Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
To replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the bottom of theRKE transmitter to remove the key.
Never pull the key out without pressing
the button.
2. Insert a flat, thin object and remove theback cover.
3. Lift the battery with a flat object.
4. Remove the battery. 5. Insert the new battery, positive side
toward the back cover. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
6. Ensure that the silicone mat is correctly positioned with no gaps or wrinkles.
7. Set transmitter button side down on a hard surface and press the other half
straight down to force the halves
together.
8. Insert the key back into the RKE transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle has a remote starting feature
that starts the engine from outside of the
vehicle.
/:This button is on the RKE transmitter.
Laws in some communities may restrict the
use of remote starters. For example, some
laws may require a person using the remote
start to have the vehicle in view when doing
so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if the
vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle could run
out of fuel.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
76 Seats and Restraints
SeePassenger Sensing System 057 and
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator 099 for
more information, including important
safety information.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in the
front. This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag
deploys.
{Warning
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
inflates. This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would be very
close to the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag inflates
and the passenger seat is in a forward
position.
Even if the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
airbag(s), no system is fail-safe. No one
can guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual circumstance,
even though the airbag(s) are off.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Secure rear-facing child restraints in a
rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off.
If you secure a forward-facing child
restraint in the front outboard passenger
seat, always move the seat as far back as
it will go. It is better to secure the child
restraint in a rear seat.
SeePassenger Sensing System 057 for
additional information.
If the child restraint uses a top tether, see
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) 068 for top tether anchor
locations.
Do not secure a child seat in a position
without a top tether anchor if a national or
local law requires that the top tether be
anchored, or if the instructions that come
with the child restraint say that the top
tether must be anchored.
In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have a top
tether, and that the tether be attached. When using the lap-shoulder belt to secure
the child restraint in this position, follow the
instructions that came with the child
restraint and the following instructions:
1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child
restraint. Move the seat upward or the
seatback to an upright position,
if needed, to get a tight installation of
the child restraint.
The push button used to release the
latch plate must be visible and not
obscured by the child restraint. There
must not be direct contact of the child
restraint to the push button.
When the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag, the OFF
indicator on the passenger airbag status
indicator should light and stay lit when
you start the vehicle. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 099.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's
seat belt through or around the child
restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Instruments and Controls 99
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
SeePassenger Sensing System 057 for
important safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, or either the on
or off symbol, to let you know the status of
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag.
If the word ON, or the on symbol, is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag are allowed
to inflate.
If the word OFF, or the off symbol is lit, on
the airbag status indicator, it means that
the passenger sensing system has turned off
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, there may be a problem with
the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light 098
for more information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Driving and Operating 199
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label is
attached to the center pillar (B-pillar).
The label may show the size of the vehicle's
original tires and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross weight capacity
of the vehicle. The label shows the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle. This is called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may also show
the maximum weights for the front and rear
axles, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). To find out the actual loads on the front and rear axles, weigh the vehicle at a
weigh station. Your dealer can help with
this. Be sure to spread the load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can strike and
injure people in a sudden stop or turn,
or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible. Try to spread
the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the vehicle.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
800 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
(Continued)
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
316 Vehicle Care
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with thegood battery and run the engine at idle
speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical
shorting may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables
do not touch each other or other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or a
mechanical transmission range select
shifter. In the event of a loss of 12-volt
battery power, the electric parking brake
cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Index 367
Door (cont'd)Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211, 276
Driver Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . .107, 109
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 246
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184E
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Electrical SystemEngine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 287
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 291
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 100
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . 129
F
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 233
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353