Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 213
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in
the upper coolant hose return line
when the engine is running.1.4L L4 Engine (LUV) Shown, 1.4LL4 Engine (LE2) Similar
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the mark
pointed to, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
If no coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank, add coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
214 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine
parts can burn you. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol and it will
burn if the engine parts are hot
enough.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant
is not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
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.
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.
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.
4. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the
indicated level mark.
5. 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
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
indicated level mark.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 215
6. Replace the pressure captightly.
7. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
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 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 0113. If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
296.
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
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to 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
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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216 Vehicle Care
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.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0203 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.
. 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.
(Continued)
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
278 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0206.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 242.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0248.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 216.
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.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0209.
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 0248.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0206 and
Engine Oil Life System 0209.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0211.
. Check engine cooling system
hoses and connections. .
Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0216.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking or
contamination. See Exterior
Care 0267. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 221.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0242.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0248.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 210.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0267.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0267.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 064.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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286 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 Cooling System 0211.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 206.
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 equivalent.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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320 Index
Climate Control Systems (cont'd)Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 299
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Connections
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . .113
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145, 148
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Customer Information Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 301
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 299
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 305
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 304
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Diagnostics
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Door
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 291
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 178, 219
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123, 125
Driving
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 160
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 162
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
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Index 321
E
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 228
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 203
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 Engine (cont'd)
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 175
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 304
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 138
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
F
FeaturesMemory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 210
First Aid Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 140
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 210
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 Fog Lamps
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 122
Requirements, California . . . . . 194
Fuses
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 228