Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
8 In Brief
Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner’s manual.
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start
system to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components
designed for the increased number
of starts.
When the brakes are applied and
the vehicle is at a complete stop,
the engine may turn off. When
stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. SeeTachometer
0 114. When the brake pedal is
released or the accelerator pedal is
pressed, the engine will restart. See
Stop/Start System 0170 in Driving
and Operating.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter may work up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
To remove the key, press the button
on the back of the RKE transmitter,
and pull the key out. Never pull the
key out without pressing the button.
The key can be used for all locks.
K: Press to unlock the driver door
or all doors, depending on the
vehicle personalization settings.
Q: Press to lock all doors. Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized. See
Vehicle
Personalization 0130.
7:Press and release one time to
initiate vehicle locator. Press and
hold for at least three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. Press again
to cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys 026 and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 027.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Press and releaseQon the
RKE transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold
/
for at least four seconds or until
the turn signal lamps flash.
Start the vehicle normally after
entering.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on.
Remote start can be extended.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . 33
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 36
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Doors
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . 39
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . 40
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . 42
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . 42
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with
a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is dangerous and
children or others could be
seriously injured or killed. They
could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the
vehicle move. The windows will
function with the RKE transmitter
in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path
of a closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with an RKE
transmitter.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
With Remote Start Shown
The following may be available:
Q: Press to lock all doors and the
fuel door, if equipped.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound on the
second press to indicate locking.
See Vehicle Personalization 0130.
If the driver door is open when
Qis
pressed and Unlocked Door
Anti-Lockout is enabled, all doors
will lock and then the driver door will immediately unlock. See
Vehicle
Personalization 0130. If the
passenger door is open when
Qis
pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
Qmay also arm the
theft-deterrent system. See Vehicle
Alarm System 039.
K:Press to unlock the driver door
and the fuel door, if equipped. Press
again within five seconds to unlock
all doors. The RKE transmitter can
be programmed to unlock all doors
on the first button press. See
Vehicle Personalization 0130.
The turn signal indicators will flash
to indicate unlocking. See Vehicle
Personalization 0130.
Pressing
Kwill disarm the
theft-deterrent system. See Vehicle
Alarm System 039.
7:Press and release one time to
initiate vehicle locator. The exterior
lamps flash and the horn chirps
three times. Press and hold
7for at
least three seconds to sound the
panic alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signals flash for
30 seconds, or until
7is pressed
again or the vehicle is started.
/: If equipped, pressQand then
press and hold
/for at least
four seconds to start the engine
from outside the vehicle using the
RKE transmitter. See Remote
Vehicle Start 033.
Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system lets
you lock and unlock the doors and
access the liftgate without removing
the RKE transmitter from your
pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. The
RKE transmitter must be within 1 m
(3 ft) of the liftgate or door being
opened. There is a button on each
door handle.
Keyless Access can be
programmed to unlock all doors on
the first lock/unlock press from the
driver door. See Vehicle
Personalization 0130.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Keys, Doors, and Windows 39
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
If equipped with an anti-theft alarm
system, the indicator light, on the
instrument panel near the
windshield, shows the status of the
system.
Off :Alarm system is disarmed.
On Solid : Vehicle is secured
during the delay to arm the system. Fast Flast :
Vehicle is unsecured.
A door, the liftgate, or the hood
is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is
armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of two ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
. With a door open, press
Q
on the interior of the door.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the
indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the
alarm system is operating.
Pressing
Qon the RKE
transmitter a second time will
bypass the 30-second delay
and immediately arm the alarm
system.
The vehicle alarm system will not
arm if the doors are locked with
the key. If any door or the hood is opened
without first unlocking with the RKE
transmitter, the horn will chirp and
the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not
started, or the door is not unlocked
by pressing
Kon the RKE
transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be
activated.
The alarm will also be activated if
any door or the the hood is opened
without first disarming the system.
When the alarm is activated, the
turn signals flash and the horn
sounds for about 30 seconds. The
alarm system will then re-arm to
monitor for the next unauthorized
event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn
off the alarm if it has been activated:
. Press
Kon the RKE transmitter.
. Start the vehicle.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
40 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all
occupants have exited and all
doors are closed.
. Always unlock the vehicle with
the RKE transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the
key will not disarm the system or
turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn chirps
and the lights flash three times, an
attempted break-in has occurred
while the system was armed.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 305.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system. The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the transmitter
leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when ENGINE START/
STOP is pressed and a valid
transmitter is found in the vehicle.
The security light in the instrument
cluster comes on when there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more
transmitters matched to an
immobilizer control unit in your
vehicle. Only a correctly matched
transmitter will start the vehicle.
If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your
vehicle.When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
vehicle off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition
modes (ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off),
and the RKE transmitter appears to
be undamaged, try another
transmitter. Or, you may try placing
the transmitter in the front
cupholder. See
“Starting the Vehicle
with a Low Transmitter Battery”
under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 027.
If the engine does not start with the
other transmitter or when the
transmitter is in the pocket in the
front cupholder, the vehicle needs
service. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new transmitter
programmed to the vehicle.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
OnStar 311
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these
services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance,
OnStar Advisors can use GPS to
pinpoint the vehicle and help
authorities quickly recover it.
. With Remote Ignition Block,
if equipped, OnStar can block
the engine from being restarted.
. With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work
with law enforcement to
gradually slow the vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked
and the vehicle alarm sounds, a
notification by text, e-mail, or phone
call will be sent. If the vehicle is
stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the
vehicle.
OnStar Additional
Information
In-Vehicle Audio Messages
Audio messages may play important
information at the following times:
.Prior to vehicle purchase. Press
Qto set up an account.
. After change in ownership and
at 90 days.
Transferring Service
PressQto request account transfer
eligibility information. The Advisor
can cancel or change account
information.
Selling/Transferring the
Vehicle
Call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) immediately to
terminate your OnStar or connected
services if the vehicle is disposed
of, sold, transferred, or if the
lease ends.
Reactivation for Subsequent
Owners
PressQand follow the prompts to
speak to an Advisor as soon as
possible. The Advisor will update
vehicle records and explain OnStar
or connected service options.
How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote
Services, Roadside Assistance, and
Hands-Free Calling are available on
most vehicles. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles. For more
information, a full description of
OnStar services, system limitations,
and OnStar User Terms, Privacy
Statement, and Software Terms:
. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
. See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
. See www.onstar.ca (Canada).
. Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Index 321
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 2
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 200
Additional Information
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 213
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 147, 149
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 74
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 70
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .117
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 192
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 179, 223
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 179 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 329
SeatsAdjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 50
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . 50
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Underseat Storage . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Securing Child Restraints . . . . 94, 96
Security OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 147
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 203
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 291
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 292
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 301
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 286 Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Shift Lock Control Function
Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . 192
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Special Application Services . . . . 286
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Storage Areas Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Cargo ManagementSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Underseat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . 100
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146, 308
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186