Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Driving and Operating 201
If the vehicle must be turned off in an
emergency:1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) and turn the ignition off.
4. Set the electric parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0212
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over and
must be turned off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/ STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light)
This mode allows you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the button
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after five minutes to
prevent battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light)
This mode is for driving and starting. With
the ignition off and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START. Once
engine cranking begins, release the button.
Engine cranking will continue until the
engine starts. See Starting the Engine 0201.
The ignition will then remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off and the brake
pedal not applied, pressing and holding the
button for more than five seconds will place the vehicle in Service Mode. The instruments
and audio systems will operate when the
vehicle is on, but the vehicle will not be able
to be driven. The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press the button again to turn
the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any
other position. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See
Add-On Electrical Equipment 0254.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
212 Driving and Operating
performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. SeeCompact Spare Tire 0313.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0102.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 0102 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0102.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Vehicle Care 323
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes
for wear or cracks. Inspect all other brake
parts.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
liftgate hinges, and steel fuel door hinges,
unless the components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall, use
plain water to flush any corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet
metal repair or replacement, make sure the
body repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while
maintaining the vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches
with touch-up materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack
painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small,
irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See
“Finish Care” previously in this
section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly
clean the vehicle's interior. Before using
cleaners, read and follow all safety
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
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.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
372 Index
RestraintsWhere to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . 206
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . 208
S
Safety Defects Reporting Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 46
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Seat Belts (cont'd)
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Seats Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74, 75
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 256
Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . 328
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349 Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . 102
Services
Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Servicing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282, 284
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85