2023 BUICK ENCORE GX ABS

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
206 Driving and Operating
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0103.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 0102 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0103.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages. Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Driving and Operating 207
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0240.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 185.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. HSA
brake hold duration may be selectable.
Standard Hold automatically releases the
brakes after a few seconds. Extended Hold
applies the Electric Parking Brake if the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes. If hold duration is selectable, see
"Extended Hill Start Assist" in Settings >
Vehicle > Collision / Detection Systems. The

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
242 Driving and Operating
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination will not
accelerate as quickly and is much longer so
it is necessary to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before returning to the
lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
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 0264.
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
268 Vehicle Care
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 0102.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0323.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0327.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. For replacement of the
battery, see your dealer.
Stop/Start System
If equipped, the Stop/Start system shuts off
the engine to help conserve fuel. See Stop/
Start System 0196. It has an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery. Installation
of a standard 12-volt battery will result in
reduced 12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery charger on the
12-volt AGM battery, some chargers have an
AGM battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on the
charger to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING:
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See the warning on the back cover.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Vehicle Care 307
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
battery, see Battery - North America 0268.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See the warning on the back cover.

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-
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

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Index 359
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . 45
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177, 179
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
IndicatorPedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Indicators Warning Lights and Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 63
Information
Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Infotainment Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Inspection Multi-Point Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 128
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
LampsCourtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 127
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 274
Headlamps and Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Lane
Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 73
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
All-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102