2016 BUICK ENCORE Coolant system

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
202 Vehicle Care
If no coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge TankCaution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
If no problem is found, check to see
if coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank. If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is not at the
indicated level mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and surge tank pressure
cap to cool.
Caution
In cold weather, water can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core, and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and
the proper coolant mixture.
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
1.4L L4 Engine LUV Shown, 1.4LL4 LE2 Similar
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Vehicle Care 203
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture to the indicated
level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until you
can feel the upper radiator
hose getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture to
the coolant surge tank until the
level reaches the indicated
level mark. 5. Replace the pressure cap
tightly.
Check the level in the coolant
surge tank when the cooling system
has cooled down. If the coolant is
not at the proper level, repeat
Steps 1–3 and reinstall the pressure
cap. If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system cools
down again, see your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge to warn of the
engine overheating. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0103. If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance
Program
0282.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
204 Vehicle Care
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Vehicle Care 205
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0192 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
264 Service and Maintenance
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON DIC message displays, have
the engine oil and filter changed
within the next 1 000 km/600 mi.
If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System 0197.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0234.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0195 andEngine Oil Life
System 0197.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0200.
. Check engine cooling system
hoses and connections.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0204. .
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0252. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades.
See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0209.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0228.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0233.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0198.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0252.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
272 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant.
See Engine Coolant 0200.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. See Engine
Oil 0195.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and
Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299570, in Canada 19299571).
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579, in Canada 10953481).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Index 311
CompartmentsStorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Connections OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Control Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 103
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 280 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 287
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 285
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 290
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Door
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 277
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 166, 208
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Driving
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 23
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 148
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 150
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
E
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 215
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
312 Index
EmergencyOnStar®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Check and Service EngineSoon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 192
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Cooling System Messages . . . .117
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 163
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 290
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 126F
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 198
First Aid Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 128
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 198
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Fog Lamps Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112 Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . .112
Requirements, California . . . . . 183
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 215
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220