2024 BUICK ENCORE GX ABS

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
172 Driving and Operating
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed.
When operated in two-wheel drive, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better fuel
economy.
When using a compact spare tire on an
AWD vehicle, the system automatically
detects the compact spare and reduces AWD
performance to protect the system. To
restore full AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. SeeCompact Spare Tire 0270.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0104.
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
174 Driving and Operating
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. SeeDefensive Driving
0 153.
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
brakes may also release under other
conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold the
vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Driving and Operating 207
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 0229.
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.

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
270 Vehicle Care
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 0233.
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 California Proposition 65 Warning 01.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Vehicle Care 277
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 0290.
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-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
318 Index
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
AdaptiveCruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109, 177
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Additional OnStar Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Agreements
Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . 150
Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 59
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 59 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 58
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 64
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Replacing System Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 64
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Alert Lane Change (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Rear Cross Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171, 234 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

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Index 323
HeaterEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144, 146
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . 49
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144, 146
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Indicator Auto Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Pedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Indicators Warning Lights and Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 67
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Infotainment Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Inspection
Multi-Point Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 124
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
LampsCourtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 123
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Lamps (cont'd)
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 77
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Lights Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
All-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102