Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
2 Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
About Driving the Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or a crash. Be sure to read
the driving guidelines in this manual in the
section called“Driving and Operating” and
specifically Driver Behavior 0190, Driving
Environment 0190, and Vehicle Design
0 190.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means “Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0187.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0126.
IntelliBeam System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0123.
3. Instrument Cluster 093.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0107 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 109.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 085.
5. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0125.
Anti-Theft Alarm System. See Vehicle
Alarm System 025.
6. Hazard Warning Flashers 0126.
7. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 131.
8. Climate Control Systems 0182.
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 184.
Heated Front Seats 041. (If Equipped). 9.
Power Outlets 088.
10. Wireless Charging 090 (If Equipped).
11. Auto Stop Disable Switch. See Stop/Start
System 0202.
All-Wheel Drive Button (If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0241 (If
Equipped).
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0214.
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0 228 (If Equipped).
12. Electric Parking Brake 0212.
13. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 209.
14. USB Port 0139.
Auxiliary Jack 0141.
15. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0200.
16. Steering Wheel Controls 085.
17. Horn 085.
18. Steering Wheel Adjustment 085 (Out
of View). 19.
Cruise Control 0215.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) 0218
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 085 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 233 (If Equipped).
20. Head-Up Display Controls (HUD) (If Equipped). See Head-Up Display (HUD)
0 112.
21. Hood Release. See Hood0257.
22. Exterior Lamp Controls 0123.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The RKE transmitter range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
To start the vehicle:
1. Press and release
Qon the RKE
transmitter.
2. Immediately after completing Step 1, press and hold
/until the turn signal
lamps flash. If the vehicle's lights cannot
be seen, press and hold
/for at least
four seconds.
When the vehicle starts, the park lamps will
turn on and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The doors will be locked
and the climate control system will operate
automatically if the vehicle has the
automatic system, or at the same setting as
when the vehicle was last turned off.
With an automatic climate control system
and if equipped with heated seats, the
heated seats turn on during colder outside
temperatures and shut off when the ignition
is turned on. The rear window defogger and heated
mirrors, if equipped, turn on during colder
outside temperatures and turn off when the
ignition is turned on.
After entering the vehicle during a remote
start, press the brake and ENGINE START/
STOP with the transmitter in the vehicle to
drive the vehicle.
If the vehicle is left running, it automatically
shuts off after 15 minutes unless a time
extension has been done.
Extending Engine Run Time
To extend the engine run time by
15 minutes, repeat Steps 1 and 2 while the
engine is still running. An extension can be
requested 30 seconds after starting. The
engine run time can only be extended if it is
the first remote start since the vehicle has
been driven. Remote start can be extended
one time.
If the remote start procedure is used again
while the engine is still running, 15 minutes
will be added on for a total of 30 minutes.
For example, if
Qand then/are pressed
again while the engine is still running,
15 minutes will be added on for a total of
30 minutes. A maximum of two remote starts or remote
start with an extension are allowed between
ignition cycles.
After the vehicle's engine has been started
two times using the remote start button or
a start with an extension, the ignition must
be turned on and then back off before the
remote start procedure can be used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To manually shut off a remote start:
.Press and hold/until the lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then off.
Conditions in Which the Remote Start
Will Not Work
The vehicle cannot be started using the
remote start feature if the RKE transmitter is
in the vehicle, the hood is open, the vehicle
is not in P (Park), the hazard flashers are on,
the vehicle is on, two remote starts or a
start with an extension have been used,
or there is an emission control system
malfunction.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Keys, Doors, and Windows 31
The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to
improve fuel economy performance. This
may result in a pulsing sound when either
rear window is down and the front windows
are up. To reduce the sound, open either a
front window or the sunroof, if equipped.
Power Windows
{Warning
Children could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Never leave the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter in a vehicle with
children. When there are children in the(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
rear seat, use the window lockout switch
to prevent operation of the windows. See
Keys06.
The power windows work when the ignition
is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0206.
Using the window switch, press to open or
pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily disabled if
they are used repeatedly within a
short time.
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear passenger
window switches from working.
.Press2to engage the rear window
lockout feature. The indicator light is on
when engaged.
.Press2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without holding
the window switch. Press the switch down
fully and quickly release to express open the
window.
If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express close the
window.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
42 Seats and Restraints
Press the control once for the highest
setting. With each press of the control, the
heated seat will change to the next lower
setting, and then the off setting. Three
lights indicate the highest setting and one
light the lowest. If the heated seats are on
high, the level may automatically be
lowered after approximately 30 minutes.
The passenger seat may take longer to
heat up.
Remote Start Heated Seats
When it is cold outside, the heated seats
can be turned on automatically during a
remote vehicle start. The heated seats will
be canceled when the ignition is turned on.
Press the heated seat controls to use the
heated seats after the vehicle is started.
The heated seat indicator lights on the
control do not turn on during a remote
start.
The temperature performance of an
unoccupied seat may be reduced. This is
normal.
The heated seats will not turn on during a
remote start unless the heated seat feature
is enabled in the vehicle
personalization menu.See
Remote Vehicle Start 013 and
Vehicle Personalization 0116.
Folding Seatback
The front passenger seatback may fold flat.
{Warning
If you fold the seatback forward to carry
longer objects, such as skis, be sure any
such cargo is not near an airbag. In a
crash, an inflating airbag might force that
object toward a person. This could cause
severe injury or even death. Secure
objects away from the area in which an
airbag would inflate. Where Are the
Airbags? 053. Vehicle Load Limits 0197.
