Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . 7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Doors
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 20
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
dangerous and children or others could
be seriously injured or killed. They could
operate the power windows or other
controls or make the vehicle move. The
windows will function with the RKE
transmitter in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave children in
a vehicle with an RKE transmitter.
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
20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Power Mirrors
To adjust the mirrors:1. Turn the selector switch to L (Left) or R (Right) to choose the driver or passenger
mirror.
2. Move the control to adjust the mirror.
3. Turn the selector switch to
9to
deselect the mirror.
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
These mirrors can be folded inward to
prevent damage when going through an
automatic car wash. To fold, pull the mirror
toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward
to return it to the original position.
Heated Mirrors
This vehicle has heated mirrors:
1: Press to heat the mirrors.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underClimate
Control Systems 0159.
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear view
of the area behind your vehicle.
If equipped with OnStar, the vehicle may
have three control buttons at the bottom of
the mirror. See OnStar Overview 0294.
To avoid accidental OnStar calls, clean the
mirror with the ignition off. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a
soft towel dampened with water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped with a manual rearview mirror,
push the tab forward for daytime use and
pull it for nighttime use to avoid glare from
the headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming reduces the
glare of headlamps from behind. The
dimming feature comes on when the vehicle
is started.
Windows
{
Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a
pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the extreme
heat and suffer permanent injuries or
even death from heat stroke.
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
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)
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 167
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then,
if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 169
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0185.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0184.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 285. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0180.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
190 Driving and Operating
.Front side and rear side panels
.Outside of the windshield in front of the
rearview mirrors
.Side camera lens on the bottom of the
outside mirrors
.Rear side corner bumpers
.Rear Vision Camera above the license
plate
Radio Frequency
This vehicle may be equipped with driver
assistance systems that operate using radio
frequency. See Radio Frequency Statement
0 290.
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
When the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse),
the Rear Vision Camera (RVC) displays an
image of the area behind the vehicle in the
infotainment display. The previous screen
displays when the vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse) after a short delay. To return to
the previous screen sooner, press Home or
Back on the infotainment system, shift into
P (Park), or reach a vehicle speed of
approximately 12 km/h (8 mph) while in
D (Drive).
1. View Displayed by the Camera
1. View Displayed by the Camera
2. Corners of the Rear Bumper
Displayed images may be farther or closer
than they appear. The area displayed is
limited and objects that are close to either
corner of the bumper or under the bumper
do not display.
A warning triangle may appear on the
infotainment display to show that Rear Park
Assist (RPA) or Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
has detected an object. This triangle changes
from amber to red and increases in size the
closer the object.
{Warning
The camera(s) do not display children,
pedestrians, bicyclists, crossing traffic,
animals, or any other object outside of
the cameras’ field of view, below the
bumper, or under the vehicle. Shown
distances may be different from actual
distances. Do not drive or park the
vehicle using only these camera(s).
Always check behind and around the
vehicle before driving. Failure to use
proper care may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage.