Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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284 Driving and Operating
If Head-Up Display (HUD) is
equipped and the screen is closed,
when the vehicle approaches a
pedestrian ahead too rapidly, the
HUD with the integrated RLAD can
display red spots reflected in the
windshield.
If Head-Up Display (HUD) is
equipped and the screen is open,
when the vehicle approaches apedestrian ahead too rapidly, the
HUD can display indicator on the
screen.
Eight rapid high-pitched beeps will
sound from the front. When this
Pedestrian Alert occurs, the brake
system may prepare for driver
braking to occur more rapidly which
can cause a brief, mild deceleration.
Continue to apply the brake pedal
as needed. Cruise control may be
disengaged when the Front
Pedestrian Alert occurs.
Automatic Braking
If FPB detects it is about to crash
into a pedestrian directly ahead, and
the brakes have not been applied,
FPB may automatically brake
moderately or brake hard. This can
help to avoid some very low speed
pedestrian crashes or reduce
pedestrian injury. FPB can
automatically brake to detected
pedestrians between 8 km/h (5 mph)
and 80 km/h (50 mph). Automatic
braking levels may be reduced
under certain conditions, such as
higher speeds.
If this happens, Automatic Braking
may engage the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB. A firm press
of the accelerator pedal will also
release Automatic Braking and
the EPB.
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically
brake the vehicle suddenly in
situations where it is unexpected
and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in
shape or size to pedestrians,
including shadows. This is normal
operation and the vehicle does
not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press
the accelerator pedal, if it is safe
to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“Front Pedestrian Detection” in
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0135.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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294 Driving and Operating
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
If the transmission downshifts
too often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode
See Manual Mode 0249.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
. Super Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Park Assist
. Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
. Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:
. Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
. Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO),
when towing a trailer:
. Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0246.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle itself. Get
used to the handling and braking of
the combination by driving on a
level road surface before driving on
public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and
the brakes must be all be rated to
carry the intended cargo.
Inadequate trailer equipment can
cause the combination to operate in
an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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296 Driving and Operating
If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle could show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run, preferably on
level ground, with the transmission
in P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0321.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill. 2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0390. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 321.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
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Vehicle Care 321
4. Turn off the air conditioning.
5. Set the parking brake.
6. At the same time, press theaccelerator and the brake for
two seconds, then release.
At the end of the cycle, check the
coolant level in the surge tank and
add coolant if it is low. Turn off the
vehicle, allow the Engine Control
Module (ECM) to go to sleep, about
two minutes, and repeat Steps 3-7.
Listen for pump activation and
movement of the control valves
while watching the level of the
coolant in the surge tank. If the tank
empties, turn the ignition off,
carefully remove the surge tank cap,
refill to the COLD FILL mark, and
repeat Steps 4-7. The fill and air
removal process will run for
approximately 10 minutes.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge to warn of the
engine overheating. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0112. If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
410.
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
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328 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
. To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only. .
To check the P (Park)
mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
replaced periodically. See
Maintenance Schedule 0390.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper type and
length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0400.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be covered by
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Vehicle Care 355
the problem is corrected. Some of
the conditions that can cause these
to come on are:
.One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a
TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and the DIC message,
if equipped, should go off after
the road tire is replaced and the
sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See
"TPMS Sensor Matching
Process" later in this section.
. The TPMS sensor matching
process was not done or not
completed successfully after
rotating the tires. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message, if equipped, should go
off after successfully completing
the sensor matching process.
See "TPMS Sensor Matching
Process" later in this section. .
One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message, if equipped, should go
off when the TPMS sensors are
installed and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer for
service.
. Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the original equipment
tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
other than those recommended
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying
New Tires 0360.
. Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly, it cannot detect or signal a
low tire pressure condition. See
your dealer for service if the TPMS
malfunction light and DIC message,
if equipped, come on and stay on.Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and
audible alerts outside the vehicle to
help when inflating an underinflated
tire to the recommended cold tire
pressure.
When the low tire pressure warning
light comes on: 1. Park the vehicle in a safe, level place.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
4. Add air to the tire that is underinflated. The turn signal
lamp will flash. When the
recommended pressure is
reached, the horn sounds once
and the turn signal lamp will
stop flashing and briefly turn
solid.
Repeat these steps for all
underinflated tires that have
illuminated the low tire pressure
warning light.
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Vehicle Care 357
There are two minutes to match the
first tire/wheel position, and
five minutes overall to match all four
tire/wheel positions. If it takes
longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching
process is:1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition on without starting the vehicle or place the
vehicle in Service Mode. See
Ignition Positions 0236.
3. Use SELECT or
o/pto select
the Vehicle in the Base Level
Driver Information Center
(DIC). Or Use SELECT
or
o/pto select the Info page
in the Uplevel Driver
Information Center (DIC).
4. Use the thumbwheel to scroll to the Tire Pressure Learn Menu
Item (Base DIC) or the Tire
Pressure Menu Item screen
(Uplevel DIC). 5. Press and hold
lor the
thumbwheel to begin the
sensor matching process.
A message requesting
acceptance of the process may
display.
6. If requested, press
lor the
thumbwheel again to confirm
the selection. The horn sounds
twice to signal the receiver is in
relearn mode and the TIRE
LEARN or TIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message displays on
the DIC screen.
7. Start with the driver side front tire.
8. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve
stem. Then press the button to
activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the
sensor identification code has
been matched to this tire and
wheel position.
9. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 8. 10. Proceed to the passenger side
rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 8.
11. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 8. The horn sounds two
times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been
matched to the driver side rear
tire, and the TPMS sensor
matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARN or
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
message on the DIC display
screen goes off.
12. Turn the vehicle off.
13. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires,
including the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, be inspected
for signs of wear or damage at
least once a month.
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360 Vehicle Care
equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. To
identify the age of a tire, use the tire
manufacture date, which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire
Identification Number (TIN) molded
into one side of the tire sidewall.
The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured date.
The first two digits represent the
week and the last two digits, the
year. For example, the third week of
the year 2020 would have a 4-digit
DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is the
first full week (Sunday through
Saturday) of each year.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at
least a month in a cool, dry, clean
area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be free
of grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations whiledriving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's
sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec number
will be followed by MS for mud
and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0346 for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. However,
if it is necessary to replace only
one axle set of worn tires, place
the new tires on the rear axle.
See Tire Rotation 0358.