Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
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
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
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.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
274 Vehicle Care
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 0101.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0329.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0337.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. For replacement of the
battery, see your dealer.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut
off the engine to help conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System0202. It has an Absorbed
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Vehicle Care 313
5. Route the strap through the wheel, asshown.
6. Attach the other end of the strap to the other cargo tie-down in the rear of the
vehicle.
7. Tighten the strap.
Storing the Compact Spare Tire and Tools
Reverse the instructions for removing the
spare tire and tools to store the spare tire.
The compact spare tire is for temporary use
only. Replace the compact spare tire with a
full-size tire as soon as you can. See
Compact Spare Tire 0313.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
320 Vehicle Care
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0337.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
364 Index
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 334
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182, 184
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . 188
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 56
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 56
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 55
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 61
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 60
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Rear Cross Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
All-Wheel Drive System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Antenna
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . 163
Armrest
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Index 369
IndicatorPedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 63
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 130
J
Jack
Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . .314
K
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Lamps (cont'd)
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 129
Headlamps and Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Malfunction Indicator (Check
Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 74
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Lights (cont'd)
Check Engine (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 102
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18