Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
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.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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210 Driving and Operating
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral)
with the engine running at high speed
may damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting
the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is
too hot.
Driving under this condition can damage
the vehicle. Stop and idle the engine to
cool the automatic transmission fluid.
This message clears when the
transmission fluid has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission.
The repair will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If the vehicle is stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle
in place.
L : Allows the driver to select the range of
gear positions. See Manual Mode0210.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a lower
gear than normal to improve vehicle
performance. The engine speed may be
higher and there may be an increase in
noise during the following conditions:
.When climbing a grade.
.When driving downhill.
.When driving in hot temperatures or at
high altitude.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the selection
of the range of gear positions. Use this
mode when driving downhill or towing a
trailer to limit the top gear and vehicle
speed. The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a
number next to the L indicating the highest
available gear under manual mode and the
driving conditions when manual mode was
selected.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 211
To use this feature:1. Move the shift lever to L (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button on the shift lever, to increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When shifting to L (Manual Mode), the
transmission will shift to a preset lower gear
range. For this preset range, the highest
gear available is displayed next to the L in
the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0107 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 109 for more information. All gears below
that number are available to use. For
example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to
the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are shifted automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth)
gear, press the + (Plus) button or shift into
D (Drive).
L (Manual Mode) will prevent shifting to a
lower gear range if the engine speed is too
high. If vehicle speed is not reduced within
the time allowed, the lower gear range shift
will not be completed. Slow the vehicle,
then press the
−(Minus) button to the
desired lower gear range.
While using the ERS, cruise control can
be used.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode.
The AWD system delivers power to all four
wheels and the system adjusts as needed to
improve traction.
Press the AWD button on the center console
to activate the system. The AWD light will
flash briefly while the system is engaging
and stay lit to indicate AWD is active. Press
the button again to disable the system. The
light will flash briefly while the system
disables and then stay off.
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed.
When operated in two-wheel drive, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better fuel
economy.
When using a compact spare tire on an
AWD vehicle, the system automatically
detects the compact spare and reduces AWD
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Driving and Operating 213
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0246.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
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Driving and Operating 215
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 releaseg.
The traction off light
iilluminates in the
instrument cluster. To turn TCS on again, press and release
g.
The traction off light
iin 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 lightgilluminate and stay on in the instrument
cluster.
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 0256
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).
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Driving and Operating 217
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
*is
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, briefly press
+RES up. The vehicle returns to the previous
set speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold +RES up until the vehicle
accelerates to the desired speed, then
release it.
.To increase the speed in small increments,
briefly press +RES up. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 093. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed. Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold
−SET down until the
desired lower speed is reached, then
release it.
.To slow down in small increments, briefly
press −SET down. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 093. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While pressing the
accelerator pedal or shortly following the
release to override cruise control, briefly
pressing −SET down will result in cruise
control set to the current vehicle speed. Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills
depends upon the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle
speed. When going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control, press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
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Driving and Operating 219
5:Press to turn the system on or off. The
indicator turns white on the instrument
cluster when ACC is turned on.
RES+ : Press the control up briefly to
resume the previous set speed or to increase
vehicle speed if ACC is already activated. To
increase speed by about 1 km/h (1 mph),
press RES+ up briefly. To increase speed to
the next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer, hold RES+.
SET− :Press the control down briefly to set
the speed and activate ACC or to decrease
vehicle speed if ACC is already activated. To
decrease speed by about 1 km/h (1 mph),
press SET– down briefly. To decrease speed
to the next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer, hold SET–.
*: Press to disengage ACC without erasing
the selected set speed.
[: Press to select a following gap setting
for ACC of Far, Medium, or Near.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 093. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Switching Between ACC and Regular
Cruise Control
To switch between ACC and regular cruise
control, press and hold
**. A Driver
Information Display (DIC) message displays.
See Vehicle Messages 0115.
ACC IndicatorRegular Cruise Control
Indicator
When ACC is engaged, a green
oindicator
will be lit on the instrument cluster and the
following gap will be displayed. When the regular cruise control is engaged, a green
Jindicator will be lit on the instrument
cluster; the following gap will not display.
When the vehicle is turned on, the cruise
control mode will be set to the last mode
used before the vehicle was turned off.
It is recommended to switch from ACC to
regular cruise control only, when there are
no vehicles ahead of your vehicle.
{Warning
Always check the cruise control indicator
on the instrument cluster to determine
which mode cruise control is in before
using the feature. If ACC is not active, the
vehicle will not automatically brake for
other vehicles, which could cause a crash
if the brakes are not applied manually.
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
If5is on when not in use, it could get
pressed and go into ACC when not desired.
Keep
5off when cruise is not being used.
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220 Driving and Operating
Select the set speed desired for ACC. This is
the vehicle speed when no vehicle is
detected in its path.
While the vehicle is moving, ACC will not set
at a speed less than 5 km/h (3 mph),
although it can be resumed.
The minimum allowable set speed is
25 km/h (15 mph).
To set ACC while moving:1. Press
5.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press SET– down and release.
4. Remove your foot from the accelerator.
After ACC is set, it may immediately apply
the brakes if a vehicle ahead is detected
closer than the selected following gap.
ACC can also be set while the vehicle is
stopped and the brake pedal is applied. The ACC indicator displays on the
instrument cluster. When ACC is turned on,
the indicator will be lit white. When ACC is
engaged, the indicator will turn green.
Be mindful of speed limits, surrounding
traffic speeds, and weather conditions when
selecting the set speed.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the ACC is set at a desired speed and then
the brakes are applied, ACC is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
To begin using ACC again, press RES+ up
briefly.
.If the vehicle is moving more than 5 km/h
(3 mph), it returns to the previous set
speed.
.If the vehicle is stopped with the brake
pedal applied, press RES+ up and release
the brake pedal. ACC will hold the vehicle
until RES+ or the accelerator pedal is
pressed.
A green ACC indicator and the set speed
display on the instrument cluster. The
vehicle ahead indicator may be flashing if a
vehicle ahead was present and moved. See
“Approaching and Following a Vehicle” later
in this section. Once ACC has resumed, the vehicle speed
will increase to the set speed under the
following conditions:
.There is no vehicle ahead.
.The vehicle ahead is beyond the selected
following gap.
.The vehicle speed is not being limited
because of a sharp turn.
Increasing Speed While ACC Is at a Set
Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one of the
following:
.Use the accelerator to get to the higher
speed. Briefly press down and release
SET–
and release the accelerator pedal.
The vehicle will now cruise at the higher
speed. When the accelerator pedal is
pressed, ACC will not brake because it is
overridden. While overridden, the ACC
indicator will turn blue on the instrument
cluster and Head-Up Display (HUD),
if equipped.
.Press and hold RES+ up until the desired
set speed is displayed, then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in smaller
increments, press RES+ up briefly. For
each press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.