Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
136 Infotainment System
Satellite Radio
SiriusXM Radio Service
If equipped, vehicles with a valid SiriusXM
radio subscription can receive SiriusXM
programming.
SiriusXM radio has a wide variety of
programming and commercial-free music,
coast to coast, in digital-quality sound. In
the U.S., see www.siriusxm.com or call
1-888-601-6296. In Canada, see
www.siriusxm.ca or call 1-877-438-9677.
When SiriusXM is active, the channel name,
number, song title, and artist appear on the
display.
SiriusXM with 360L
SiriusXM with 360L interface has enhanced
in-vehicle listening experience for
subscribers. The experience now offers more
categories and system learned
recommendations toward discovering more
personalized content.
To use the full SiriusXM 360L program,
including streaming content and listening
recommendations, OnStar Connected Access
is required. Connected vehicle services varyby model and require a complete working
electrical system, cell reception, and GPS
signal. An active connected plan is required.
Reference the SiriusXM user guide for use
and subscription information.
Radio Reception
Unplug electronic devices from the accessory
power outlets if there is interference or
static in the radio.
FM
FM signals only reach about 16 to 65 km (10
to 40 mi). Although the radio has a built-in
electronic circuit that automatically works to
reduce interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or hills,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater
than for FM, especially at night. The longer
range can cause station frequencies to
interfere with each other. Static can also
occur when things like storms and power
lines interfere with radio reception. When
this happens, try reducing the treble on the
radio.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
provides digital radio reception. Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in
and out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges, garages,
or tunnels may cause loss of the SiriusXM
signal for a period of time. Some cellular
services may interfere with SXM reception
causing loss of signal.
Mobile Device Usage
Mobile device usage, such as making or
receiving calls, charging, or just having the
mobile device on may cause static
interference in the radio. Unplug the mobile
device or turn it off if this happens.
Multi-Band Antenna
The roof antenna is for AM, FM, SiriusXM,
OnStar, and GPS (Global Positioning System),
depending on the equipped options. Keep
clear of obstructions for clear reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, and it is open,
reception can also be affected.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
152 Infotainment System
Global Positioning System (GPS)
If equipped, the position of the vehicle is
determined by using satellite signals, various
vehicle signals, and map data.
At times, other interference such as the
satellite condition, road configuration,
condition of the vehicle, and/or other
circumstances can affect the navigation
system's ability to determine the accurate
position of the vehicle.
The GPS shows the current position of the
vehicle using signals sent by GPS satellites.
When the vehicle is not receiving signals
from the satellites, a symbol appears in the
status bar.
This system might not be available or
interference can occur if any of the
following are true:
.Signals are obstructed by tall buildings,
trees, large trucks, or a tunnel.
.Satellites are being repaired or improved.
For more information if the GPS is not
functioning properly, see Problems with
Route Guidance 0152 and
If the System Needs Service 0153.
Vehicle Positioning
At times, the position of the vehicle on the
map could be inaccurate due to one or more
of the following reasons:
.The road system has changed.
.The vehicle is driving on slippery road
surfaces such as sand, gravel, or snow.
.The vehicle is traveling on winding roads
or long, straight roads.
.The vehicle is approaching a tall building
or a large vehicle.
.The surface streets run parallel to a
freeway.
.The vehicle has been transferred by a
vehicle carrier or a ferry.
.The current position calibration is set
incorrectly.
.The vehicle is traveling at high speed.
.The vehicle changes directions more than
once, or the vehicle is turning on a turn
table in a parking lot.
.The vehicle is entering and/or exiting a
parking lot, garage, or a lot with a roof.
.The GPS signal is not received.
.A roof carrier is installed on the vehicle.
.Tire chains are installed on the vehicle.
.The tires are replaced or worn.
.The tire pressure for the tires is incorrect.
.This is the first navigation use after the
map data is updated.
.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
for several days.
.The vehicle is driving in heavy traffic
where driving is at low speeds, and the
vehicle is stopped and started repeatedly.
Problems with Route Guidance
Inappropriate route guidance can occur
under one or more of the following
conditions:
.The turn was not made on the road
indicated.
.Route guidance might not be available
when using automatic rerouting for the
next right or left turn.
.The route might not be changed when
using automatic rerouting.
.There is no route guidance when turning
at an intersection.
.Plural names of places might be
announced occasionally.
.It could take a long time to operate
automatic rerouting during high-speed
driving.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
202 Driving and Operating
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block heater
while the vehicle is parked in a garage or
under a carport.
Property damage or personal injury may
result. Always park the vehicle in a clear
open area away from buildings or
structures.
The engine heater, if available, can help in
cold weather conditions at or below −18 °C
(0 °F) for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up. Plug in
the engine heater at least four hours before starting the vehicle. An internal thermostat
in the plug end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater 1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the heater cord from the rear compartment.
3. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
4. Plug the cord into the receptacle in the front fascia.
5. Plug the other end of the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 203
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the ignition is
in RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set.
The vehicle can roll. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
To be sure the vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0241
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 209
2. Hold the button on the shift lever and push the lever toward the front of the
vehicle into P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the
parking brake set. The vehicle can roll. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and shift to
P (Park). SeeShifting Into Park 0203.
If you are towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0241.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, the vehicle must be in
P (Park) and the parking brake set.
Release the button and check that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done
properly and then it is difficult to shift out
of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 223
Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object around
the front camera windshield area that would
obstruct the front camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the vehicle
that overhang and obstruct the front
camera, such as a canoe, kayak, or other
items that can be transported on a roof rack
system. SeeRoof Rack System 080.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps, or fog
lamps, as this may limit the camera’s ability
to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield behind
the rearview mirror can become blocked by
snow, ice, dirt, mud, or debris. This area
needs to be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
The vehicle headlamps may need to be
cleaned due to dirt, snow, or ice. Objects
that are not illuminated correctly may be
difficult to detect. If ACC will not operate, regular cruise control
may be available. See
“Switching Between
ACC and Regular Cruise Control” in this
section. Always consider driving conditions
before using either cruise control system.
For cleaning instructions, see “Washing the
Vehicle” underExterior Care 0314.
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving 0188.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not: (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash.
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt.
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
284 Vehicle Care
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse block is on the
underside of the driver side instrument
panel. To access the fuses, open the fuse
cover by pulling out. To reinstall the cover,
insert the top tab first, then push the cover
back into its original location.
FuseUsage
F01 LUMBAR
F02 SUNROOF Fuse
Usage
F03 VBAT_3
F04 VBAT_7 F05 VBAT_6
F06 AUTO HVAC F07 CGM
F08 ST_WHL_HTR
F09 DISPLAY F10 RADIO F11 ONSTAR
F12 PARK_ASSIST
F13 MAN. HVAC
F14 WL CHARGER F15 VBAT_2
F16 VBAT_1 F17 SWC BKLT
F18 N/A
F19 N/A
F20 CLOCK SPRING F21 OCC SEN
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
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