{Warning
Things you put on this seatback can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash. Remove or secure
all items before driving.
To fold the seatback: 1. Lower the head restraint all the way. See Head Restraints 034 2. Move the seat as far back as possible.
See Seat Adjustment 036 or
Power Seat Adjustment 036
3. Lift the lever fully and fold the seatback
forward. If necessary, move the seat belt
out of the way to access the lever.
4. Continue lowering the seatback until it is completely folded and locks in place.
To raise the seatback: 1. Lift the lever fully to unlock the seatback. Then, raise the seatback and
push it rearward until it re-engages.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked in place.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Seats and Restraints 51
But if a seat belt is not long enough, your
dealer will order you an extender. Only a
GM dealer issued extender should be used.
When you go in to order it, take the
heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender
will be long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone else use
it, and use it only for the seat it is made to
fit. The extender has been designed for
adults. Never use it for securing child
restraints. For more information on the
proper use and fit of seat belt extenders see
the instruction sheet that comes with the
extender.
Safety System Check
Periodically check the seat belt reminder,
seat belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors,
shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped),
and seat belt anchorages to make sure they
are all in working order. Look for any other
loose or damaged seat belt system parts
that might keep a seat belt system from
performing properly. See your dealer to
have it repaired. Torn, frayed, or twisted
seat belts may not protect you in a crash.
Torn or frayed seat belts can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed,
have it replaced immediately. If a belt is
twisted, it may be possible to untwist byreversing the latch plate on the webbing.
If the twist cannot be corrected, ask your
dealer to fix it.
Make sure the seat belt reminder light is
working. See
Seat Belt Reminders 098.
Keep seat belts clean and dry. See Seat Belt
Care 051.
Seat Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
Seat belts should be properly cared for and
maintained.
Seat belt hardware should be kept dry and
free of dust or debris. As necessary, exterior
hard surfaces and seat belt webbing may be
lightly cleaned with mild soap and water.
Ensure there is not excessive dust or debris
in the mechanism. If dust or debris exists in
the system please see the dealer. Parts may
need to be replaced to ensure proper
functionality of the system.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt webbing.
It may severely weaken the webbing. In
a crash, they might not be able to
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
provide adequate protection. Clean and
rinse seat belt webbing only with mild
soap and lukewarm water. Allow the
webbing to dry.
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts
after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the seat belt system
in the vehicle. A damaged seat belt
system may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in serious injury
or even death in a crash. To help make
sure the seat belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of seat
belts may not be necessary. But the seat
belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the seat belt
assemblies inspected or replaced.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
52 Seats and Restraints
New parts and repairs may be necessary
even if the seat belt system was not being
used at the time of the crash.
Have the seat belt pretensioners checked if
the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the
airbag readiness light stays on after you
start the vehicle or while you are driving.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light 098.
Airbag System
The vehicle has the following airbags:
.A frontal airbag for the driver
.A frontal airbag for the front outboard
passenger
.A knee airbag for the driver
.A knee airbag for the front outboard
passenger
.A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
driver
.A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
front outboard passenger
.Seat-mounted side impact airbags for the
second row outboard passengers
.A roof-rail airbag for the driver and for
the rear passengers seated directly behind
the driver
.A roof-rail airbag for the front outboard
passenger and the rear passengers seated
directly behind the front outboard
passenger
All vehicle airbags have the word AIRBAG on
the trim or on a label near the deployment
opening.
For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the center of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel for the
front outboard passenger.
For knee airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the
lower part of the instrument panel.
For seat-mounted side impact airbags, the
word AIRBAG is on the side of the seatback
or side of the seat closest to the door.
For roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the ceiling or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement the
protection provided by seat belts. Even
though today's airbags are also designed to
help reduce the risk of injury from the force
of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job. Here are the most important things to know
about the airbag system:
{Warning
You can be severely injured or killed in a
crash if you are not wearing your seat
belt, even with airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with seat belts, not
replace them. Also, airbags are not
designed to inflate in every crash. In
some crashes seat belts are the only
restraint. See
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? 055.
Wearing your seat belt during a crash
helps reduce your chance of hitting
things inside the vehicle or being ejected
from it. Airbags are “supplemental
restraints” to the seat belts. Everyone in
the vehicle should wear a seat belt
properly, whether or not there is an
airbag for that person.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Seats and Restraints 53
{Warning
Because airbags inflate with great force
and faster than the blink of an eye,
anyone who is up against, or very close
to, any airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not sit
unnecessarily close to any airbag, as you
would be if sitting on the edge of the
seat or leaning forward. Seat belts help
keep you in position before and during a
crash. Always wear a seat belt, even with
airbags. The driver should sit as far back
as possible while still maintaining control
of the vehicle. The seat belts and the
front outboard passenger airbags are
most effective when you are sitting well
back and upright in the seat with both
feet on the floor.
Occupants should not lean on or sleep
against the door or side windows in
seating positions with seat-mounted side
impact airbags and/or roof-rail airbags.
{Warning
Children who are up against, or very
close to, any airbag when it inflates can
be seriously injured or killed. Always
secure children properly in the vehicle. To
read how, seeOlder Children 062 or
Infants and Young Children 063.
There is an airbag readiness light on the
instrument cluster, which shows the airbag
symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical
system for malfunctions. The light tells you
if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light 098.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the center of
the steering wheel.
The front outboard passenger frontal airbag
is in the passenger side instrument panel.