Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
2 Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
About Driving the Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or a crash. Be sure to read
the driving guidelines in this manual in the
section called“Driving and Operating” and
specifically Driver Behavior 0187, Driving
Environment 0187, and Vehicle Design
0 187.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means “Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Seats and Restraints 55
airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See
Vehicle
Data Recording and Privacy 0348 and
Event Data Recorders 0349.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system
for the front outboard passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator will
light on the overhead console when the
vehicle is started.
United States
Canada
The words ON and OFF, or the symbols for
on and off, will be visible during the system
check. When the system check is complete,
either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol
for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 096.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
96 Instruments and Controls
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes on
while driving, it means the airbag system
might not be working properly. The
airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury,
have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System 055 for
important safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
or the symbol for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, or either the on
or off symbol, to let you know the status of
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag.
If the word ON, or the on symbol, is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag are allowed
to inflate.
If the word OFF, or the off symbol is lit, on
the airbag status indicator, it means that
the passenger sensing system has turned off
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag. If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, there may be a problem with
the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 095
for more information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 199
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. SeeTachometer093. When the
brake pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will restart.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or auto
restarts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery charge is low.
.The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop.
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
.The vehicle transmission is shifted out of
D (Drive) to any gear other than P (Park).
.Tow/Haul Mode or other driver modes
have been selected.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
.The driver door has been opened or driver
seat belt has been unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the maximum
allowed time.
Auto Stop Disable Switch
The automatic engine stop/start feature can
be disabled and enabled by pressing the
switch with the
hsymbol. Auto Stop is
enabled each time you start the vehicle.
When the indicator above
his illuminated,
the system is disabled.
Winter Cover
If equipped, the winter cover can be used to
enhance heater performance in extremely
cold conditions below −0 °C (32 °F). The
winter cover installs over the grille and
restricts airflow to the engine compartment.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Vehicle Care 267
Warning (Continued)
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed
but no steam can be seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
If the overheat warning is displayed with no
sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone, the vehicle
can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back on,
continue to drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still displayed, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer
fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. If operating the
vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0255 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip, and may also clog the
washer nozzle.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
(Continued)
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
364 Index
Lumbar Adjustment (cont'd)Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
M
Maintenance
Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Media Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Messages Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Mirror Rear Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Mirrors Automatic Dimming Rearview . . . . . . . . . . 27
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Mirrors (cont'd)
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
N
Navigation Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Navigation Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Off-Road
Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341 OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140, 151
Operation
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
P
ParkShifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Parking Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Parking or Backing Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . 96
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . .185
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Index 367
Storage AreasCargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Cargo Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Rear Compartment/Storage Panel
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
System Brake Pad Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Air Filter Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Global Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277, 280
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 300
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 302 Tires (cont'd)
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 298
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrakLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . 172
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 344
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . .124