2016 BUICK ENCORE power steering

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Driving and Operating 143
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . 144
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 147
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 148
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 150
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 155
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 164
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . 173
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 183
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
146 Driving and Operating
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Curve Tips
.
Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
. Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) allows steering while
braking.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Driving and Operating 155
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
The key must be fully extended to
start the vehicle. To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal applied.
0 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/
OFF) :
When the vehicle is stopped,
turn the ignition switch to LOCK/
OFF to turn the engine off.
This position locks the ignition and
transmission. The steering wheel
may also lock, if equipped.
The ignition switch can bind in the
LOCK/OFF position with the wheels
turned off center. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY. If this does not work,
then the vehicle needs service.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
156 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF. On
vehicles with an automatic
transmission, the shift lever
must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK/
OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0167.{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer. 1 (ACC/ACCESSORY) :
This is the
position in which you can operate
things like the radio and the
windshield wipers when the engine
is off.
2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position
when the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to
start the vehicle if the battery is
allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
3 (START) : This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for
driving.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
Vehicle Care 219
Mini Fuses Usage14 Ultrasonic parking aid module
15 Lane departure warning module/
Interior rearview
mirror
16 Adaptive forward lighting module
17 Door power window switch
18 Rain sensor
19 Body control module regulated voltage
control
20 Steering wheel switch backlighting
21 A/C accessory power outlet/PRNDL
22 Cigar lighter/DC accessory power
outlet
23 –
24 –
25 – Mini Fuses Usage
26 Automatic occupant sensing display
27 Instrument panel cluster/PTC control/
Clutch switch
28 Headlamp switch/ Adaptive forward
lighting/DC converter
29 –
30 Transmission control module battery
31 Instrument panel cluster battery
32 Radio/Chime/ Auxiliary jack
33 Display/Faceplate
34 OnStar/UHP/DAB
S/B Fuses Usage 1 –
2 –
3 Power window motor –front S/B Fuses Usage
4 Power window motor –rear
5 Logistic mode relay
6 –
7 –
8 –
Circuit
Breaker Usage
CB1 –
Midi Fuse Usage M01 PTC
Relays Usage 01 Accessory/Retained accessory power
02 Liftgate
03 –
04 –
05 Logistic mode

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
220 Vehicle Care
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block
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 Mini Fuses Usage
2 Passenger seat power lumbar
switch
3 Amplifier
4 Trailer socket (N/A)
5 AWD module
6 Automatic occupant sensing module
7 –/LPG module
battery
8 Trailer parking lamps (N/A)
9 –
10 –/Side blind zone
alert module
11 Trailer module (N/A)
12 Navigation dock
13 Heated steering wheel
14 Trailer socket (N/A)
15 –/EVP switch
16 Water in fuel sensor

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
256 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
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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 all other brake parts.
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
attachment, connections, 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 hinges, 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
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9234779) - 2016 - CRC - 1/5/16
314 Index
Lamps (cont'd)On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
LATCH System Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 108
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112 Lights (cont'd)
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 127
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 109
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 104
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . .110
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Warning, Power Steering . . . . . 109
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 112
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 263 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 106
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Messages Battery Voltage and
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . .117
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Object Detection System . . . . . .118
Ride Control System . . . . . . . . . . .119
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116