2021 BUICK ENCORE fuel

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
78 Instruments and Controls
English
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
indicates about how much fuel is left in
the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low
fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel
left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
Here are three things that some owners ask
about. None of these show a problem with
the fuel gauge:
.It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up
than the gauge indicated. For example,
the gauge indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or
less than half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while turning a
corner or speeding up.
.The gauge takes a few seconds to
stabilize after the ignition is turned on,
and goes back to empty when the
ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Metric
English
This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the warning
area at the high end of the gauge, the
engine is too hot.
This reading indicates the same thing as the
warning light. It means that the engine
coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has
been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as
possible. See Engine Overheating 0215.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 81
driven with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is in Service Mode. SeeIgnition
Positions 0174.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0202.
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :
A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If equipped with capless fuel fill: If fuel
has been added to the vehicle using the
capless funnel adapter, make sure that it
has been removed. See “Filling the Tank
with a Portable Gas Can” underFilling the
Tank (Capless Fuel Fill) 0197 or
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill) 0198.
The diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
82 Instruments and Controls
.If equipped with capped fuel fill: A loose
or missing fuel cap may cause the light
to come on. SeeFilling the Tank (Capless
Fuel Fill) 0197 or
Filling the Tank (Capped Fuel Fill) 0198.
A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed may turn the light off.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor drivability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel 0196.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 200. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is in Service Mode.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
When the vehicle is on, the brake system
warning light also comes on when the
parking brake is set. The light stays on if
the parking brake does not fully release. If it
stays on after the parking brake is fully
released, there is a brake problem. Have the
brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal
might be harder to push, or the brake pedal
may go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have
the vehicle towed for service. See Towing
the Vehicle 0255.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 85
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected,
the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 240.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working. It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Immobilizer Light
The immobilizer light should come on briefly
as the engine is started. If it does not come
on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does
not start, there could be a problem with the
immobilizer system. See
Immobilizer
Operation 019.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
86 Instruments and Controls
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
0 97.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps
are in use, except when only the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) are active. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 097.
Cruise Control Light
For vehicles with cruise control, the cruise
control light is white when the cruise
control is on and ready, and turns green
when the cruise control is set and active.
The light turns off when the cruise control is
turned off. See Cruise Control0186.
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or
not securely latched. Before driving, check
that all doors are properly closed.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays
information about the vehicle. It also
displays warning messages if a system
problem is detected. See Vehicle Messages
0 88. All messages appear in the DIC display
in the center of the instrument cluster.
The vehicle may also have features that can
be customized through the controls on the
radio. See Vehicle Personalization (8 Inch
Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different displays which can be
accessed by using the DIC buttons on the
turn signal lever. The DIC displays trip, fuel,
and vehicle system information, and
warning messages if a system problem is
detected.
The bottom of the DIC display shows the
position of the shift lever and the odometer.
It may also show the direction the vehicle is
driving.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 87
In cold weather the DIC display may change
slowly. This is normal and will move more
quickly as the vehicle's interior temperature
rises.
Use the controls to open and scroll through
the different items and displays.
SET/CLR :Press to set or clear the menu
item displayed.
\: Turn the band to scroll through the
items in each menu.
MENU : Press to display the Trip/Fuel Menu
and the Vehicle Information Menu. This
button is also used to return to or exit the
last screen displayed on the DIC.
DIC Info Page Options
The info pages on the DIC can be turned on
or off through the Options app.
1. Press MENU to access the cluster applications. 2. Use
\to scroll to the Options menu
and press SET/CLR.
3. Use
\to choose the Info pages. Press
SET/CLR to select.
4. Select Edit List.
5. Use
\to move through the list of
possible information displays.
6. Press SET/CLR while an item is highlighted to select or deselect that
item. When an item is selected, a
checkmark will appear next to it.
7. To exit, scroll to Exit and select.
DIC Menu Items
Press MENU on the turn signal lever until
the Info menu is displayed. Use
\scroll
through the menu items. Not all items are
available on every vehicle.
.Digital Speedometer
.Trip A or B, Average Fuel Economy
.Fuel Range
.Oil Life
.Tire Pressure
.Fuel Economy Digital Speedometer
The speedometer shows how fast the
vehicle is moving in either kilometers per
hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). The
speedometer cannot be reset.
