Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
116 Instruments and Controls
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
The following are all possible vehicle
personalization features. Depending on the
vehicle, some may not be available.
For System and Apps features and functions,
see Settings in infotainment system.
To access the vehicle personalization menu:
1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home Page on the infotainment display.
2. Touch the desired category to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Touch
9or l to turn off or on a
feature.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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120 Instruments and Controls
Seat Entry Memory
This feature automatically recalls the current
driver’s previously stored 1 or 2 button
positions when the ignition is changed from
off to on or ACC/ACCESSORY. SeeMemory
Seats 039.
Touch Off or On.
Seat Exit Memory
This feature automatically recalls the
previously stored exit button positions when
the ignition is changed from on or ACC/
ACCESSORY to off if the driver door is open
or opened. See Memory Seats039.
Touch Off or On.
Teen Driver
See Teen Driver 0170.
Valet Mode
This will lock the infotainment system and
steering wheel controls. It may also limit
access to vehicle storage locations,
if equipped.
To enable valet mode:
1. Enter a four-digit code on the keypad.
2. Touch Enter to go to the confirmation screen. 3. Re-enter the four-digit code.
Touch Lock or Unlock to lock or unlock the
system. Touch Back to go back to the
previous menu.
Universal Remote System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0353.
Universal Remote System
Programming
If equipped, these buttons are in the
overhead console.
This system can replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate devices
such as garage door openers, security systems, and home automation devices.
These instructions refer to a garage door
opener, but can be used for other devices.
Do not use the Universal Remote system
with any garage door opener that does not
have the stop and reverse feature. This
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.
Read these instructions completely before
programming the Universal Remote system.
It may help to have another person assist
with the programming process.
Keep the original hand-held transmitter for
use in other vehicles as well as for future
programming. Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated. See
“Erasing Universal Remote System Buttons”
later in this section.
To program a garage door opener, park
outside directly in line with and facing the
garage door opener receiver. Clear all people
and objects near the garage door.
Make sure the hand-held transmitter has a
new battery for quick and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
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Lighting 123
Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer . . . . 124
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 125
Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . 125
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . 126
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel IlluminationControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Battery Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Battery Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 129
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering
column.
There are four positions.
O: Turns the exterior lamps off and
deactivates the AUTO mode. Turn
Oagain
to reactivate the AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will automatically
reactivate when the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park). AUTO :
Turns the exterior lamps on and off
automatically depending on outside lighting.
;: Turns on the parking lamps including
all lamps, except the headlamps.
5: Turns on the headlamps together with
the parking lamps and instrument panel
lights.
IntelliBeam®System
If equipped, this system turns the vehicle's
high-beam headlamps on and off according
to surrounding traffic conditions.
The system turns the high-beam headlamps
on when it is dark enough and there is no
other traffic present.
This light comes on in the instrument
cluster when the IntelliBeam system is
enabled.
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Lighting 129
The exterior lamps turn off immediately by
turning the exterior lamp control off.
This feature can be changed. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0116.
Battery Load Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management
(EPM) that estimates the battery's
temperature and state of charge. It then
adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge is low,
the voltage is raised slightly to quickly bring
the charge back up. When the state of
charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the
vehicle has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or
down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for
all vehicles. This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all of the power
needed for very high electrical loads. A high electrical load occurs when several of
the following are on, such as: headlamps,
high beams, rear window defogger, climate
control fan at high speed, heated seats,
engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads
plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of
the battery. It does this by balancing the
generator's output and the vehicle's
electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power
demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or
levels, without being noticeable. In rare
cases at the highest levels of corrective
action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might be
displayed and it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as
possible.
Battery Power Protection
This feature helps prevent the battery from
being drained, if the interior courtesy lamps
or reading lamps are accidentally left on.
If any of these lamps are left on, they
automatically turn off after 10 minutes,if the ignition is off. The lamps will not
come back on again until one of the
following occurs:
.The ignition is turned on.
.The doors are closed and then re-opened.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes
after the ignition is turned off, if the parking
lamps or headlamps have been manually
left on. This protects against draining the
battery. To restart the 10-minute timer, turn
the exterior lamp control to the
Oposition
and then back to the
;or2position.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the ignition must be on or in
ACC/ACCESSORY.
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Infotainment System 153
.The GPS signal is not received.
.A roof carrier is installed on the vehicle.
.Tire chains are installed on the vehicle.
.The tires are replaced or worn.
.The tire pressure for the tires is incorrect.
.This is the first navigation use after the
map data is updated.
.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
for several days.
.The vehicle is driving in heavy traffic
where driving is at low speeds, and the
vehicle is stopped and started repeatedly.
Problems with Route Guidance
Inappropriate route guidance can occur
under one or more of the following
conditions:
.The turn was not made on the road
indicated.
.Route guidance might not be available
when using automatic rerouting for the
next right or left turn.
.The route might not be changed when
using automatic rerouting.
.There is no route guidance when turning
at an intersection.
.Plural names of places might be
announced occasionally.
.It could take a long time to operate
automatic rerouting during high-speed
driving.
.Automatic rerouting might display a route
returning to the set waypoint if heading
for a destination without passing through
a set waypoint.
.The route prohibits the entry of a vehicle
due to a regulation by time or season or
any other regulation which may be given.
.Some routes might not be searched.
.The route to the destination might not be
shown if there are new roads, if roads
have recently changed, or if certain roads
are not listed in the map data. SeeMaps
0 145.
To recalibrate the vehicle's position on the
map, park with the vehicle running for two
to five minutes, until the vehicle position
updates. Make sure the vehicle is parked in
a location that is safe and has a clear view
of the sky and away from large
obstructions.
If the System Needs Service
If the navigation system needs service, see
your dealer.
Map Data Updates
The map data in the vehicle is the most
up-to-date information available when the
vehicle was produced. The map data is
updated periodically, provided that the map
information has changed and the vehicle has
a relevant service plan.
Over-the-Air-Vehicle Map Updates
If equipped, the infotainment system can
receive map updates over the air. Map
updates occur within a 161 km (100 mi)
radius around the home address on file. This
boundary will adjust over time based on
driving patterns. The vehicle uses a
Cloud-connected service to receive the date
and downloads it to the system’s onboard
SD card, if equipped. A data plan or
compatible mobile device hotspot is
required. The SD card is required for
navigation system function.
When a map update is available, a prompt
will appear on the infotainment display.
Once the update is accepted, it will
download and run in the background
without interruption any infotainment
functions. The download will carry over
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196 Driving and Operating
.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.
.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 0208. 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.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
214.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
If equipped, select All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Mode. See All-Wheel Drive 0211.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see Towing the
Vehicle 0316.
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200 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeTrailer Towing 0249 for the
trailer towing capabilities of the
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and
electrical systems experience a “break-in”
period during the first 6,400 km
(4,000 miles) of routine driving. As the
vehicle is driven, the mechanical systems
adjust to provide optimal fuel economy and
transmission shift performance.
Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate
during the break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle
noises is normal during this process.
Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery
to achieve the best operation of the vehicle,
including fuel economy and the Stop/Start
System. See Stop/Start System 0202.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
must be in the vehicle for the system to
operate. If the pushbutton start is not
working, the vehicle may be near a strong
radio antenna signal causing interference to
the Keyless Access system. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
Stopping the Engine/Off (No Indicator
Lights)
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP once to turn the engine off. To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on and the brake pedal must be applied.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) will remain active. See
Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0206
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition system will turn off.
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
vehicle is turned off and either front door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may
not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
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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.