.
.The transmission will not allow
shifting to the next lower gear if
the vehicle speed or engine rpm
is too high.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
If equipped, this feature transfers
engine power, as required, to all
four wheels. It is fully automatic ,
and adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
When using a compact spare tire on
an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle,
the system automatically detects the
compact spare and disables AWD to
protect the system. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
will display on the instrument
cluster. SeeVehicle Messages on
page 5-25. To restore AWD
operation and prevent excessive
wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as
soon as possible. See Compact
Spare Tire on page 10-61.
AWD will be disabled and the
message will display if there is
excessive wheel spin. When the
system cools down, AWD will be
restored.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5-17.
Page 236 of 341

Black plate (29,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707490) - 2015 - crc - 2/4/15
Vehicle Care 10-29
Mini Fuses Usage1 Sunroof
2 Outside Rearview Mirror Switch
3 Canister Vent Solenoid
4 Not Used
5 Electronic Brake Control Module
Valve
6 Not Used
7 Not Used
8 Transmission Control Module
Battery
9 BCM Regulated Voltage Control
10 Fuel System Control Module R/C/
Headlamp Leveling
11 Rear Wiper Mini Fuses Usage
12 Rear Window Defogger
13 Not Used
14 Outside Rearview Mirror Heater
15 Fuel System Control Module Battery
16 Heated Seat Module/Memory
Module
17 Transmission Control Module R/C
18 Engine Control Module R/C
19 Fuel Pump
20 Not Used
21 Fan Relay (Auxiliary Fuse Block)
22 Not Used
23 Ignition Coil/Injectors
24 Washer Pump Mini Fuses Usage
25 Not Used
26 Canister Purge Solenoid/Water
Valve Solenoid/
Oxygen Sensors –
Pre and Post/Turbo
Wastegate Solenoid
(1.4L)/Turbo Bypass
Solenoid (1.4L)
27 Not Used
28 Not Used
29 Engine Control Module Powertrain
Ignition 1/Ignition 2
30 Mass Air Flow Sensor
31 Left High-Beam Headlamp
32 Right High-Beam Headlamp
33 Engine Control Module Battery
Page 237 of 341
Black plate (30,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707490) - 2015 - crc - 2/4/15
10-30 Vehicle Care
Mini Fuses Usage34 Horn
35 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
36 Front Fog Lamps
J-Case Fuses Usage
1 Electronic Brake Control
Module Pump
2 Front Wiper
3 Blower Motor
4 IEC R/C
5 Not Used
6 Not Used
7 Not Used
8 Cooling Fan Low/Mid
9 Cooling Fan High
10 EVP J-Case
Fuses Usage
11 Starter Solenoid
U-Micro Relays Usage
2 Not Used
4 Spare
HC-Micro Relays Usage
7 Starter
Mini
Relays Usage
1 Run Crank
3 Cooling Fan Mid
5 Powertrain Relay
8 Cooling Fan Low HC-Mini
Relays Usage
6 Cooling Fan High
Auxiliary Fuse Block
To remove the fuse block cover,
squeeze the clips and lift it up.
Page 240 of 341
Black plate (33,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707490) - 2015 - crc - 2/4/15
Vehicle Care 10-33
Mini Fuses Usage22 Cigar Lighter/DC Accessory Power
Outlet
23 Spare
24 Spare
25 Spare
26 Automatic Occupant Sensing Display
27 IPC/PTC Control/ Clutch Switch
28 Headlamp Switch/ AFL/DC Converter
29 Spare
30 Spare
31 IPC Battery
32 Radio/Chime/ Aux Jack
33 Display/Faceplate
34 OnStar/UHP/DAB S/B Fuses Usage
1 Spare
2 Spare
3 Power Window Motor Front
4 Power Window Motor Rear
5 Logistic Mode Relay
6 Spare
7 Spare
8 Spare
Circuit
Breaker Usage
CB1 Spare
Midi Fuse Usage M01 PTC Relays Usage
01 Accessory/Retained Accessory Power
02 Liftgate
03 Spare
04 Spare
05 Logistic Mode
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block
Page 241 of 341
Black plate (34,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707490) - 2015 - crc - 2/4/15
10-34 Vehicle Care
The rear compartment fuse block is
behind a cover on the left side of
the rear compartment. To access
the fuses, remove the cover.
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Mini Fuses Usage1 Driver Seat Power Lumbar Switch
2 Passenger Seat Power Lumbar
Switch
3 Amplifier
4 Trailer Socket (N/A)
5 All-Wheel Drive Module
6 Automatic Occupant Sensing Module
7 Spare/LPG Module Battery
8 Trailer Parking Lamps (N/A)
9 Spare
10 Spare/Side Blind Zone Alert Module
11 Trailer Module (N/A)
12 Nav Dock
Page 279 of 341

Black plate (72,1)Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707490) - 2015 - crc - 2/4/15
10-72 Vehicle Care
{Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium, calcium,
or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
{Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts,
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, master
cylinder, brake fluid reservoir,
vacuum pipes, electric vacuum
pump including bracket, and vent
hose, if equipped.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinge, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the