Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Instruments and Controls 85
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving.
Steering Wheel Controls
The infotainment system can be operated
by using the steering wheel controls. See
Steering Wheel Controls 0132.
Heated Steering Wheel
(:If equipped, press to turn on or off.
A light near the button displays when the
feature is turned on.
The steering wheel takes about
three minutes to start heating. If equipped with remote start, the heated
steering wheel will turn on automatically
during a remote start along with the heated
seats when it is cold outside. The heated
steering wheel indicator light may come on.
Horn
Pressaon the steering wheel pad to
sound the horn.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
{Warning
In freezing weather, do not use the
washer until the windshield is warmed.
Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking your vision.
{Warning
Before driving the vehicle, always clear
snow and ice from the hood, windshield,
washer nozzles, roof, and rear of the
vehicle, including all lamps and windows.
Reduced visibility from snow and ice
buildup could lead to a crash.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Instruments and Controls 91
A thick smartphone case may prevent
the charger from working, or reduce the
charging performance. See your dealer
for additional information.
4. A green
]will appear on the
infotainment display, next to the phone
icon. This indicates that the smartphone
is detected.
5. If a smartphone is placed on the charger and
]turns off or turns yellow, remove
the smartphone and any objects from
the pad. Turn the smartphone
180 degrees and wait a few seconds
before placing/aligning it on the pad
again.
6. If a smartphone is placed on the charger and
]turns red, the charger and/or the
smartphone is overheated. Remove the
smartphone and any objects from the
charger in order to cool the system.
The smartphone may become warm during
charging. This is normal. In warmer
temperatures, the speed of charging may be
reduced. For vehicles with wireless phone projection,
the smartphone may overheat during
wireless charging. The smartphone may slow
down, stop charging, or shut down to
protect the battery. The phone may need to
be removed from its case to prevent
overheating. The
]may flash while the
phone is cooling down enough for wireless
charging to automatically resume. This is
normal. Individual phone performance
may vary.
Software Acknowledgements
Certain Wireless Charging Module product
from LG Electronics, Inc. ("LGE") contains the
open source software detailed below. Refer
to the indicated open source licenses (as are
included following this notice) for the terms
and conditions of their use. OSS Notice Information
To obtain the source code that is
contained in this product, please visit
https://opensource.lge.com. In addition to
the source code, all referred license terms,
warranty disclaimers and copyright notices
are available for download. LG Electronics
will also provide open source code to you
on CD-ROM for a charge covering the cost of
performing such distribution (such as the
cost of media, shipping, and handling) upon
email request to [email protected]. This
offer is valid for three (3) years from the
date on which you purchased the product.
Freescale-WCT library
Copyright (c) 2012-2014 Freescale
Semiconductor, Inc.. All rights reserved.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Instruments and Controls 97
English Uplevel Shown, Metric Similar
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
indicates about how much fuel is left in
the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low
fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel
left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
Here are three things that some owners ask
about. None of these show a problem with
the fuel gauge:
.It takes a little more, or less fuel to fill up
than the gauge indicated. For example,
the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little
more, or less than half the tank's capacity
to fill the tank.
.The gauge moves a little while turning a
corner, speeding up or braking.
.The gauge takes a few seconds to
stabilize after the ignition is turned on,
and goes back to empty when the
ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
English Base Level Shown, Metric Similar
English Uplevel Shown, Metric Similar
This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the warning
area at the high end of the gauge, the
engine is too hot.
If the engine coolant has overheated and
the vehicle has been operating under normal
driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as
possible. See Engine Overheating 0270.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Climate Controls 183
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the
vehicle can be controlled with this system.1. Temperature Control
2. Air Delivery Mode Controls
3. MAX Defrost
4. Rear Window Defogger
5. Fan Control
6. Driver and Passenger Heated Seats (If Equipped)
7. Recirculation
8. A/C (Air Conditioning)
]: Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
fan speed or turn the fan off.
