
Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411536) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
204 Driving and Operating
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in P (Park)
with the parking brake set. The vehicle
can roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeDriving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0244.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the Electric Parking Brake (EPB). See Electric
Parking Brake 0210.
2. Press the P (Park) switch on the center console.
3. Press ENGINE START/STOP to turn the engine off.
If the vehicle is shifted into P (Park) on a
hill, the EPB may apply automatically. The
driver may not be able to release the EPB
using the EPB switch. It should automatically
release when the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the
Electric Parking Brake (EPB) set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the EPB and shift the vehicle
to P (Park). If you are towing a trailer,
see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0244.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, the vehicle must be in
P (Park) with the EPB set.
Confirm that the vehicle is in P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
transmission.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press or pull the desired shift switch on the center console. For N (Neutral) press
and hold the N (Neutral) switch until the
N indicator illuminates red.
The P indicator will turn white and the gear
indicator on the selected shift switch will
turn red when the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
If the vehicle cannot shift from P (Park), a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message will
be displayed. Check that the ignition is on,
the engine is running, and the brake pedal
is applied when you are attempting to shift
out of P (Park). If all of these are met but
the vehicle will not shift out of P (Park), see
your dealer for service.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 205
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
SeeShifting Into Park 0204 and
Engine Exhaust 0205.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key outside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 15 minutes.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 30 minutes.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park
0 204 and Engine Exhaust 0205.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 244.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411536) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
206 Driving and Operating
Automatic Transmission
The shift switches are on the center console.
The selected gear position will illuminate red
on the shift switch, while all others will be
displayed in white. If the shift is not
immediate, as in very cold conditions, the
indicator on the shift switch may flash until
it is fully engaged.
The transmission does not operate when the
vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in accessory mode, the
transmission can be shifted into P (Park).
If ENGINE START/STOP is pressed twice while
at a relatively high speed, the engine will
turn off and the transmission willautomatically shift into N (Neutral). Once
the vehicle is stopped, P (Park) can be
selected.
P :
This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the vehicle to ensure
the vehicle does not move.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the transmission is not in P (Park) with
the parking brake set. The vehicle
can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If the engine has been left
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and place the
transmission into P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0204 and Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0244.
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronically controlled transmission. The
R (Reverse) and D (Drive) shift switches are designed to prevent inadvertent shifting out
of P (Park) unless the ignition is on, and the
brake pedal is applied.
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The
transmission will shift to P (Park)
automatically.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).
To shift in and out of P (Park), see
Shifting
Into Park 0204 and
Shifting out of Park 0204.
R : Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse)
while the speed is too high, the vehicle will
shift into N (Neutral). Reduce the vehicle
speed and try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the R (Reverse) switch on the center console.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 207
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0195.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park).
To shift into N (Neutral), press the
N (Neutral) switch until the N indicator
is red.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift into the desired gear.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that
allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car washes. Car Wash
Mode is not to be used for vehicle towing.
If the vehicle needs to be towed, see
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0311.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park) if
left in Car Wash Mode.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver out of
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411536) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
208 Driving and Operating
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the engine and release thebrake pedal.
6. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine on and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift into N (Neutral).
4. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –Driver out of
Vehicle
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine on and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash. 2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift into N (Neutral), then release the
brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
6. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
7. The vehicle may automatically shift into P (Park) upon re-entry.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down. If the vehicle is shifted into D (Drive) while
the speed is too high, the transmission will
get ready to engage D (Drive). Reduce the
vehicle speed, then the transmission will
engage D (Drive).
To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the D (Drive) switch on the center console.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery
road conditions could result in skidding. See
“Skidding” underLoss of Control 0189.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16411536) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Driving and Operating 209
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS)Caution
If the vehicle is driven at a high rpm
without upshifting while using Electronic
Range Select (ERS), the vehicle could be
damaged. Always upshift when necessary
while using ERS.
Electronic Range Select (ERS), or Manual
Mode, allows for the selection of the range
of gear positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to limit
the top gear and vehicle speed. The shift
position indicator within the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a
number next to the L indicating the highest
available gear.
To enter Electronic Range Select or
Manual Mode:
1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), press the L (Low) button.
2. Tap the left steering wheel control to reduce the highest gear available, or the
right control to increase the highest gear
available.
To exit Electronic Range Select, pull the
D (Drive) switch on the center console.
When shifting to L (Low), the transmission
will shift to a preset lower gear range. For
this preset range, the highest gear available
will be displayed next to the L in the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC). All gears
below that number are available to use. For
example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to
the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are
shifted automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth)
gear, tap the right steering wheel control or
shift into D (Drive).
L (Low) will prevent shifting to a lower gear
range if the engine speed is too high. If the
vehicle speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift will not be completed. Slow the vehicle, then tap the
left steering wheel control to the desired
lower gear range.
Cruise control can be used while in ERS.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
AWD Mode.
Press the button to select All-Wheel
Drive (AWD).
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed. See
Driver Mode Control
0 214.

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Driving and Operating 215
When active, Sport Mode modifies AWD
torque, steering, Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and
suspension tuning, if equipped.
AWD Mode
AWD provides torque to all four wheels.
Pressing the AWD Mode switch will select
AWD Mode. The AWD light will flash briefly
while the system is engaging and stay on to
indicate AWD is active. AWD Mode can be
turned on and off independently of other
modes. Select AWD Mode to improve
traction and control on slippery road
surfaces, such as gravel, sand, wet
pavement, snow, and ice. For more
information on AWD, seeAll-Wheel Drive
0 209.
Tow/Haul Mode
This mode will automatically activate AWD,
if available. The transmission holds lower
gears longer before shifting to provide more
torque necessary when towing heavy loads.
This will also increase fuel consumption.
Tow/Haul Mode also modifies, steering, ESC,
TCS, and suspension tuning, if equipped. Use
this mode to assist in maintaining desired vehicle speeds when driving on downhill
grades by using the engine and transmission
to slow the vehicle.
This helps prevent the brakes from
overheating. For more information, see
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
0311.
Cruise Control
With cruise control the vehicle can maintain
a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads. If equipped with the Traction Control
System (TCS), the system may begin to limit
wheel spin while you are using cruise
control. If this happens, the cruise control
will automatically disengage. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0212. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0232.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
Cruise control will disengage if either TCS or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
is turned off.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.

Buick Enclave Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 217
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previously set cruise speed. While pressing
the accelerator pedal or shortly following
the release to override cruise control, briefly
pressing SET−will result in cruise set to the
current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work on
hills depends upon the vehicle speed, load,
and the steepness of the hills. When going
up steep hills, you might have to step on
the accelerator pedal to maintain your
speed. When going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control, press5. Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced)
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC), it allows for selecting the cruise
control set speed and following gap. Read
this entire section before using this system.
ACC uses a camera and radar sensor(s) to
detect other vehicles. See Radio Frequency
Statement 0343.
The following gap is the following time (or
distance) between your vehicle and a vehicle
detected directly ahead in your path,
moving in the same direction. If no vehicle
is detected in your path, ACC works like
regular cruise control.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
speed up the vehicle or apply limited,
moderate braking to maintain the selected
following gap. To disengage ACC, apply the
brake. If the Traction Control System (TCS)
or StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system activates while ACC is engaged, ACC may automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
212. When road conditions allow ACC to
be safely used, ACC can be turned back on.
Disabling the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC system
will disengage and prevent engagement
of ACC
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle down
while navigating the curve and may increase
speed out of the curve, but will not exceed
the set speed.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and may
not have time to slow the vehicle down
enough to avoid a collision with another
vehicle you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver” in this section.
(Continued)