Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
164 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating Driving Information Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 173
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 174
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 176
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Starting and Operating New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 181
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine Exhaust Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Automatic Transmission Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 191
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Brakes Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 198
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 200
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 202 Cruise Control Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 206
Driver Assistance Systems Driver Assistance Systems . . . 214
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 216
Assistance Systems for
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 227
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 229
Fuel Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . 231
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 232
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 165Trailer Towing General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 244
Conversions and Add-Ons Add-On Electrical
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Driving Information Driving for Better Fuel
Economy Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.
Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the
engine is started, or turn them
off when not required.
.
On AWD vehicles, see Driver
Mode Control 0 202 .
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require. .
Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep
your eyes on the road, keep your
hands on the steering wheel, and
focus your attention on driving.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
182 Driving and Operating The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference
to the Keyless Access system. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 0 8 .
To shift out of P (Park), the engine
must be running, and the brake
pedal must be applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) : When the
vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0 186 .
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), D
(Drive) or L (Low), the vehicle will
shift to P (Park), the ignition will turn
off, and Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) will remain active. If the vehicle is in N (Neutral), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display the
message SHIFT TO PARK in the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park), the ignition will turn off.
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.
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 and
shift to P (Park). 4. Set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0 198 .
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP
to turn the vehicle off.
{ WarningTurning 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,
press and hold ENGINE START/
STOP for longer than two seconds,
or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber
Indicator Light) : This mode allows
some electrical accessories to be
used when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 183The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after
five minutes to prevent battery
rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) : This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and
the brake pedal applied, pressing
the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking
will continue until the engine starts.
See Starting the Engine 0 183 . The
ignition will then remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding the button for
more than five seconds will place
the vehicle in Service Mode. The
instruments and audio systems will
operate as they do in ON/RUN, but
the vehicle will not be able to be driven. The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press the button
again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine Press the P (Park) button on the
shift lever or shift the vehicle to
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
CautionDo not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
(Continued) Caution (Continued) covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 246 .
Starting Procedure 1. With the Keyless Access
system, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go
of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the RKE
battery is low, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will
display a message.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 185.
The accelerator pedal is
pressed.
.
The engine or transmission is
not at the required operating
temperature.
.
The outside temperature is not
in the required operating range.
.
The vehicle transmission is
shifted out of D (Drive) to any
gear other than P (Park).
.
Tow/Haul Mode or other driver
modes have been selected.
.
The vehicle is on a steep hill or
grade.
.
The driver door has been
opened or driver seat belt has
been unbuckled.
.
The hood has been opened.
.
The Auto Stop has reached the
maximum allowed time.
Engine Heater The engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up in
cold weather conditions at or below 0 °F ( − 18 °C). Vehicles with an
engine heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting.
Some models may have an internal
thermostat in the cord which will
prevent engine heater operation at
temperatures above 0 °F ( − 18 °C).
To Use the Engine Heater 1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. The bundled
cord is on the driver side of the
engine compartment, in front of
the battery. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 252 . Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
3. Plug the cord into a normal,
grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{ WarningImproper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
.
Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
.
Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
(Continued)
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
196 Driving and Operating
Manual Mode Electronic Range Select (ERS)
CautionDriving with the engine at a high
rpm without upshifting while using
Manual Mode, could damage the
vehicle. Always upshift when
necessary while using
Manual Mode.
Electronic Range Select (ERS),
or Manual Mode, allows for the
selection of the range of gear positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to
limit the top gear and vehicle speed.
The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display a number next to the L
indicating the highest available gear.
To enter Electronic Range Select or
Manual Mode:
1. With the vehicle in D (Drive),
pull back on the shift lever to
activate L (Low). The L in the
shift pattern will illuminate in
red, and the D will switch to
white.
2. Tap the left steering wheel
control to reduce the highest
gear available, or the right
control to increase the highest
gear available.
3. To exit, pull back on the shift
lever a second time. The D in
the shift pattern will illuminate
in red, and the L will switch to
white.
When shifting to L (Low), the
transmission will shift to a preset
lower gear range. For this preset range, the highest gear available
will be displayed next to the L in the
DIC. All gears below that number
are available to use. For example,
when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to
the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth)
gears are shifted automatically. To
shift to 5 (Fifth) gear, tap the right
steering wheel control or shift into D
(Drive).
L (Low) will prevent shifting to a
lower gear range if the engine
speed is too high. If the vehicle
speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. Slow the
vehicle, then tap the left steering
wheel control to the desired lower
gear range.
Cruise control can be used while
in ERS.
Tow/Haul Mode This feature can assist when towing
or hauling a heavy load. To activate
Tow/Haul Mode, see Driver Mode
Control 0 202 .
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 197
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive Vehicles with this feature can
operate in AWD Mode.
Press the button to select All-Wheel
Drive (AWD). The AWD Mode will stay selected
until the mode is changed. See
Driver Mode Control 0 202 .
When operated in FWD, the vehicle
will deliver power to the front wheels
only and may provide better fuel
economy.
When using a compact spare tire on
an AWD vehicle, the system
automatically detects the compact
spare and reduces AWD
performance to protect the system.
To restore full AWD operation and
prevent excessive wear on the
system, replace the compact spare
with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. See Compact Spare Tire
0 309 .Brakes Antilock Brake
System (ABS) The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent a braking skid and
maintain steering while
braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when
the vehicle is first driven.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and the brake pedal may move
slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 125 .
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
202 Driving and Operating CautionDo not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
g . The Traction Off light
idisplays in the instrument cluster
and the appropriate DIC message
displays.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
g . The Traction Off light
idisplayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis pressed, the system will not turn
off until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
g until the
Traction Off light
i and StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
g come on and stay
on in the instrument cluster. The
appropriate DIC message displays. To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on
again, press and release
g . The
Traction Off light
i and StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
g in the instrument
cluster turn off.
StabiliTrak will automatically turn on
if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35
mph). Traction control will
remain off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 249 .
Driver Mode Control Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in
different weather conditions or
terrain. This system simultaneously
changes the software calibration of
various sub-systems. Depending on
the option package, available
features, and mode selected, the
suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change calibrations
to achieve the desired mode
characteristics. If equipped, the vehicle may have
the following modes: All-Wheel
Drive (AWD), Tour, Sport, and/or
Tow/Haul. When not in AWD, the
vehicle is in Front-Wheel Drive
(FWD) which will provide better fuel
economy. All drive modes may
display indicator or mode on
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) except FWD.
AWD Mode
AWD Mode is intended for
conditions which demand more
traction. In AWD Mode, the AWD
system delivers power to all four
wheels and the system adjusts as