Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
314 Vehicle Care
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0327.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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316 Vehicle Care
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level and
create a non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes, between
the hood and windshield, when washing the
vehicle.
Shutter System
The vehicle may have a shutter system
designed to help improve fuel economy.
Keep the shutter system clear of debris,snow and ice. If the check engine light is
activated, please check to see if the shutter
system is clear of debris, snow or ice.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with
glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged. Damage can be caused by
extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat,
sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips at least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be removed
by rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0327.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 319
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge
or soft, lint-free cloth dampened with
water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm soapy
water.
Vinyl/Rubber
If equipped with vinyl floor and rubber floor
mats, use a soft cloth and/or brush
dampened with water to remove dust and
loose dirt. For more thorough cleaning, use
a mild soap and water solution.
{Warning
Do not use cleaners that contain silicone,
wax-based products, or cleaners that
increase gloss on vinyl/rubber floor and
mats. These cleaners can permanently
change the appearance and feel of the
vinyl/rubber and can make the floor
slippery. Your foot could slip while
operating the vehicle, and you could lose
control, resulting in a crash. You or
others could be injured.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using a soft
brush attachment. If a rotating vacuum
brush attachment is being used, only use it
on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper towel.
Continue blotting until no more soil can
be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint transfer to
the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from
the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Fold the
cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently
to prevent forcing the soil into the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color
transfer from the soil to the cleaning
cloth. 5. If the soil is not completely removed,
use a mild soap solution followed only
by plain water.
If the soil is not completely removed, it may
be necessary to use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden
area for colorfastness before using a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter.
If ring formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to blot
excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces and Vehicle
Information and Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss surfaces
or vehicle displays. First, use a soft bristle
brush to remove dirt that can scratch the
surface. Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window cleaners
or solvents. Periodically hand wash the
microfiber cloth separately, using mild soap.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse
thoroughly and air dry before next use.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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324 Service and Maintenance
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 258.
.When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced at the
earliest convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air filter
is replaced. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0259.
Every 36 000 km (22,500 mi)
.Passenger compartment air filter
replacement (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). More frequent
replacement may be needed if the vehicle
is driven in areas with heavy traffic, poor
air quality, areas with high dust levels or
are sensitive to environmental allergens.
Filter replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GM
Service location can help you determine
when it is the right time to replace your
filter. Every 96 000 km (60,000 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug
wires and/or boots.
Every 161 000 km (100,000 mi)
.Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0271.
Every 240 000 km (150,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the
transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and/
or axles and should be replaced.
.Drain and fill engine cooling system. Or
every six years, whichever comes first.
See Cooling System 0260.
Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military, or commercial use
vehicles to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars, and
emergency rescue vehicles. ‐
Civilian vehicles such as light duty
pick-up trucks, SUVs, and passenger
cars that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as tow trucks
and flatbed single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads.
‐ High use commercial vehicles such as
courier delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles
that operate on a 24–hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.
.Vehicles that are regularly used for short
trips of 6 km (4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show you when
to change the oil and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may come on
before 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
* Footnote: Under extreme driving
conditions listed above, it may be
necessary to replace your spark plugs at
more frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the most
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 325
suitable service maintenance intervals for
your vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Extreme service is for vehicles mainly
driven off-road in four-wheel drive or used
in farming, mining, forestry, or snow
plowing.
Additional Required Services—Severe
Service
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter.
Every 75 000 km (120,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the
transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case and/
or axles and should be replaced.
Owner Checks and Services
Every Five Years
.Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0267. Every Seven Years
.Replace Air Conditioning Desiccant every
seven years. The air conditioning system
requires maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air conditioning
system. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Multi-Point Vehicle
Inspection (MPVI)
A Multi Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
completed by a GM dealer technician is a
maintenance assessment of your vehicle.
The benefit of the MPVI is to identify and
inform the customer of service items that
require immediate attention and those that
may require attention in the future.
The technician will perform the following
checks on your vehicle. For a complete list
of checks, inspections, and services, see your
dealer.
Some items may not apply to your vehicle
and/or region.
Diagnostics
.OnStar active, if equipped
.Service history/recall check
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐
Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and connections
Systems, Fluids, and Visible Leak
Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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346 OnStar
OnStar
OnStar Overview
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
OnStar Services
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
OnStar Additional Information
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . 348
OnStar Overview
=Voice Command Button
QBlue OnStar Button
>Red Emergency Button
This vehicle may be equipped with a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system that can
connect to an OnStar Advisor for Emergency,
Security, Navigation, Connections, and
Diagnostics Services. OnStar services may
require a paid service plan and data plan.
OnStar requires the vehicle battery and
electrical system, cellular service, and GPS
satellite signals to be available and
operating. OnStar acts as a link to existing
emergency service providers. OnStar may
collect information about you and your
vehicle, including location information. See
OnStar User Terms, Privacy Statement, and
Software Terms for more details including
system limitations at www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). The OnStar system status light is next to
the OnStar buttons. If the status light is:
.Solid Green: System is ready.
.Flashing Green: On a call.
.Red: Indicates a problem.
.Off: System is off. PressQtwice to
speak with an OnStar Advisor.
Press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) to speak to an Advisor.
Functionality of the Voice Command button
may vary by vehicle and region.
Press
=to:
.Open the OnStar app on the infotainment
display. If equipped, the infotainment
system has OnStar controls in the
embedded OnStar app on the Home Page.
Most OnStar functions that can be
performed with the buttons can be done
using the app. To open the app, touch the
OnStar icon on the Home Page. App
updates require a corresponding service
plan. Features vary by region and model.
Features are subject to change. For more
information, see my.buick.com/learn or
press
Q.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
354 Index
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
AdaptiveCruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Additional OnStar Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Air
Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . 182
Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 55
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 55
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 54 Airbag System (cont'd)
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 61
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Replacing System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 60
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Alert
Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Rear Cross Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205, 270
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . 161
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Index 355
ArmrestRear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Assistance Systems Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Audio
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Parking Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Transmission Shift Lock ControlFunction Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . 137
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 127
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Battery (cont'd)
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 268, 307
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156, 157
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 274
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . 273 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Backup Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275, 277
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
C
Calibration Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 1, 307
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Cargo
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79