Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146155) - 2019 - crc - 9/10/18
212 Driving and Operating
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
SeeShifting Into Park 0207 and
Engine Exhaust 0211.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0254.
Automatic
Transmission
The shift pattern is displayed in the
top of the shift lever. The selected
gear position will illuminate red on
the shift lever, while all others will
be displayed in white. If the shift is
not immediate, as in very cold
conditions, the indicator on the shift
lever may flash until it is fully
engaged. The shift lever always starts from a
center position, represented by an
amber dot on the shift pattern. After
releasing the shift lever, it will return
to the center position.
The transmission does not operate
when the vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in ACC/
ACCESSORY, the transmission can
be shifted into P (Park).
If the ignition is turned off while at a
relatively high vehicle speed, the
transmission will automatically shift
to N (Neutral). Once the vehicle is
stopped, P (Park) can be selected.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146155) - 2019 - crc - 9/10/18
Driving and Operating 213
P :This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting
the engine because the vehicle
cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the transmission is not
in P (Park) with the parking brake
set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If the engine
has been left running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and place the
transmission into P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park 0207 and
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0254.
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. The shift
lock release button is designed to
prevent inadvertent shifting out of
P (Park) unless the ignition is on,
the brake pedal is applied, and the
shift lock release button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP to turn off
the vehicle. The transmission will
shift to P (Park) automatically unless
the vehicle is in N (Neutral). See
“Car Wash Mode” later in this
section.
The vehicle will not shift into
P (Park) if it is moving too fast. Stop
the vehicle and shift into P (Park). To shift in and out of P (Park), see
Shifting Into Park
0207 andShifting
out of Park 0208.
SERVICE SHIFTER SEE OWNER’S
MANUAL Message
When this message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), the
shift lever needs service. Have the
vehicle serviced as soon as
possible. If the vehicle is
automatically shifting into P (Park),
check to see if the P (Park) button
on top of the shift lever is stuck. To
operate the vehicle, hold the shift
lever in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until
vehicle speed exceeds
15 km/h (10 mph), then release the
shift lever.
R : Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from
D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the
speed is too high, the vehicle will
shift to N (Neutral). Reduce the
vehicle speed and try the shift
again.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146155) - 2019 - crc - 9/10/18
214 Driving and Operating
Shifting into R (Reverse) requires
the shift lock release button to be
pressed and held.
To shift into R (Reverse):1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Press and hold the shift lock release button on the side of
the shift lever.
3. From the center position, move the shift lever forward, and
then to the left. R will illuminate
in red.
4. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center
position.
To shift out of R (Reverse):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center
position.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse)
can be used to rock the vehicle
back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the
transmission. See
If the Vehicle Is
Stuck 0198.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle
is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
The vehicle is not designed to stay
in N (Neutral) for extended periods
of time. It will automatically shift into
P (Park).
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. From the center position, move the shift lever forward. If the
vehicle is in P (Park), press
and hold the shift lock release
button, continue holding it, and
move the shift lever forward. N
will illuminate in red.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center
position.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146155) - 2019 - crc - 9/10/18
Driving and Operating 215
2. Shift to the desired gear.If selecting R (Reverse), press
and hold the shift lock release
button.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center
position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash
Mode that allows the vehicle to
remain in N (Neutral) for use in
automatic car washes.
The vehicle is not designed to stay
in N (Neutral) for more than
five minutes. It may automatically
shift into P (Park). N (Neutral) is not
intended for towing. If the vehicle
needs to be towed, see Towing the
Vehicle 0331.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –
Driver in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine off and the vehicle
occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash. 2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release
the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start
the engine and repeat
Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –
Driver out of Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine off and the vehicle
unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal. 6. The indicator should continue
to show N. If it does not, start
the engine and repeat
Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready
for the car wash.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –
Driver in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine on and the vehicle
occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is now ready for the
car wash.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 221
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA) will activate
when the vehicle is stopped on a
moderate to steep grade to help
prevent it from rolling in an
unintended direction. After the brakepedal has been released and before
the accelerator pedal has been
pressed, HSA uses braking
pressure to hold the vehicle
stationary. If HSA is holding the
vehicle, a DIC message displays.
HSA will not activate in a forward
drive gear when facing downhill,
or in R (Reverse) when facing uphill.
Select the duration of the HSA
feature through vehicle
personalization. See
”Extended Hill
Start Assist” under“Comfort and
Convenience” inVehicle
Personalization 0156. When
Standard Hold is selected, the
vehicle is held stationary for up to
two seconds after the brake pedal is
released. When Extended Hold is
selected, the vehicle is held
stationary for up to five minutes
after the brake pedal is released. In
either case, override the hold
feature by pressing the accelerator
pedal and attempting to drive away.
If Standard Hold is selected, it will
hold the vehicle for two seconds
unless the driver door is opened or
the driver seat belt is unbuckled after releasing the brake pedal.
If Extended Hold is selected, it will
hold the vehicle for five minutes
unless the driver door is opened
and the driver seat belt is unbuckled
prior to releasing the brake pedal.
When deactivated after five minutes,
or if it is deactivated when the driver
seat belt is unlatched or the driver
door is opened, the Electric Parking
Brake will engage to prevent vehicle
movement.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146155) - 2019 - crc - 9/10/18
222 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit
wheel slip and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on
slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of thevehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used and
TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to
limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow. TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically
turn on when cruise control is set.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0198
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.
Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
. Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated.
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 233
Electric Parking Brake0219. To
resume ACC and release the EPB,
press the accelerator pedal.
A DIC warning message may
display indicating to shift to P (Park)
before exiting the vehicle.
{Warning
If ACC has stopped the vehicle,
and if ACC is disengaged, turned
off, or canceled, the vehicle will
no longer be held at a stop. The
vehicle can move. When ACC is
holding the vehicle at a stop,
always be prepared to manually
apply the brakes.
{Warning
Leaving the vehicle without
placing it in P (Park) can be
dangerous. Do not leave the
vehicle while it is being held at a
stop by ACC. Always place the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
vehicle in P (Park) and turn off
the ignition before leaving the
vehicle.
ACC Override
If using the accelerator pedal while
ACC is active, the ACC indicator
turns blue on the instrument cluster.
ACC will resume operation when the
accelerator pedal is not being
pressed.
{Warning
The ACC will not automatically
apply the brakes if your foot is
resting on the accelerator pedal.
You could crash into a vehicle
ahead of you. Curves in the Road
{Warning
On curves, ACC may not detect a
vehicle ahead in your lane. You
could be startled if the vehicle
accelerates up to the set speed,
especially when following a
vehicle exiting or entering exit
ramps. You could lose control of
the vehicle or crash. Do not use
ACC while driving on an entrance
or exit ramp. Always be ready to
use the brakes if necessary.
{Warning
On curves, ACC may respond to
a vehicle in another lane, or may
not have time to react to a vehicle
in your lane. You could crash into
a vehicle ahead of you, or lose
control of your vehicle. Give extra
attention in curves and be ready
(Continued)
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146155) - 2019 - crc - 9/10/18
Driving and Operating 257
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, preferably on
level ground, with the transmission
in P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0280.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill. 2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0346. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 280.