Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
180 Driving and Operating
3. Remove the cover on the console.
4. Insert and push the key into the slot.5. Move the shift lever out of P (Park).
If P (Park) is selected again after the key
is removed from the slot, the shift lever
will be locked again.
6. Remove the key from the slot.
7. Replace the cover.
8. Have the cause of the problem fixed by your dealer.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See Shifting Into Park 0178 and
Engine Exhaust 0180.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter outside the vehicle, it
will continue to run for up to half an hour. If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage. (Continued)
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
210 Vehicle Care
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON DIC message comes on. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions, the oil
life system might indicate that an oil changeis not necessary for up to a year. The
engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and, at this time, the
system must be reset. Your dealer has
trained service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Press the MENU button to show Remaining Oil Life on the display. This
display shows an estimate of the oil’s
remaining useful life. If 99% is displayed,
that means that 99% of the current oil
life remains. 2. To reset the engine oil life system, press
the SET/CLR button while the oil life
display is active. After a few seconds,
there will be a single chime and the oil
life will be reset to 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life display
accidentally at any time other than after the
oil is changed. It cannot be reset accurately.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC
message comes back on when the vehicle is
started, the engine oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should have this
done at your dealer.
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
Vehicle Care 243
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Do not include the compact spare tire
in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. SeeTire
Pressure 0238 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0170.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 240. Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 280, and “Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” underTire
Changing 0249.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Service and Maintenance 267
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0170.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0196.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0203.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 208.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0238.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0242.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0216.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km/
600 mi. If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0210.
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
268 Service and Maintenance
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
SeeTire Rotation 0242.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0208 and
Engine Oil Life System 0210.
.Inspect the engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0211.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0212.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0216.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0238.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 242.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 258.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0258.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant leaks,
and/or damage including: tube dents or
cracks, constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 037.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0258.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0220.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 220.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0222.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof022.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Technical Data 281
Engine Specifications
EngineVIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
1.4L L4 Engine (LUV) BAutomatic0.60–0.70 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
1.4L L4 Engine (LE2) MAutomatic0.60–0.70 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Spark plug gaps are preset by the manufacturer. Re-gapping the spark plug is not recommended and can damage the spark plug.
Engine Drive Belt Routing
1.4L L4 Engine (LUV)
1.4L L4 Engine (LE2)
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
292 Customer Information
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
The vehicle has a number of computers that
record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven or used.
For example, the vehicle uses computer
modules to monitor and control engine and
transmission performance, to monitor the
conditions for airbag deployment and
deploy them in a crash, and, if equipped, to
provide antilock braking to help the driver
control the vehicle. These modules may
store data to help the dealer technician
service the vehicle or to help GM improve
safety or features. Some modules may also
store data about how the vehicle is
operated, such as rate of fuel consumption
or average speed. These modules may retain
personal preferences, such as radio presets,
seat positions, and temperature settings.
Cybersecurity
GM collects information about the use of
your vehicle including operational and safety
related information. We collect this
information to provide, evaluate, improve,
and troubleshoot our products and services
and to develop new products and services.The protection of vehicle electronics systems
and customer data from unauthorized
outside electronic access or control is
important to GM. GM maintains appropriate
security standards, practices, guidelines and
controls aimed at defending the vehicle and
the vehicle service ecosystem against
unauthorized electronic access, detecting
possible malicious activity in related
networks, and responding to suspected
cybersecurity incidents in a timely,
coordinated and effective manner. Security
incidents could impact your safety or
compromise your private data. To minimize
security risks, please do not connect your
vehicle electronic systems to unauthorized
devices or connect your vehicle to any
unknown or untrusted networks (such as
Bluetooth, WIFI or similar technology). In
the event you suspect any security incident
impacting your data or the safe operation of
your vehicle, please stop operating your
vehicle and contact your dealer.Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR
is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, datathat will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record
such data as:
.How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
.Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
.How far (if at all) the driver was
depressing the accelerator and/or brake
pedal; and,
.How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur.
Note
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only
if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no
data are recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal data
(e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location)
are recorded. However, other parties, such
as law enforcement, could combine the EDR