Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
128 Infotainment System
Infotainment System
Introduction
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Radio
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Multi-Band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . 137
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
OnStar System
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Navigation
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . 141
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Navigation Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . 152
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . 152
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . 153
Voice Recognition
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Phone
Bluetooth (Overview) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Bluetooth (Pairing and Using a
Phone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . 163
Settings
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Trademarks and License Agreements
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . 172
Introduction
Read the following pages to become familiar
with the features.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road for too
long or too often while using any
infotainment feature can cause a crash.
You or others could be injured or killed.
Do not give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving. Limit
your glances at the vehicle displays and
focus your attention on driving. Use voice
commands whenever possible.
The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid distraction
by disabling some features when driving.
These features may gray out when they are
unavailable. Many infotainment features are
also available through the instrument cluster
and steering wheel controls.
Before driving:
.Become familiar with the operation,
center stack controls, steering wheel
controls, and infotainment display.
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
168 Infotainment System
Touch Off or On.
Apple CarPlay
This feature allows you to interact directly
with your mobile device on the infotainment
display. SeeApple CarPlay and Android Auto
0 163.
Touch Off or On.
Apps
Touch and the following may display:
.Update Apps Automatically: This allows
downloaded applications to be updated
automatically.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.About Apps: Touch to view the versions
of the apps software.
Audio
Depending on the current audio source,
different options will be available.
Touch and the following may display:
.Tone Settings: Touch to adjust Equalizer,
Fade/Balance, or Sound Mode. See
“Infotainment System Sound Menu” in
AM-FM Radio 0133.
.Auto Volume: This feature adjusts the
volume based on the vehicle speed. Touch Off, Low, Medium-Low, Medium,
Medium-High, or High.
.Bose AudioPilot Noise Compensation
Technology (If Equipped): This feature
adjusts the volume based on the noise in
the vehicle and the speed.
Touch Off or On.
.Manage Favorites: Touch to display a list
of Audio, Mobile Devices, and Navigation
favorites.
Favorites can be moved, renamed,
or deleted.
To move, touch and hold the favorite, and
then drag up or down to rearrange the
position.
.Set Number of Audio Favorites: Touch to
select how many favorites pages can be
viewed from the audio application. The
Auto setting will automatically adjust this
number based on the number of favorites
you have saved. Touch Auto, 5, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30, 35, or 40.
.RDS: This allows the Radio Data System
(RDS) to be turned on or off.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.HD Radio: This allows HD Radio reception
to be turned on or off.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
.Explicit Content Filter: This setting allows
access to explicit content SiriusXM
channels.
Touch Off or On.
.Manage Phones: Select to connect to a
different phone source, disconnect a
phone, or delete a phone.
.Reset Music Index: This allows the music
index to be reset if you are having
difficulty accessing all of the media
content on your device.
Touch Yes or No.
Climate
If equipped, touch and the following may
display:
.Auto Fan Speed: This setting specifies the
amount of airflow when the climate
control fan setting is Auto Fan.
Touch Low, Medium, or High.
.Auto Defog: This setting automatically
turns the front defogger on when the
vehicle engine is started.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
188 Driving and Operating
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 043.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious —or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
350 OnStar
OnStar
OnStar Overview
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
OnStar Services
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
OnStar Additional Information
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . 351
OnStar Overview
=Voice Command Button
QBlue OnStar Button
>Red Emergency Button
This vehicle may be equipped with a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system that can
connect to an OnStar Advisor for Emergency,
Security, Navigation, Connections, and
Diagnostics Services. OnStar services may
require a paid service plan and data plan.
OnStar requires the vehicle battery and
electrical system, cellular service, and GPS
satellite signals to be available and
operating. OnStar acts as a link to existing
emergency service providers. OnStar may
collect information about you and your
vehicle, including location information. See
OnStar User Terms, Privacy Statement, and
Software Terms for more details including
system limitations at www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). The OnStar system status light is next to
the OnStar buttons. If the status light is:
.Solid Green: System is ready.
.Flashing Green: On a call.
.Red: Indicates a problem.
.Off: System is off. PressQtwice to
speak with an OnStar Advisor.
Press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) to speak to an Advisor.
Functionality of the Voice Command button
may vary by vehicle and region.
Press
=to:
.Open the OnStar app on the infotainment
display. See OnStar System 0140 for
information on how to use the
OnStar app.
Or
.Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation voice
commands.
.Obtain and customize the Wi-Fi hotspot
name or SSID and password, if equipped.
Press
Qto connect to an Advisor to:
.Verify account information or update
contact information.
.Get driving directions.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
OnStar 353
Languages
The vehicle can be programmed to respond
in multiple languages. Press
Qand ask for
an Advisor. Advisors are available in English,
Spanish, and French. Available languages
may vary by country.
Potential Issues
OnStar cannot perform Remote Door Unlock
or Stolen Vehicle Assistance after the vehicle
has been off continuously for 10 days
without an ignition cycle. If the vehicle has
not been started for 10 days, OnStar can
contact Roadside Assistance or a locksmith
to help gain access to the vehicle.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
.Obstruction of the GPS can occur in a
large city with tall buildings; in parking
garages; around airports; in tunnels and
underpasses; or in an area with very
dense trees. If GPS signals are not
available, the OnStar system should still
operate to call OnStar. However, OnStar
could have difficulty identifying the exact
location.
.In emergency situations, OnStar can use
the last stored GPS location to send to
emergency responders. A temporary loss of GPS can cause loss of
the ability to send a Turn-by-Turn
Navigation route. The Advisor may give a
verbal route or may ask for a call back after
the vehicle is driven into an open area.
Cellular and GPS Antennas
Cellular reception is required for OnStar to
send remote signals to the vehicle. Do not
place items over or near the antenna to
prevent blocking cellular and GPS signal
reception.
Unable to Connect to OnStar Message
If there is limited cellular coverage or the
cellular network has reached maximum
capacity, this message may come on. Press
Qto try the call again or try again after
driving a few miles into another
cellular area.
Vehicle and Power Issues
OnStar services require a vehicle electrical
system, wireless service, and GPS satellite
technologies to be available and operating
for features to function properly. These
systems may not operate if the battery is
discharged or disconnected.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
The OnStar system is integrated into the
electrical architecture of the vehicle. Do not
add any electrical equipment. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0249. Added electrical
equipment may interfere with the operation
of the OnStar system and cause it to not
operate.
Vehicle Software Updates
OnStar or GM may remotely deliver
software updates or changes to the vehicle
without further notice or consent. These
updates or changes may enhance or
maintain safety, security, or the operation
of the vehicle or the vehicle systems.
Software updates or changes may affect or
erase data or settings that are stored in the
vehicle, such as saved navigation
destinations or pre-set radio stations.
Neither OnStar nor GM is responsible for
any affected or erased data or settings.
These updates or changes may also collect
personal information. Such collection is
described in the OnStar privacy statement or
separately disclosed at the time of
installation. These updates or changes may
also cause a system to automatically
communicate with GM servers to collect
information about vehicle system status,
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
360 Index
Child Restraints (cont'd)Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 74
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Control Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 210
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Controls
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180, 182
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 344
Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Covers Rear Compartment/Storage Panel . . . . . . . 79
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 346
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 339
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Data Collection Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . 153
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207, 272
Driver Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187