
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
Driving and Operating 187Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{ WarningIt can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle 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 you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
shift to P (Park). See Shifting Into
Park 0 186 . If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0 234 . If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you
leave it. After you have pressed the
P (Park) button, hold down the
brake pedal. If you cannot see the
P (Park) indicator in the instrument
cluster, it means that the vehicle is
not in P (Park).
If you are towing a trailer and
parking on a hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 234 .
Shifting out of Park 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 in on,
the brake pedal is applied, and the
shift lock release button is pressed.
The shift lock control is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery. If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0 311 .
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press and hold the shift lock
release button.
4. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13527524) - 2020 - CRC - 4/10/19
190 Driving and Operating If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
inside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it
is parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.
Engine Exhaust
{ WarningEngine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.
The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block
underbody airflow or tail
pipes).
.
The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
.
The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
.
The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified,
damaged, or improperly
repaired.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.
Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
.
Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.

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.

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
Driving and Operating 199If the
8 light is on, press the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Y or PARK
light remains on. If the
8 light
remains on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
pressed. If the switch is pressed
until the vehicle comes to a stop,
the EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when
the vehicle is not moving. This is
normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the
EPB system.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the
rear wheels to prevent vehicle
movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake
pedal. 3. Press the EPB switch
momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Yor PARK light is off.
If the
8 light is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Y or PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.
CautionDriving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicle
is pulling a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 234 .
Brake Assist Brake Assist detects rapid brake
pedal applications due to
emergency braking situations and
provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System
(ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to activate
ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal
movement during this time may
occur. Continue to apply the brake
pedal as the driving situation
dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.