2021 BUICK ENCORE GX Service manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 235
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in shape
or size to pedestrians, including shadows.
This is normal operation and the vehicle
does not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See “Front Pedestrian
Detection” in“Collision/Detection Systems”
under Vehicle Personalization 0114.
{Warning
Using the Front Pedestrian Braking
system while towing a trailer could cause
you to lose control of the vehicle and
crash. Turn the system to Alert or Off
when towing a trailer.
Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate properly,
cleaning the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone (or spot)
areas. When the vehicle is in a forward gear,
the left or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in that
blind zone. If the turn signal is activated and
a vehicle is also detected on the same side,
the display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes. Since this system is
part of the Lane Change Alert (LCA) system,
read the entire LCA section before using this
feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding lane change crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from behind. The LCA warning display will light up in the
corresponding outside mirror and will flash
if the turn signal is on.
{Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to vehicles
outside of the system detection zones,
pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. It may
not provide alerts when changing lanes
under all driving conditions. Failure to use
proper care when changing lanes may
result in injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Before making a lane change, always
check mirrors, glance over your shoulder,
and use the turn signals.
LCA Detection Zones
1. SBZA Detection Zone
2. LCA Detection Zone

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
236 Driving and Operating
The LCA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from both
sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m (11 ft). The
height of the zone is approximately between
0.5 m (1.5 ft) and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground.
The Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) warning
area starts at approximately the middle of
the vehicle and goes back 5 m (16 ft). Drivers
are also warned of vehicles rapidly
approaching from up to 70 m (230 ft) behind
the vehicle.
How the System Works
The LCA symbol lights up in the outside
mirrors when the system detects a moving
vehicle in the next lane over that is in the
side blind zone or rapidly approaching that
zone from behind. A lit LCA symbol indicates
it may be unsafe to change lanes. Before
making a lane change, check the LCA
display, check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Outside MirrorDisplayRight Outside Mirror Display When the vehicle is started, both outside
mirror LCA displays will briefly come on to
indicate the system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left or right
outside mirror display will light up if a
moving vehicle is detected in the next lane
over in that blind zone or rapidly
approaching that zone. If the turn signal is
activated in the same direction as a
detected vehicle, this display will flash as an
extra warning not to change lanes.
LCA can be disabled. When you disable LCA,
Side Blind Zone Alert is also disabled. See
“Collision/Detection Systems”
underVehicle
Personalization 0114. If LCA is disabled by
the driver, the LCA mirror displays will not
light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving for
the system to calibrate to maximum
performance. This calibration may occur
more quickly if the vehicle is driving on a
straight highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a stopped
vehicle, or when towing a trailer. 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. LCA
may alert to objects attached to the vehicle,
such as a trailer, bicycle, or object extending
out to either side of the vehicle. Attached
objects may also interfere with the
detection of vehicles. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the next lane over, especially in
wet conditions or when driving on sharp
curves. The system does not need to be
serviced. The system may light up due to
guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA sensors
in the left or right corners of the rear
bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,
ice, or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0314. If the DIC
still displays the system unavailable
message after cleaning both sides of the
vehicle toward the rear corners of the
vehicle, see your dealer.

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
238 Driving and Operating
To turn LKA on and off, pressAon the
center console. If equipped, the indicator
light on the button comes on when LKA is
on and turns off when LKA is disabled.
When on,
Ais white, if equipped,
indicating that the system is not ready to
assist.
Ais green if LKA is ready to
assist. LKA may assist by gently turning the
steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a
detected lane marking.
Ais amber when
assisting. It may also provide a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert by flashing
Aamber if the vehicle crosses a
detected lane marking. Additionally, there
may be three beeps on the right or left,
depending on the lane departure direction.
Take Steering
The LKA system does not continuously steer
the vehicle. If LKA does not detect active
driver steering, an alert and chime may be
provided. Steer the vehicle to dismiss. LKA
may become temporarily unavailable after
repeated take steering alerts.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The system performance may be
affected by:
.Close vehicles ahead.
.Sudden lighting changes, such as when
driving through tunnels.
.Banked roads.
.Roads with poor lane markings, such as
two-lane roads.
If the LKA system is not functioning
properly when lane markings are clearly
visible, cleaning the windshield may help.
A camera blocked message may display if
the camera is blocked. Some driver
assistance systems may have reduced
performance or not work at all. An LKA or
LDW unavailable message may display if the
systems are temporarily unavailable. This
message could be due to a blocked camera.
The LKA system does not need service. Clean
the outside of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror.
LKA assistance and/or LDW alerts may occur
due to tar marks, shadows, cracks in the
road, temporary or construction lane
markings, or other road imperfections. This
is normal system operation; the vehicle does
not need service. Turn LKA off if these
conditions continue.
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel
GM recommends the use of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline to keep the engine clean,
reduce engine deposits, and maintain
optimal vehicle performance. Look for the
TOP TIER Logo or see www.toptiergas.com
for a list of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
marketers and applicable countries.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
244 Driving and Operating
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, seeEngine
Overheating 0266.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0323. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.

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
252 Vehicle Care
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service
people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
California Proposition 65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one,
as well as many of its service parts and
fluids, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many
parts and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0270 and
Jump Starting - North America 0308 and
the back cover.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications,
such as airbag initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate Material –
special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making
modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and electronic
systems like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause malfunction
or damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to suspension components caused
by modifying vehicle height outside of
factory settings will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.