2024 BUICK ENCORE GX light

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Driving and Operating 213
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used
for vehicle service and Emission
Inspection/Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light)0102. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —may
interfere with vehicle systems. This could
affect vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment. Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 064 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 064.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
214 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 215
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 215
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 243
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 247
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 252
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 255
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 260
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 262
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 262
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 263
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 270
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 273
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Vehicle Care 233
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. SeeBrake
System Warning Light 0103.
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 0286.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0290.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
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 0165. 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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 California Proposition 65 Warning 01.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump
Starting - North America 0270 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
238 Vehicle Care
Desiccant (if equipped)
This vehicle is equipped with desiccant to
reduce fogging inside the headlamp due to
moisture. The desiccant is consumable and
its performance may change based on the
used period and environment. If fogging
inside the headlamp due to moisture
continues for a long time, see your dealer
for service.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the
bulb. You or others could be injured. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps. For
replacement of any LED lighting assembly,
contact your dealer.
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps (Base Level)
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal and
installation can cause leaks and water
intrusion which may cause damage to
the taillamp. Do not remove the taillamp
assembly to replace a bulb. Use the
liftgate opening to access the bulb.
Liftgate Inboard Taillamp
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar1. Taillamp
2. Taillamp
1. Remove the bulb access door on liftgate.
2. Remove the bulb from the bulb socket
and replace with a new bulb.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
252 Vehicle Care
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
that is located between the plies and
the tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0253. DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0159.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0159.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side
of an asymmetrical tire, that must
always face outward when mounted on
a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air
pressure. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on light duty trucks and some
multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number
ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds
to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:The
maximum air pressure to which a cold
tire can be inflated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating
for a tire at the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for that tire.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated
seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The side of
an asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The side of the
tire that contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name molding
that is higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall of
the tire.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 253
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used
on passenger cars and some light duty
trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
:
Vehicle manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown on the
tire placard. See Tire Pressure0253 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in
which the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire and
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire between
the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the
maximum speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction
:The friction between the tire
and the road surface. The amount of
grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that comes
into contact with the road. Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow bands,
sometimes called wear bars, that show
across the tread of a tire when only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires 0260.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards)
:A tire information system
that provides consumers with ratings
for a tire's traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are determined by
tire manufacturers using government
testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire.
See Uniform Tire Quality Grading 0262.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number
of designated seating positions
multiplied by 68 kg (150 lbs) plus the
rated cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0159.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
:
Load on an individual tire due to curb
weight, accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight. Vehicle Placard
:A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing the
vehicle's capacity weight and the
original equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure. See
“Tire and Loading Information Label”
under Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air
pressure to operate effectively.
{Warning
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good. Underinflated
tires, or tires that do not have
enough air, can result in:
.Tire overloading and overheating,
which could lead to a blowout
.Premature or irregular wear
.Poor handling
.Reduced fuel economy for
internal combustion engine
vehicles
(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
256 Vehicle Care
the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 159.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire may display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message, if equipped, come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to
the correct inflation pressure. Using the DIC,
it may be possible to view the tire pressure
levels. For additional information and details
about the DIC operation and displays, see
Driver Information Center (DIC) 0109. The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 159, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0253.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 259, Tire Rotation 0259, and Tires0248.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire pressure warning
light, defined above, flashes for about
one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC
warning message may also display. The
malfunction light and DIC warning message,
if equipped, come on at each ignition cycle
until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause these to come
on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced
with the spare tire. The spare tire does
not have a TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after the road tire is
replaced and the sensor matching process
is performed successfully. See "TPMS
Sensor Matching Process" later in this
section.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was
not done or not completed successfully
after rotating the tires. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after successfully

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 257
completing the sensor matching process.
See "TPMS Sensor Matching Process" later
in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The malfunction light and the
DIC message, if equipped, should go off
when the TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match
the original equipment tires or wheels.
Tires and wheels other than those
recommended could prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires 0261.
.Operating electronic devices or being near
facilities using radio wave frequencies
similar to the TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, it
cannot detect or signal a low tire pressure
condition. See your dealer for service if the
TPMS malfunction light and DIC message,
if equipped, come on and stay on.
Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and audible
alerts outside the vehicle to help when
inflating an underinflated tire to the
recommended cold tire pressure.
When the low tire pressure warning light
comes on: 1. Park the vehicle in a safe, level place.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
4. Add air to the tire that is underinflated. The turn signal lamp will flash. When
the recommended pressure is reached,
the horn sounds once and the turn signal
lamp will stop flashing and briefly turn
solid.
Repeat these steps for all underinflated tires
that have illuminated the low tire pressure
warning light.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Do not exceed the maximum (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
pressure listed on the tire sidewall. See
Tire Sidewall Labeling0249 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
If the tire is overinflated by more than
35 kPa (5 psi), the horn will sound multiple
times and the turn signal lamp will continue
to flash for several seconds after filling
stops.
To release and correct the pressure, while
the turn signal lamp is still flashing, briefly
press the center of the valve stem. When
the recommended pressure is reached, the
horn sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash within
15 seconds after starting to inflate the tire,
the tire fill alert has not been activated or is
not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are on, the
tire fill alert visual feedback will not work
properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill alert
properly under the following conditions:
.There is interference from an external
device or transmitter.