Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 183
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
DSC allows you to shift an automatic
transmission similar to a manual
transmission. To use the DSC feature:1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) rearward to M (Manual Mode).
While driving in manual mode, the
transmission will remain in the driver
selected gear. When coming to a stop in
the manual position, the vehicle will
automatically shift into 1 (First) gear. 2. Press the + (plus) end of the button on
the top of the shift lever to upshift,
or press the −(minus) end of the button
to downshift.
The instrument cluster will change from the
currently displayed message to the letter
“M,” for Manual position, and a number
indicating the requested gear.
While using the DSC feature, the
transmission will have firmer shifting and
sportier performance. This can be used for
sport driving or when climbing hills to stay
in gear longer or to downshift for more
power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift
into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed
and engine revolutions per minute (rpm):
.The transmission will not allow shifting to
the next higher gear if the vehicle speed
or engine rpm is too low.
.The transmission will not allow shifting to
the next lower gear if the vehicle speed
or engine rpm is too high.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
If equipped, this feature transfers engine
power, as required, to all four wheels. It is
fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed
for road conditions.
When using a compact spare tire on an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system
automatically detects the compact spare and
disables AWD to protect the system.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) message
will display on the instrument cluster. See
Vehicle Messages 088. To restore AWD
operation and prevent excessive wear on the
system, replace the compact spare with a
full-size tire as soon as possible. See
Compact Spare Tire 0252.
AWD will be disabled and the message will
display if there is excessive wheel spin.
When the system cools down, AWD will be
restored.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
186 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster. The appropriate message
may display in the DIC. To turn TCS on again, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC Off lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster. The
appropriate message may display in the DIC.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC Off lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0202.
Cruise Control
The cruise control lets the vehicle maintain a
speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 187
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system that begins to limit
wheel spin while using cruise control and
the cruise control will automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0185. If a collision alert
occurs when cruise control is activated,
cruise control is disengaged. See Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0192. When
road conditions allow you to safely use it
again, cruise control can be turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.
o: Press to turn the cruise control system
on or off. A white indicator comes in the
instrument cluster when cruise is turned on.
RES/+ : If there is a set speed in memory,
move the thumbwheel up briefly to resume
to that speed or hold upward to accelerate.
If cruise control is already active, use to
increase vehicle speed.
SET/− :Move the thumbwheel down briefly
to set the speed and activate cruise control.
If cruise control is already active, use to
decrease speed.
n: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory. Setting Cruise Control
If
ois on when not in use, SET/−
or RES/+
could get bumped and go into cruise when
not desired. Keep
ooff when cruise control
is not being used.
To set a speed:
1. Press
oto turn cruise control on.
2. Get up to the speed desired.
3. Move the thumbwheel down toward SET/− and release it.
4. Remove your foot from the accelerator.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after cruise
control has been set to the desired speed.
See Instrument Cluster 076.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
nis
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed is about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or greater, move the thumbwheel
up toward RES/+ briefly. The vehicle returns
to the previously set speed.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 231
FusesUsage
F19 Body control module/ Regulated voltage control
F20 Clock spring F21 A/C/Accessory power outlet
F22 Auxiliary power outlet/DC center
F23 –
F24 –
F25 OnStar module
F26 –
F27 Instrument cluster/ Auxiliary heater/Auxiliary
virtual image display
F28 –
F29 Infotainment system
F30 –
F31 Instrument cluster module battery
F32 Silver box audio module/ Navigation
F33 – Fuses
Usage
F34 Passive entry/Passive start
Midi Fuses Usage
MD01 Positive temperature coefficient
S/B Fuses Usage
S/B01 Passenger power seat
S/B02 –
S/B03 Front power windows
S/B04 Rear power windows S/B05 Logistic mode relay
S/B06 Driver power seat S/B07 –
S/B08 –
Relays Usage
RLY01 Accessory/Retained accessory power
RLY02 Liftgate
RLY03 – Relays
Usage
RLY04 –
RLY05 Logistic mode
Rear Compartment Fuse Block
The rear compartment fuse block is behind a
cover on the driver side of the rear
compartment. To access the fuses, remove
the cover.
The vehicle may not be equipped with all of
the fuses, relays, and features shown.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
240 Vehicle Care
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0240.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0290.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 170.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire may display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message, if equipped, come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to
the correct inflation pressure. Using the DIC,
it may be possible to view the tire pressure
levels. For additional information and details
about the DIC operation and displays, see
Driver Information Center (DIC) 086. The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 170, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0238.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 242, Tire Rotation 0242, and Tires0232.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
262 Vehicle Care
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
liftgate hinges, and the steel fuel door
hinges, unless the components are plastic.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall, use
plain water to flush any corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet
metal repair or replacement, make sure the
body repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while
maintaining the vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches
with touch-up materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack
painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small,
irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See
“Finish Care” previously in this
section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly
clean the vehicle's interior. Immediately
remove any soils. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from
knobs and crevices on the instrument
cluster. Using a mild soap solution,
immediately remove hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect repellent from all
interior surfaces or permanent damage may
result.
Use cleaners specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply all cleaners
directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray
cleaners on any switches or controls.
Remove cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and follow all
safety instructions on the label. While
cleaning the interior, open the doors and
windows to get proper ventilation.
To prevent damage, do not clean the
interior using the following cleaners or
techniques:
.Never use a razor or any other sharp
object to remove soil from any interior
surface.
.Never use a brush with stiff bristles.
.Never rub any surface aggressively or
with too much pressure.
.Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with degreasers. For
liquid cleaners, use approximately
20 drops per 3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will create
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