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Instruments and Controls 113
The language selection is changed through
the radio and the units of measurement is
changed through the instrument cluster. See
Settings0165 and “Options” under
Instrument Cluster 093.
HUD Display
The HUD may display some of the following
vehicle information and vehicle messages or
alerts:
.Speed
.Tachometer
.Audio
.Phone
.Navigation
.Collision Alert
.Adaptive Cruise Control and set speed
.Lane Departure Warning/Lane Keep Assist
.Oil Pressure Low
.Engine Overheated
.Transmission Hot
.Engine Oil Hot
.Press Brake
.Vehicle Ahead
.Auto Stop
.Pedestrian Advisory
.Pedestrian Alert
Some vehicle messages or alerts displayed in
the HUD may be cleared by using the
steering wheel controls. See Vehicle
Messages 0115.
The HUD control is to the left of the
steering wheel.
To adjust the HUD image:
1. Adjust the driver seat.
2. Start the engine.
3. Use the following settings to adjust the HUD.
$:Press or lift to center the HUD image.
The HUD image can only be adjusted up and
down, not side to side.
O: Press up to open/close the screen.
!: Press down to select the display
view. Each press will change the
display view.
Press and hold at least four seconds to view
Open Source Software. And view of Open
Source Software will remain until
!is
pressed and held again at least
four seconds.
D: Lift and hold to brighten the display.
Press and hold to dim the display. Continue
to hold to turn the display off.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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202 Driving and Operating
Gasoline Engine Starting Procedure
1. With the Keyless Access system, theRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press ENGINE
START/STOP with the brake pedal
applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in the
vehicle, if there is interference, or if the
RKE battery is low, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display a message. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the ignition to the
START position immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor, and drain
the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down. 2. If the engine does not start after five to
10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there as you
press ENGINE START/ STOP. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, release the accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but then
stops again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.Stop/Start System
The Stop/Start system will shut off the
engine to help conserve fuel. It has
components designed for the increased
number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer096. When
the brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released.
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246 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTowing the
Vehicle 0316. To tow the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0317.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to
prevent damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode SeeManual Mode 0210.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
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248 Driving and Operating
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right.
Always back up slowly and, if possible, have
someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating 0270.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
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Driving and Operating 249
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear ofthe chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0329. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0270.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the weight of the
loaded vehicle and trailer must be within
the weight ratings for the vehicle.
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight See
“Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0252 to determine
if equalizer bars are required to obtain the
maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0252 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
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Vehicle Care 255
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 256
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 257
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 259
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277 Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . 279
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 281
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 287
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 289
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 291
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 295
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 298
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 299
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 304
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 305
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 306
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 307
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 314
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
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Vehicle Care 265
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.
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule0329, and be sure to
use the fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0337.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Select Engine Air Filter Life on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0107 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 109.
3. Press
lor the thumbwheel to move to
the Reset/Disable display area. Select
Reset then press
lor press the
thumbwheel. Then press Yes to confirm
the reset. 4. 100% AIR FILTER LIFE will be displayed
when the Engine Air Filter Life System is
successfully reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 259.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system, see
Maintenance Schedule 0329 for intervals on
inspecting and replacing the engine air
cleaner/filter.
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Do
not clean the engine air cleaner/filter with
water or compressed air.
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330 Service and Maintenance
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
SeeEngine Air Filter Life System 0265.
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.
See Tire Rotation 0303.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0262 and
Engine Oil Life System 0264.
.Check the air filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine air filter
and reset the engine air filter life system.
See Engine Air Filter Life System.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0267.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0271.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0297.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 302.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 320.
.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 Care0320.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and driveshafts
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 051.
.Visually inspect the fuel system including
the evaporative (EVAP) system for
damage or leaks. Visually check all fuel pipes, vapor lines, and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See
Exterior
Care 0320.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0276.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 276.
.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) 0278.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof032.