2021 BUICK ENCORE GX Lamps

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 237
If the LCA displays do not light up when
moving vehicles are in the side blind zone or
are rapidly approaching this zone and the
system is clean, the system may need
service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.
Radio Frequency Information
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0347.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid crashes due
to unintentional lane departures. This
system uses a camera to detect lane
markings between 60 km/h (37 mph) and
180 km/h (112 mph). It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the vehicle
approaches a detected lane marking. It may
also provide a Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) alert if the vehicle crosses a detected
lane marking. LKA can be overridden by
turning the steering wheel. This system is
not intended to keep the vehicle centered in
the lane. LKA will not assist and alert if the
turn signal is active in the direction of lane
departure, or if it detects that you are
accelerating, braking or actively steering.
{Warning
The LKA system does not continuously
steer the vehicle. It may not keep the
vehicle in the lane or give a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert, even if a
lane marking is detected.
The LKA and LDW systems may not:
.Provide an alert or enough steering
assist to avoid a lane departure or
crash.
.Detect lane markings under poor
weather or visibility conditions. This
can occur if the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice; if they are not in proper
condition; or if the sun shines directly
into the camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding or hilly roads.
If LKA only detects lane markings on one
side of the road, it will only assist or
provide an LDW alert when approaching
the lane on the side where it has
detected a lane marking. Even with LKA
and LDW, you must steer the vehicle. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Always keep your attention on the road
and maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle damage,
injury, or death could occur. Always keep
the windshield, headlamps, and camera
sensors clean and in good repair. Do not
use LKA in bad weather conditions or on
roads with unclear lane markings, such as
construction zones.
{Warning
Using LKA while towing a trailer or on
slippery roads could cause loss of control
of the vehicle and a crash. Turn the
system off.
How the System Works
LKA uses a camera sensor installed on the
windshield ahead of the rearview mirror to
detect lane markings. It may provide brief
steering assist if it detects an unintended
lane departure. It may further provide an
audible alert indicating that a lane marking
has been crossed.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 243
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0248. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination will not
accelerate as quickly and is much longer so
it is necessary to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before returning to the
lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right.
Always back up slowly and, if possible, have
someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 249
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the vehicle
anti-lock brakes and the trailer brakes may
not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals should will illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer, the
arrows on the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are burned out.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 097.
(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Vehicle Care 251
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 252
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 252
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 253
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . 275
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 276
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 281
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 284
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 285
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . 290
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 294
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 298
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 300
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 300
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 302
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 308
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

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
274 Vehicle Care
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas strut(s) to
provide assistance in lifting and holding
open the hood/trunk/liftgate system in full
open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to make sure
the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with
enough force. If struts are failing to hold
the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any objects
from gas struts. Also do not push down
or pull on gas struts. This may cause
damage to the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0323.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should
need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary,
see your dealer.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Vehicle Care 275
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs,
or any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent bulbs with
aftermarket LED replacement bulbs. This
can cause damage to the vehicle electrical
system.
This vehicle may be equipped with desiccant
to reduce fogging inside the headlamp due
to moisture. If fogging continues for a long
time, see your dealer for service.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the
bulb. You or others could be injured. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps. For
replacement of any LED lighting assembly,
contact your dealer.
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps
Base Level Headlamp Assembly
The base model vehicle has halogen
high-beam and low-beam headlamps, an LED
turn signal lamp, and a DRL and parking
lamp on the headlamp assembly.
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
1. Low-Beam Headlamp
2. High-Beam Headlamp
High-Beam Headlamp/Low-Beam
Headlamp
1. Open the hood. See Hood0253.
2. Remove the headlamp bulb access cover.
3. Turn the bulb counterclockwise and pull
straight back.

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.