Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 223
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should
need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary,
see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs,
or any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent bulbs with
aftermarket LED replacement bulbs. This
can cause damage to the vehicle electrical
system.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the
bulb. You or others could be injured. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps. For
replacement of any LED lighting assembly,
contact your dealer.
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps
Headlamp Assembly
The vehicle has halogen high-beam and
low-beam headlamps, an LED turn signal
lamp, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), and a
sidemarker lamp on the headlamp assembly.
Passenger Side Shown, Driver Side Similar
1. High-Beam Headlamp
2. Low-Beam Headlamp
High-Beam Headlamp/Low-Beam
Headlamp
1. Open the hood. SeeHood0203.
For the driver side, remove the
windshield washer bottle filler neck by
firmly pulling it straight out.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
224 Vehicle Care
2. Remove the headlamp bulb access cover.
3. Turn the bulb counterclockwise and pullstraight back.
4. Disconnect the wiring harness connectorfrom the bulb.
5. Install the new bulb in the headlamp assembly by turning clockwise.
6. Reconnect the wiring harness connector.
7. Install the headlamp bulb access cover.
For the driver side, reinstall the
windshield washer bottle filler neck by
firmly pushing it straight into the bottle.
Ensure that the filler neck clip engages
into the engine compartment fuse block
retainer.
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps
Taillamp Assembly
The vehicle has halogen turn signal lamps
and back-up lamps, LED tail/stoplamps, and
a sidemarker lamp on the taillamp
assembly.
Driver Side
1. Remove the cover and screws attachingthe panel to the vehicle interior. Remove
the panel.
2. Remove the cover.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
226 Vehicle Care
To replace one of these bulbs:1. Push the left end of the lamp assembly toward the right.
2. Turn the lamp assembly down to remove it.
3. Turn the bulb socket (1) counterclockwise to remove it from the lamp assembly (3).
4. Pull the bulb (2) straight out of the bulb socket (1).
5. Push the replacement bulb straight into the bulb socket and turn the bulb socket
clockwise to install it into the lamp
assembly.
6. Turn the lamp assembly into the lamp assembly opening engaging the clip side
first.
7. Push on the lamp side opposite the clip until the lamp assembly snaps into place.
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit breakers to
protect against an electrical system
overload. When the current electrical load is too
heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the current load
returns to normal or the problem is fixed.
This greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by electrical
problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect power
devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one of the
identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and a fuse
needs to be replaced, the same amperage
fuse can be borrowed. Choose some feature
of the vehicle that is not needed to use and
replace it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause the lamps
to go on and off, or in some cases to
remain off. Have the headlamp wiring
checked right away if the lamps go on and
off or remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to heavy
snow or ice, the windshield wipers will stop
until the motor cools and will then restart.Although the circuit is protected from
electrical overload, overload due to heavy
snow or ice may cause wiper linkage
damage. Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an electrical
problem and not snow or ice, be sure to get
it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by a
combination of fuses and circuit breakers.
This greatly reduces the chance of damage
caused by electrical problems.
{Danger
Fuses and circuit breakers are marked
with their ampere rating. Do not exceed
the specified amperage rating when
replacing fuses and circuit breakers. Use
of an oversized fuse or circuit breaker can
result in a vehicle fire. You and others
could be seriously injured or killed.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
228 Vehicle Care
Mini FusesUsage
2 Exterior mirror switch/ Driver side power
window/Rain sensor
3 Canister vent solenoid
4 –
5 Electronic brake control module valve
6 Intelligent battery sensor 7 –
8 Transmission control module
9 Automatic occupancy sensing module
10 Headlamp leveling switch/Headlamp leveling
motor/Rear vision
camera/Interior rearview
mirror
11 Rear wiper
12 Rear window defogger
13 Power lumbar switch
14 Exterior mirror heater Mini Fuses
Usage
15 Fuel system control module battery
16 –
17 Fuel system control module RC/Blow by
heater
18 Engine control module RC/Transmission control
module RC
19 –
20 –
21 Fan relay (auxiliary BEC)
22 –
23 Ignition coil
24 Washer pump 25 Automatic headlamp leveling
26 EMS Var 1 27 –
28 –/Engine control module
powertrain/Ignition 3 Mini Fuses
Usage
29 Engine control module powertrain/Ignition 1/
Ignition 2
30 EMS Var 2 31 Left high-beam headlamp
32 Right high-beam headlamp
33 Engine control module battery
34 Horn 35 A/C clutch
36 –
J-Case Fuses Usage 1 Electronic brake control module pump
2 Front wiper
3 Linear power module blower
4 IEC RC 5 –
7 –
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 247
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing a crash.
Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for the
vehicle's tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To avoid vehicle damage,
drive slow and readjust or remove the
(Continued)
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Service and Maintenance 273
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0275 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Index 303
Automatic (cont'd)Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 220
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116, 147
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 144
B
BatteryExterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 102
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219, 253
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123, 126, 149
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117, 147
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Bulb Replacement
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, andParking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Backup Lamps . . . . . . . 224
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202, 219, 253, Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Carbon Monoxide (cont'd)
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 81
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 64
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
306 Index
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . 98
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . .33
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Indicator
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 50
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Instrument Panel
Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 104, 136
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116, 147
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . 253
K
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 Lamps
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 102
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . 81
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . 195
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 61
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79