Trip A or Trip B, Average Fuel Economy
Displays the current distance traveled, in
either kilometers (km) or miles (mi), from
the last reset for the trip odometer. The trip
odometer can be reset to zero by pressing
and holding the reset stem in the cluster
while the trip odometer display is showing.
Also displays the approximate average liters
per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per
gallon (mpg). This number is based on the
number of L/100 km (mpg) recorded since
the last time this menu item was reset. This
number reflects only the approximate
average fuel economy that the vehicle has
right now, and will change as driving
conditions change. The average fuel
economy can be reset by pressing SET/CLR
while the Average Fuel Economy display is
showing.
Fuel Range
This display shows the approximate distance
the vehicle can be driven without refueling.
The fuel range estimate is based on an

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
88 Instruments and Controls
average of the vehicle’s fuel economy over
recent driving history and the amount of
fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Fuel range
cannot be reset.
Oil Life
This display shows an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. If OIL LIFE 99%
REMAINING is displayed, that means 99% of
the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. SeeEngine Oil
0 208. In addition to the Engine Oil Life
System monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. See
Maintenance Schedule 0267 for more
information.
Remember, the Oil Life display must be
reset after each oil change. It will not reset
itself. Also, be careful not to reset the Oil
Life display accidentally at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset the Engine Oil Life
System, press SET/CLR while the Remaining
Oil Life display is active. See Engine Oil Life
System 0210. Tire Pressure
The display will show a vehicle with the
approximate pressures of all four tires. Tire
pressure is displayed in either
kilopascal (kPa) or pounds per square
inch (psi). See
Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 239 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0240 for
more information.
Fuel Economy
The center displays the approximate
instantaneous fuel economy as a number
and bar graph. Displayed above the bar
graph is a running average of fuel economy
for the most recently travelled selected
distance. Displayed below the bar graph is
the best average fuel economy that has
been achieved for the selected distance. The
selected distance is displayed at the top of
the page as “last xxx mi/km”.
Press SET/CLR to select the distance or reset
best value.
Hold SET/CLR to reset the best average fuel
economy. After reset, the best value
displays until the selected distance has been
travelled. The display provides information
on how current driving behavior affects the running average and how well recent driving
compares to the best that has been
achieved for the selected distance.
Compass
The vehicle has a compass display in the
DIC. See
Compass 074 for more
information.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing SET/CLR. The messages
that require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
160 Climate Controls
The following are climate control settings
that use more fuel:
.Defrost mode
.Extreme temperature settings
.High fan speed settings
To help reduce fuel usage:
.Select a temperature setting that is
higher in hot weather and lower in cold
weather.
.Turn off the air conditioning when it is
not needed.
.Only use defrost to clear the windows.
9: Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
fan speed. Turn the knob completely to 0 to
turn off the fan and air conditioning
compressor.
Temperature Control : Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature setting.
Air Delivery Mode Control : Press
[,Y,
or
Xto change the direction of the airflow.
Air delivery mode settings can be combined.
An indicator light comes on in the selected
mode button.
[: Air is directed to the floor outlets.
Y:Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
X: Air is directed to the windshield and
side window vents.
0: Press to clear the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
Air Conditioning
#: Press to turn the air conditioning on or
off. If the fan is turned off or the outside
temperature falls below freezing, the air
conditioner will not run and the indicator
light turns off.
h: Press to turn on the recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
inside the vehicle. It helps to quickly cool
the air inside the vehicle or reduce entry of
outside air and odors. To improve fuel
efficiency and to cool the vehicle faster,
recirculation may be automatically selected
in warm weather when the temperature is
set to the coldest setting. The recirculation light will not come on. Press
hto select
recirculation; press it again to select
outside air.
Rear Window and Outside Mirror
Defogger
1: Press to turn the rear window and
outside mirror defogger on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show that the
feature is on.
The defogger only works when the ignition
is on. The rear window defogger turns off
after about 15 minutes. It can also be turned
off by pressing
1again or by turning the
ignition off or to ACC/ACCESSORY.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
If equipped with heated outside mirrors,
they turn on with the rear window defogger
and help to clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirror. See Heated Mirrors
0 20.
Caution
Do not use a razor blade or sharp object
to clear the inside rear window. Do not
adhere anything to the defogger grid
(Continued)