2021 BUICK ENCORE GX battery replacement

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Vehicle Care 271
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0308 for tips
on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Negative Battery Cable Disconnection
{Warning
Before disconnecting the negative battery
cable, turn off all features, turn the
ignition off, and remove the key,
if equipped, from the vehicle. If this is
not done, you or others could be injured,
and the vehicle could be damaged.
Caution
If the battery is disconnected with the
ignition on or the vehicle in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP), the OnStar
back-up battery will be permanently
discharged and will need to be replaced.
1. Make sure the lamps, features, and accessories are turned off.
2. Turn the ignition off and remove the key, if equipped.
3. Loosen the negative battery cable nut (1).
4. Remove the negative battery cable (2)from the battery.
Negative Battery Cable Reconnection
Caution
When reconnecting the battery:
.Use the original nut from the vehicle
to secure the negative battery cable.
Do not use a different nut. If you
need a replacement nut, see your
dealer.
.Tighten the nut with a hand tool. Do
not use an impact wrench or power
tools to tighten the nut.
The vehicle could be damaged if these
guidelines are not followed.
Caution
Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion
inhibitors on the nut that secures the
negative battery cable to the vehicle. This
could damage the vehicle.
1. Install the negative battery cable (2) to the battery.
2. Install the negative battery cable nut (1) and tighten.
3. Turn the ignition on.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
328 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 261.
(2) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(3) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced. (5)
Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0262.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0269.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0272.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0274.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
(11) The oil pump drive belt and the timing
belt on the LIH engine must be replaced at
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 15 years,
whichever comes first.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0314.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Service and Maintenance 329
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0331 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Customer Information 343
.Lock-Out Service:Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have
OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest Buick dealer
for warranty service, or if the vehicle was
in a crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is not given when the vehicle
is stuck in sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices.
Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement is up to 7
liters. Propane and other fuels are not
provided through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help you make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service:
If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside
Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and
labor for repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner responsibility.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty service,
contact your dealer and request an
appointment. By scheduling a service
appointment and advising the service
consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience.
If the vehicle cannot be scheduled into the
service department immediately, keep
driving it until it can be scheduled for
service, unless, of course, the problem is
safety related. If it is, please call your
dealership, let them know this, and ask for
instructions.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Index 359
AudioBluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 272
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . 137
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 127
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 270, 308
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Brake
Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Brake (cont'd)
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Bulb Replacement Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 276
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . 275
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Backup Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277, 280
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 California
Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 252
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252, 270, 308, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Check
Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 97
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Index 365
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Personalization Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Phone
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . 163
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Positioning Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Program
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252, 270, 308,
Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 346
R
Radio HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Radios AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Rear Compartment/Storage Panel Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Recognition Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Recommended
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . 331
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . .7
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . 203
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190