2021 BUICK ENCORE GX ECO mode

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
186 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 187
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 203
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 204
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 205
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 208
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) . . . . . . 214
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Assistance Systems for Parking or
Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 229
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . 232
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 241
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 249

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 197
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on and the brake pedal must be applied.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) will remain active. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0203
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition system will turn off.
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
vehicle is turned off and either front door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may
not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags. If the vehicle must be turned off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition off.
4. Set the electric parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0209
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over and
must be turned off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/ STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light)
This mode allows you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the button
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after five minutes to
prevent battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light)
This mode is for driving and starting. With
the ignition off and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START. Once
engine cranking begins, release the button.
Engine cranking will continue until the
engine starts. See Starting the Engine 0198.
The ignition will then remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off and the brake
pedal not applied, pressing and holding the
button for more than five seconds will place

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
198 Driving and Operating
the vehicle in Service Mode. The instruments
and audio systems will operate when the
vehicle is on, but the vehicle will not be able
to be driven. The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press the button again to turn
the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any
other position. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment 0249.
Gasoline Engine Starting Procedure
1. With the Keyless Access system, the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press ENGINE
START/STOP with the brake pedal
applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in the
vehicle, if there is interference, or if the
RKE battery is low, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display a message. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07
Caution
Cranking 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. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, release 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
The Stop/Start system will shut off the
engine to help conserve fuel. It has
components designed for the increased
number of starts.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
208 Driving and Operating
Press the AWD button on the center console
to activate the system. The AWD light will
flash briefly while the system is engaging
and stay lit to indicate AWD is active. Press
the button again to disable the system. The
light will flash briefly while the system
disables and then stay off.
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed.
When operated in two-wheel drive, 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 AWDperformance 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 0308.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 099.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
242 Driving and Operating
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to
prevent damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode SeeManual Mode 0207.
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.
.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 0204.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
266 Vehicle Care
6. Verify coolant level after the engine isshut off and the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
If the coolant still is not at the proper
level when the system cools down again,
see your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Automatic Coolant Service Fill Instruction
If equipped, this feature assists in filling and
removing air from the cooling system after
service of components or when coolant is
added after being too low.
To activate the fill and air removal process:
1. With a cold system, open the surge tank cap and add coolant to the indicated
mark on the surge tank.
2. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
3. Turn the ignition to Service Mode. See Ignition Positions 0196.
4. Turn off the air conditioning. 5. Set the parking brake.
6. At the same time, press the accelerator
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
indicated 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 094.
If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, get service help
right away. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 342. 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,
(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
276 Vehicle Care
4. Disconnect the wiring harness connectorfrom the bulb.
5. Install the new bulb in the headlamp assembly by turning clockwise.
6. Reconnect the wiring harness connector.
7. Install the headlamp bulb access cover.
Uplevel Headlamp Assembly
The uplevel model vehicle has LED
high-beam and low-beam headlamps, a DRL
and parking lamp, and a DRL position lamp
on the headlamp assembly.
Sidemarker
The vehicle has an LED sidemarker lamp.
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps
Front Turn Signal Lamp
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
1. Tilt the wheel and remove the screws on the outside of the wheel liner.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Vehicle Care 291
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0193.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0193.
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.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on light duty trucks and some
multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number
ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds
to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:The
maximum air pressure to which a cold
tire can be inflated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating
for a tire at the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for that tire. Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
:The
sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and production
options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The number
of occupants a vehicle is designed to
seat multiplied by 68 kg (150 lb). See
Vehicle Load Limits 0193.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated
seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The side of
an asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The side of the
tire that contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name molding
that is higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall of
the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on passenger cars and some light duty
trucks and multipurpose vehicles. Recommended Inflation Pressure
:
Vehicle manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown on the
tire placard. See
Tire Pressure0292 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0193.
Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in
which the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire and
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire between
the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the
maximum speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction
:The friction between the tire
and the road surface. The amount of
grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that comes
into contact with the road.