Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Climate Controls 181
3. MAX Defrost
4. Rear Window Defogger
5. Fan Control
6. Driver and Passenger Heated Seats (IfEquipped)
7. Recirculation
8. A/C (Air Conditioning)
]: Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
fan speed or turn the fan off.
Temperature Control : Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature.
Air Delivery Mode Controls : Press
z,Y,
or
6to change the direction of the airflow.
The indicator light in the button will turn
on. Any combination of the three buttons
can be selected. The indicator light in the
button will turn on.
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.
6: Air is directed to the floor outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the windshield
and the fan runs at a higher speed. Fog or
frost is cleared from the windshield more
quickly. When the button is pressed again,
the system returns to the previous mode
setting.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.
A/C : Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. If the climate control
system is turned off or the outside
temperature falls below freezing, the air
conditioner will not run.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle or
to reduce the entry of outside air and odors.
Rear Window Defogger
K: Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on.
The defogger can be turned off by turning
the ignition off or to ACC/ACCESSORY. 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.
See
Heated Mirrors 026.
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 040.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
184 Climate Controls
turn on the air conditioner. The fan speed
may slightly increase to help prevent
fogging. If the climate control system does
not detect possible window fogging, it
returns to normal operation.
To turn Auto Defog off or on, see“Climate
and Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization 0114.
Ionizer
If equipped with an ionizer, this feature
helps to clean the air inside the vehicle and
remove contaminants such as pollen, odors,
and dust. If the climate control system is on
and the ionizer is enabled, Ionizer On will be
displayed. To turn the ionizer on or off, see
“Climate and Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization 0114.
Rear Window Defogger
K:Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on. The defogger only works
when the ignition is on.
The defogger can be turned off by turning
the ignition to off or ACC/ACCESSORY. The rear window defogger can be set to
automatic operation. See
“Climate and Air
Quality” underVehicle Personalization 0114.
When auto rear defog is selected, the rear
window defogger turns on automatically
when the interior temperature is cold and
the outside 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. See Heated Mirrors 026
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 040. 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 013 and
Heated Front Seats 040.
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:
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
188 Driving and Operating
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 043.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious —or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Vehicle Care 295
Caution (Continued)
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire pressure warning
light, defined above, flashes for about
one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC
warning message may also display. The
malfunction light and DIC warning message,
if equipped, come on at each ignition cycle
until 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 processis 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 0299.
.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.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
348 Customer Information
Transport Canada
Motor Vehicle Safety Directorate
Defect Investigations and Recalls
Division
80 Noel Street
Gatineau
,QC J8Z 0A1
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport
Canada) in a situation like this, notify
General Motors.
In the U.S., call 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33136
Detroit, MI 48232–5136
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Company
Customer Care Centre, Mail Code:
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
In Mexico, call 800-200-28425 or
800-466-0818.In other Central America and Caribbean
Countries, call 52-555-901-2369.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
The vehicle has a number of computers that
record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven or used.
For example, the vehicle uses computer
modules to monitor and control engine and
transmission performance, to monitor the
conditions for airbag deployment and
deploy them in a crash, and, if equipped, to
provide antilock braking to help the driver
control the vehicle. These modules may
store data to help the dealer technician
service the vehicle or to help GM improve
safety or features. Some modules may also
store data about how the vehicle is
operated, such as rate of fuel consumption
or average speed. These modules may retain
personal preferences, such as radio presets,
seat positions, and temperature settings.
Cybersecurity
GM collects information about the use of
your vehicle including operational and safety
related information. We collect thisinformation to provide, evaluate, improve,
and troubleshoot our products and services
and to develop new products and services.
The protection of vehicle electronics systems
and customer data from unauthorized
outside electronic access or control is
important to GM. GM maintains appropriate
security standards, practices, guidelines and
controls aimed at defending the vehicle and
the vehicle service ecosystem against
unauthorized electronic access, detecting
possible malicious activity in related
networks, and responding to suspected
cybersecurity incidents in a timely,
coordinated and effective manner. Security
incidents could impact your safety or
compromise your private data. To minimize
security risks, please do not connect your
vehicle electronic systems to unauthorized
devices or connect your vehicle to any
unknown or untrusted networks (such as
Bluetooth, WIFI or similar technology). In
the event you suspect any security incident
impacting your data or the safe operation of
your vehicle, please stop operating your
vehicle and contact your dealer.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
352 OnStar
Reactivation for Subsequent Owners
PressQand follow the prompts to speak to
an Advisor as soon as possible. The Advisor
will update vehicle records and explain
OnStar or connected service options.
How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response, Emergency
Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle
Assistance, Remote Services, and Roadside
Assistance are available on most vehicles.
