Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
218 Climate Controls
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything
else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect the
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
MorL:If equipped, pressMorLto heat the driver or passenger seat.
See Heated Front Seats 048.
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation
for the vehicle can be controlled
with this system. 1. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
2. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Climate Controls 219
3. Fan Controls
4. MAX Defrost
5. Rear Window Defogger
6. SYNC (SynchronizedTemperature)
7. Recirculation
8. Driver and Passenger Heated Seats (If Equipped)
9. Air Delivery Mode Controls
10. ON/OFF (Power)
11. A/C (Air Conditioning)
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls
the fan speed, air delivery, air
conditioning, and recirculation in
order to heat or cool the vehicle to
the desired temperature.
When AUTO is lit, all four functions
operate automatically. Each function
can also be manually set and the
selected setting is displayed.
Functions not manually set will
continue to be automatically
controlled, even if the AUTO
indicator is not lit. For automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Then
adjust the temperature as
needed for best comfort.
Driver and Passenger
Temperature Control : The
temperature can be adjusted
separately for the driver and the
passenger. Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature.
SYNC : Press to link all climate
zone settings to the driver setting.
The SYNC indicator light will turn
on. When the passenger settings
are adjusted, the SYNC indicator
light turns off.
Manual Operation
ON/OFF : Press to turn the fan off
or on. When off, no air will flow into
the vehicle. Turning the fan on,
pressing any other button, or turning
a knob will turn the system back on
using the current setting.
9: Press to increase or decrease
the fan speed. The fan speed
setting appears on the main display.
Pressing either button cancels
automatic fan control and the fan is
controlled manually. Press AUTO to
return to automatic operation.
Air Delivery Mode Controls :
Press any combination of
z,Y,
or
6to change the direction of the
airflow. The indicator light in the
button will turn on. The current
mode appears in the display screen.
Pressing any of the three buttons
cancels automatic air delivery
control and the direction of the
airflow is controlled manually. Press
AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
To change the current mode, select
one or more of the following:
z: Clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Climate Controls 221
temperature is about 5 °C (41 °F)
and below. The Auto Rear Defogger
turns off automatically.
If the vehicle is equipped with
heated outside mirrors, they turn on
when the rear window defogger
button is on and help to clear fog or
frost from the surface of the mirror.
SeeHeated Mirrors 031
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything
else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect the
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
MorL:If equipped, pressMorLto heat the driver or passenger seat.
See Heated Front Seats 048. Remote Start Climate Control
Operation (If Equipped) :
If the
vehicle is equipped with the remote
start feature, the climate control
system may run when the vehicle is
started remotely. The system uses
the driver ’s previous settings to heat
or cool the inside of the vehicle. The
rear defog may come on during
remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. If the vehicle has heated
seats, they may come on during a
remote start. See Remote Vehicle
Start 015 and
Heated Front Seats 048.
Sensors
The solar sensor on top of the
instrument panel near the
windshield monitors the solar heat.
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise
the automatic climate control system
may not work properly.
Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air
vents to change the direction of the
airflow.
To open or close off the airflow:
.
Move slider knobs away from
the occupant for shut off closing.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from air inlets at the
base of the windshield that could
block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into
the vehicle, which may improve
long term system performance.
. Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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236 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.. Put things in the cargo area
of the vehicle. In the cargo
area, put them as far
forward as possible. Try to
spread the weight evenly.
. Never stack heavier things,
like suitcases, inside the
vehicle so that some of
them are above the tops of
the seats.
. Do not leave an unsecured
child restraint in the vehicle.
. Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
. Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 800 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 300 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 349
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials. Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 351.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 232.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0232.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0232.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 359
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on
the parts to which it is
fastened, can cause wheel
nuts to become loose over
time. The wheel could come
off and cause a crash. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where
the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, a
cloth or paper towel can be
used; however, use a scraper
or wire brush later to remove
all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of
the wheel hub opening with
wheel bearing grease after a
wheel change or tire rotation to
prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.{Warning
Do not apply grease to the
wheel mounting surface,
wheel conical seats, or the
wheel nuts or bolts. Grease
applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become
loose or come off, resulting in
a crash.
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors, such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds,
vehicle loading, and road conditions
affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to
tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when
the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)
or less of tread remaining. See Tire
Inspection 0357 and
Tire Rotation 0358 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. GM recommends that
tires, including the spare if
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 429
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 3
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 258
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 302
Additional Information
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Agreements
Trademarks and License . . . . . 205
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 315
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 216, 218
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 66 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 62
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .114
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Servicing Airbag-Equipped
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 285
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 250, 327
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 251 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
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Index 433
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 314
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 418
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 143
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
F
Filter,Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 146
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 314
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Economy, Driving for Better . . . 225
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 122
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 338
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341 Fuses (cont'd)
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 140Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 388
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410