2021 BUICK ENCORE GX oil change

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Service and Maintenance 323
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0193.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0239.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0253.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 258.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0292.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0297.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0267.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0260.
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
324 Service and Maintenance
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
SeeEngine Air Filter Life System 0260.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
See Tire Rotation 0297.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0258 and
Engine Oil Life System 0260.
.Check the air filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine air filter
and reset the engine air filter life system.
See Engine Air Filter Life System.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0262.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0267.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0292.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 297.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 314.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0314.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and driveshafts
for excessive wear, lubricant leaks, and/or
damage including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center bearing
excessive looseness, loose or missing
fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 049.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0314.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0272.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 272.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0274.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof031.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Service and Maintenance 325
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.
Check engine air filter life percentage and status. Change
engine air filter, if needed. (1)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (2)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (3)@ @@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@ @
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with AWD. (4)@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (9)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (10)
Replace oil pump drive belt and timing belt. (LIH 1.2L L3
Engine Only). (11)
@

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
326 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Service and Maintenance 327
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.
Check engine air filter life percentage and status. Change
engine air filter, if needed. (1)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (2)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (3)@ @@
Change automatic transmission fluid. (9 Speed
Transmission Only)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter. (Continuously
Variable Ratio Transmission (CVT) Only)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@ @
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with AWD. (4)@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (9)@@
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (10)
Replace oil pump drive belt and timing belt. (LIH 1.2L L3
Engine Only). (11)
@

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
356 Connected Services
PressQ, then ask the Advisor to download
directions to the vehicle’s navigation system,
if equipped. After the call ends, the
navigation screen will provide prompts to
begin driving directions. Routes that are sent
to the navigation screen can only be
canceled through the navigation system.
See www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca
(Canada).
Connections
The following services help with staying
connected.
For coverage maps, see www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Ensuring Security
.Change the default passwords for the
Wi-Fi hotspot and myBuick mobile
application. Make these passwords
different from each other and use a
combination of letters and numbers to
increase the security.
.Change the default name of the SSID
(Service Set Identifier). This is your
network’s name that is visible to other
wireless devices. Choose a unique name
and avoid family names or vehicle
descriptions. Wi-Fi Hotspot (If Equipped)
The vehicle may have a built-in Wi-Fi
hotspot that provides access to the Internet
and web content at 4G LTE speed. Up to
seven mobile devices can be connected.
A data plan is required. Use the in-vehicle
controls only when it is safe to do so.
1. To retrieve Wi-Fi hotspot information, press
=to open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display, then select Wi-Fi
Hotspot. On some vehicles, touch Wi-Fi
or Wi-Fi Settings on the screen.
2. The Wi-Fi settings will display the Wi-Fi hotspot name (SSID), password, and on
some vehicles, the connection type (no
Internet connection, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE), and
signal quality (poor, good, excellent). The
LTE icon shows connection to Wi-Fi. It is
possible that the icon may not illuminate
even though the vehicle has an active
connection.
3. To change the SSID or password, press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR to connect
with an Advisor. On some vehicles, the
SSID and password can be changed in
the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu. After initial set-up, your vehicle’s Wi-Fi
hotspot will connect automatically to your
mobile devices. Manage data usage by
turning Wi-Fi on or off on your mobile
device, by using the myBuick mobile app,
or by contacting an OnStar Advisor. On
some vehicles, Wi-Fi can also be managed
from the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu.
MyBuick Mobile App (If Available)
Download the myBuick mobile app to
compatible Apple and Android smartphones.
Buick users can access the following services
from a smartphone:
.Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
.Lock/unlock doors, if equipped with
automatic locks.
.Activate the horn and lamps.
.Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil life,
or tire pressure, if factory-equipped with
the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
.Send destinations to the vehicle.
.Locate the vehicle on a map (U.S.
market only).
.Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot on/off,
manage settings, and monitor data
consumption, if equipped.
.Locate a dealer and schedule service.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Index 363
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 128
J
JackAuxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . 308
K
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 127
Headlamps and Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Lamps (cont'd)
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 72
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Lights (cont'd)
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . 99
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36