Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
216 Vehicle Care
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-
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Vehicle Care 217
{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.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper 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
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
indicated level mark.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
218 Vehicle Care
5. Replace the pressure captightly.
6. 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 0115. If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
299.
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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Vehicle Care 219
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 0206 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-
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Service and Maintenance 281
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0209.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 246.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0251.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 219.
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 0211.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
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 0251. .
Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0209 and
Engine Oil Life System 0211.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0214.
. Check engine cooling system
hoses and connections.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0219.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0246.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0251.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 213.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0270.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 289
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 0214.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 209.
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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Index 323
Climate Control Systems (cont'd)Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 302
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Connected Services
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Connections
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 318
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . .115
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147, 149
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 298 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Customer Information Publications Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 302
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 308
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 307
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 320 Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Door
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 294
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 179, 223
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 186
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125, 127
Driving Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 160
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 162
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
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324 Index
E
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 231
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 206
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Engine (cont'd)
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 176
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 307
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 140
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
F
FeaturesMemory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 142
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 212
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Fog Lamps
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 124
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196