Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
184 Driving and Operating CautionCranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start
after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below − 18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you press ENGINE START/
STOP, for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the button and
the accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops
again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
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.
{ Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may
restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then
turn the ignition off before exiting
the vehicle. Auto Engine Stop/Start
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. See Tachometer
0 116 . When the brake pedal is
released or the accelerator pedal is
pressed, the engine will restart.
To maintain vehicle performance,
other conditions may cause the
engine to automatically restart
before the brake pedal is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or
auto restarts may occur because:
.
The climate control settings
require the engine to be running
to cool or heat the vehicle
interior.
.
The vehicle battery charge
is low.
.
The vehicle battery has recently
been disconnected.
.
Minimum vehicle speed has not
been reached since the last
Auto Stop.
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
186 Driving and Operating Warning (Continued) condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
.
Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
.
While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
.
Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts. 4. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine
parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) When the ignition is turned from on
to off, the following features (if
equipped) will continue to function
for up to 10 minutes, or until the
driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the
ignition is in RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY:
.
Infotainment System
.
Power Windows (during RAP
this functionality will be lost
when any door is opened) .
Sunroof (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when
any door is opened)
.
Auxiliary Power Outlet
.
Audio System
.
OnStar System
Shifting Into Park To shift into P (Park):
1. Press the brake pedal and
come to complete stop.
2. Press the button on top of the
shift lever to shift into P (Park).
See Automatic Transmission
0 191 .
3. The P indicator on the shift
lever will turn red when the
vehicle is in P (Park).
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 191
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.
See Shifting Into Park 0 186 and
Engine Exhaust 0 190 .
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0 234 .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-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
192 Driving and Operating P : This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting
the engine because the vehicle
cannot move easily.
{ WarningIt 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 0 186 and
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0 234 . 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 0 186 and
Shifting out of Park 0 187 .
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-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 193Shifting 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 0 176 .
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.
{ WarningShifting 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),
apply the brake pedal and
press the shift lock release
button while moving the
shift lever forward.
.
N will illuminate in red.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it
will return to the center
position.
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
194 Driving and Operating To shift out of N (Neutral):
1. Bring the vehicle to a
complete stop.
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 0 313 . 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-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 195Car Wash Mode (Engine On –
Driver out of Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine on 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), then
release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue
to show N. If it does not, repeat
Steps 2 – 4.
6. Exit the vehicle and close the
door. The vehicle is now ready
for the car wash.
7. The vehicle may automatically
shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down. To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a
complete stop.
2. From the center position, move
the shift lever back. If the
vehicle is in P (Park) press and
hold the shift lock release
button, continue holding it, and
move the shift lever back. D
will illuminate in red.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it
will return to the center
position.
To shift out of D (Drive):
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.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “ Skidding ” under
Loss of Control 0 168 . CautionA transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
CautionSpinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle
is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.