Not all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles. For more
information, a full description of OnStar
services, system limitations, and OnStar User
Terms, Privacy Statement, and Software
Terms:
.Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
.See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
.See www.onstar.ca (Canada).
.Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.
.PressQto speak with an Advisor.
OnStar or connected services cannot work
unless the vehicle is in a place where OnStar
has an agreement with a wireless service
provider for service in that area. The
wireless service provider must also have
coverage, network capacity, reception, and technology compatible with OnStar or
connected services. Service involving location
information about the vehicle cannot work
unless GPS signals are available,
unobstructed, and compatible with the
OnStar hardware. OnStar or connected
services may not work if the OnStar
equipment is not properly installed or it has
not been properly maintained. If equipment
or software is added, connected,
or modified, OnStar or connected services
may not work. Other problems beyond the
control of OnStar
—such as hills, tall
buildings, tunnels, weather, electrical system
design and architecture of the vehicle,
damage to the vehicle in a crash, or wireless
phone network congestion or jamming —
may prevent service.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0347.
Services for People with Disabilities
Advisors provide services to help with
physical disabilities and medical conditions.
Press
Qto help:
.Locate a gas station with an attendant to
pump gas.
.Find a hotel, restaurant, etc., that meets
accessibility needs.
.Provide directions to the closest hospital
or pharmacy in urgent situations.
TTY Users
OnStar has the ability to communicate to
deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired
customers while in the vehicle. The available
dealer-installed TTY system can provide
in-vehicle access to all OnStar services,
except Virtual Advisor and OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation.
If equipped, TTY mode can be turned on or
off by touching Settings, then Apps, and
then Phone. When TTY mode is on, phone
calls can be made or received with OnStar
using the infotainment display.
OnStar Personal Identification
Number (PIN)
A PIN is needed to access some OnStar
services. The PIN will need to be changed
the first time when speaking with an
Advisor. To change the OnStar PIN, contact
an OnStar Advisor by pressing
Qor calling
1-888-4ONSTAR.
Warranty
OnStar equipment may be warranted as part
of the vehicle warranty.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
OnStar 353
Languages
The vehicle can be programmed to respond
in multiple languages. Press
Qand ask for
an Advisor. Advisors are available in English,
Spanish, and French. Available languages
may vary by country.
Potential Issues
OnStar cannot perform Remote Door Unlock
or Stolen Vehicle Assistance after the vehicle
has been off continuously for 10 days
without an ignition cycle. If the vehicle has
not been started for 10 days, OnStar can
contact Roadside Assistance or a locksmith
to help gain access to the vehicle.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
.Obstruction of the GPS can occur in a
large city with tall buildings; in parking
garages; around airports; in tunnels and
underpasses; or in an area with very
dense trees. If GPS signals are not
available, the OnStar system should still
operate to call OnStar. However, OnStar
could have difficulty identifying the exact
location.
.In emergency situations, OnStar can use
the last stored GPS location to send to
emergency responders. A temporary loss of GPS can cause loss of
the ability to send a Turn-by-Turn
Navigation route. The Advisor may give a
verbal route or may ask for a call back after
the vehicle is driven into an open area.
Cellular and GPS Antennas
Cellular reception is required for OnStar to
send remote signals to the vehicle. Do not
place items over or near the antenna to
prevent blocking cellular and GPS signal
reception.
Unable to Connect to OnStar Message
If there is limited cellular coverage or the
cellular network has reached maximum
capacity, this message may come on. Press
Qto try the call again or try again after
driving a few miles into another
cellular area.
Vehicle and Power Issues
OnStar services require a vehicle electrical
system, wireless service, and GPS satellite
technologies to be available and operating
for features to function properly. These
systems may not operate if the battery is
discharged or disconnected.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
The OnStar system is integrated into the
electrical architecture of the vehicle. Do not
add any electrical equipment. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0249. Added electrical
equipment may interfere with the operation
of the OnStar system and cause it to not
operate.
Vehicle Software Updates
OnStar or GM may remotely deliver
software updates or changes to the vehicle
without further notice or consent. These
updates or changes may enhance or
maintain safety, security, or the operation
of the vehicle or the vehicle systems.
Software updates or changes may affect or
erase data or settings that are stored in the
vehicle, such as saved navigation
destinations or pre-set radio stations.
Neither OnStar nor GM is responsible for
any affected or erased data or settings.
These updates or changes may also collect
personal information. Such collection is
described in the OnStar privacy statement or
separately disclosed at the time of
installation. These updates or changes may
also cause a system to automatically
communicate with GM servers to collect
information about vehicle system status,
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
366 Index
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
RoofSunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . 205
S
Safety Defects Reporting Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 44
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Seats
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Seats (cont'd)
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 74
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185 Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 252
Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . 322
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . 99
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Servicing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Shift Lock Control Function Check,
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277, 280
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277, 280