Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
The key that is part of the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter can be used for all
locks.
To remove the key, press the button on the
back of the transmitter, and pull the key
out. Never pull the key out without pressing
the button.
See your dealer if a new key is needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0285.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 294.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0290.
If there is a decrease in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) operating range:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the transmitter is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless
Access Operation” later in this section.
The RKE transmitter may work up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can impact the
performance of the transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System 07.
With Remote Start Shown
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
2. Insert the vehicle key of the transmitterinto the key lock cylinder on the outside
of the driver door and turn the key to
the unlock position five times within
10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO
LEARN and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC will again show REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time, all previously known
transmitters will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be
relearned during the next steps.
The DIC display should now show READY
FOR REMOTE # 1.
5. Place the new transmitter in the frontcupholder.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will show
that it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
7. Return the key back into the transmitter.
8. Remove the transmitter from the cupholder and press
K.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 10 seconds to exit
programming mode.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
Note that, for improved vehicle security, the
RKE transmitter is equipped with a motion
sensor. When starting the vehicle, if the RKE
transmitter has been idle for a while, move
the RKE transmitter slightly and try starting
the vehicle.
When starting the vehicle, if the RKE
transmitter battery is depleted or there is
signal interference, the DIC may display NO
REMOTE DETECTED, REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY, or NO REMOTE DETECTED
PLACE KEY IN KEY POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE. If any of these messages appear on
the DIC, follow the steps below.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To start the vehicle:
1. Place the transmitter in the centerconsole front cupholder with the buttons
facing the front of the vehicle.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C (138
°F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY
IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
The battery is not rechargeable. To replace
the battery:
1. Press the button on the back of the RKEtransmitter and pull the key out. Never
pull the key out without pressing the
button.
2. Separate the two halves of thetransmitter using a flat tool inserted into
the area near the key slot.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on thebattery and sliding it toward the bottom
of the transmitter.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery
down until it is held in place. Replace
with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
6. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will use the
previous settings during a remote start.
Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view. Check local
regulations for any requirements.
Do not use remote start if the vehicle is low
on fuel as it may run out of fuel.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0290.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the transmitter leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when ENGINE START/STOP is pressed and a
valid transmitter is found in the vehicle.
The security light in the instrument cluster
comes on when there is a problem with
arming or disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
The system has one or more transmitters
matched to an immobilizer control unit in
your vehicle. Only a correctly matched transmitter will start the vehicle. If the
transmitter is ever damaged, you may not
be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the vehicle off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition modes
(ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and the RKE
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try
another transmitter. Or, you may try placing
the transmitter in the front cupholder. See
“Starting the Vehicle with a Low Transmitter
Battery”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07.
If the engine does not start with the other
transmitter or when the transmitter is in the
pocket in the front cupholder, the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system and have
a new transmitter programmed to the
vehicle.
Do not leave the transmitter or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent
system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply
into the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on the right. Check the inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
22 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power Windows
Programming may be necessary if the
vehicle battery has been disconnected or
discharged. If the window is unable to
express-up, program each express-close
window: 1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be programmed. Then close it and continue
to pull the switch briefly after the
window has fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue to press the switch briefly after the window has
fully opened.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block glare.
If equipped, detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side window
or to extend along the rod.
If equipped, there is a lighted mirror on the
sun visor. Lift the cover to open.
Roof
Sunroof
If equipped, the sunroof only operates when
the ignition is on or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0178.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Lighting 101
Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps are in the overhead
console.
#or$:Press to turn each lamp on
or off.
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting
Some exterior lamps and interior lamps turn
on briefly at night, or in areas with limited
lighting, when
Kis pressed on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. When a
door is opened, the interior lamps come on.
They stay on for about 20 seconds. When all of the doors have been closed or the
ignition is turned on, they gradually
fade out.
This feature can be changed. See
“Vehicle
Locator Lights” underVehicle Personalization
(8 Inch Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Exit Lighting
Some exterior lamps and interior lights
come on at night, or in areas with limited
lighting, when the driver door is opened
after the ignition is turned off. The interior
lamps come on after the ignition is turned
off. The exterior lamps and interior lamps
remain on for a set amount of time, then
automatically turn off.
The exterior lamps turn off immediately by
turning the exterior lamp control off.
This feature can be changed. See Vehicle
Personalization (8 Inch Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Battery Load Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management
(EPM) that estimates the battery's
temperature and state of charge. It then
adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge is low,
the voltage is raised slightly to quickly bring
the charge back up. When the state of
charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the
vehicle has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or
down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for
all vehicles. This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the power
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of
the following are on, such as: headlamps,
high beams, fog lamps, rear window
defogger, climate control fan at high speed,
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
174 Driving and Operating
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start. The RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle for the system to
operate.
If the vehicle is not working, the vehicle
may be near a strong antenna signal
causing interference to the Keyless Access
system. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
on or in ACC/ACCESSORY, and the brake
must be applied. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) :
When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the engine
off. If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition
will turn off, and Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) will remain active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0178.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display the
message SHIFT TO PARK.
When the vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition system turn off.
Do not turn the ignition off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a loss of
power assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location. 3. Come to a complete stop, shift to
P (Park), and turn the ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 184.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off. With the
ignition off, pressing ENGINE START/STOP
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after five minutes to
prevent battery rundown.