Temperature Control : Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature. Air Delivery Mode Controls :
Press
z,Y,
or
6to change the direction of the airflow.
The indicator light in the button will turn
on. Any combination of the three buttons
can be selected. The indicator light in the
button will turn on.
To change the current mode, select one or
more of the following:
z: Clears the windows of fog or moisture.
Air is directed to the windshield.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
6: Air is directed to the floor outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the windshield
and the fan runs at a higher speed. Fog or
frost is cleared from the windshield more
quickly. When the button is pressed again,
the system returns to the previous mode
setting.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting. A/C :
Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. If the climate control
system is turned off or the outside
temperature falls below freezing, the air
conditioner will not run.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle or
to reduce the entry of outside air and odors.
Rear Window Defogger
K: Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on.
The defogger can be turned off by turning
the ignition off or to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If the vehicle is equipped with heated
outside mirrors, they turn on when the rear
window defogger button is on and help to
clear fog or frost from the surface of the
mirror.
See Heated Mirrors 027.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Climate Controls 185
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the
vehicle can be controlled with this system.1. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
2. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
3. Fan Controls
4. MAX Defrost
5. Rear Window Defogger
6. SYNC (Synchronized Temperature)
7. Recirculation
8. Driver and Passenger Heated Seats (If Equipped)
9. Air Delivery Mode Controls
10. ON/OFF (Power)
11. A/C (Air Conditioning)
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls the fan
speed, air delivery, air conditioning, and
recirculation in order to heat or cool the
vehicle to the desired temperature.
When AUTO is lit, all four functions operate
automatically. Each function can also be
manually set and the selected setting is
displayed. Functions not manually set will continue to
be automatically controlled, even if the
AUTO indicator is not lit.
For automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature, allow the system time to stabilize, and adjust the
temperature as needed.
Driver and Passenger Temperature Control :
The temperature can be adjusted separately
for the driver and the passenger. Turn the
knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the temperature.
SYNC : Press to link all climate zone settings
to the driver setting. The SYNC indicator
light will turn on. When the passenger
settings are adjusted, the SYNC indicator
light turns off.Manual Operation
In addition to the controls on the center
stack; the fan, air delivery mode,
temperature, and other climate settings can
be controlled by touching CLIMATE on the
infotainment Home Page or the climate
button in the application tray. ON/OFF :
Press to turn the fan off or on.
When off, no air will flow into the vehicle.
Turning the fan on, pressing any other
button, or turning a knob will turn the
system back on using the current setting.
9: Press to increase or decrease the fan
speed. The fan speed setting appears on the
main display. Pressing either button cancels
automatic fan control and the fan is
controlled manually. Press AUTO to return
to automatic operation.
Air Delivery Mode Controls : Press any
combination of
z,Y, or6to change the
direction of the airflow. The indicator light
in the button will turn on. The current mode
appears in the display screen.
Pressing any of the three buttons cancels
automatic air delivery control and the
direction of the airflow is controlled
manually. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation.
To change the current mode, select one or
more of the following:
z: Clears the windows of fog or moisture.
Air is directed to the windshield.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Driving and Operating 195
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs (e.g.,
falling rocks area, winding roads, long
grades, passing or no-passing zones) and
take appropriate action.
.Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
All-Wheel Drive0211.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Caution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0214.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0212.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
.Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
All-Wheel Drive 0211.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the
vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 348. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
206 Driving and Operating
starting the vehicle. An internal thermostat
in the plug end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above−18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater 1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the heater cord from the rear compartment.
3. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer
for a replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
4. Plug the cord into the receptacle in the front fascia.
5. Plug the other end of the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an
extension cord can damage the cord and
may result in overheating and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded outlet could
cause an electric shock.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the recommended
extension cord in good operating
condition, or using a damaged heater
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the ignition is
in RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set.
The vehicle can roll. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. (Continued)
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.