2024 BUICK ENCORE GX tow

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
64 Seats and Restraints
{Warning
If the front outboard passenger airbag is
turned off for an adult-sized occupant,
the airbag will not be able to inflate and
help protect that person in a crash,
resulting in an increased risk of serious
injury or even death. An adult-sized
occupant should not ride in the front
outboard passenger seat, if the passenger
airbag OFF indicator is lit.
Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Seat belts help keep the passenger in
position on the seat during vehicle
maneuvers and braking, which helps the
passenger sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See“Seat Belts”
and “Child Restraints” in the Index for
additional information about the importance
of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material, such as
a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket
equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters,
and seat massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates. We
recommend that you not use seat covers or
other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle.
See
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 064 for more
information about modifications that can
affect how the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an object,
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired,
remove the object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion
and seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0306.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
76 Seats and Restraints
{Warning
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injuries during a crash, do not attach
more than one child restraint to a single
anchor. Attaching more than one child
restraint to a single anchor could cause
the anchor or attachment to come loose
or even break during a crash. A child or
others could be injured.
{Warning
Children can be seriously injured or
strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped
around their neck. The shoulder belt can
tighten but cannot be loosened if it is
locked. The shoulder belt locks when it is
pulled all the way out of the retractor.
It unlocks when the shoulder belt is
allowed to go all the way back into the
retractor, but it cannot do this if it is
wrapped around a child’s neck. If the
shoulder belt is locked and tightened
around a child’s neck, the only way to
loosen the belt is to cut it.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Buckle any unused seat belts behind the
child restraint so children cannot reach
them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way
out of the retractor to set the lock, and
tighten the belt behind the child restraint
after the child restraint has been
installed.
Caution
Do not let the LATCH attachments rub
against the vehicle’s seat belts. This may
damage these parts. If necessary, move
buckled seat belts to avoid rubbing the
LATCH attachments.
Do not fold the rear seatback when the
seat is occupied. Do not fold the empty
rear seat with a seat belt buckled. This
could damage the seat belt or the seat.
Unbuckle and return the seat belt to its
stowed position, before folding the seat.
If you need to secure more than one child
restraint in the rear seat, see Where to Put
the Restraint 071. 1. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments to the lower anchors. If the
child restraint does not have lower
attachments or the desired seating
position does not have lower anchors,
secure the child restraint with the top
tether and the seat belts. Refer to the
child restraint manufacturer instructions
and the instructions in this manual.
1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired seating position.
1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
1.3. Attach and tighten the lower attachments on the child restraint
to the lower anchors.
2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be
attached, adjust the top tether to its full
length and attach it to the anchor. Refer
to the child restraint instructions and the
following steps:
2.1. Find the top tether anchor.
2.2. Route, attach and tighten the top tether according to your child
restraint instructions and the
following instructions:

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Seats and Restraints 79
4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out ofthe retractor to set the lock. When the
retractor lock is set, the belt can be
tightened but not pulled out of the
retractor.5. To tighten the belt, push down on thechild restraint, pull the shoulder portion
of the belt to tighten the lap portion of
the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor. When installing a
forward-facing child restraint, it may be
helpful to use your knee to push down
on the child restraint as you tighten
the belt.
Try to pull the belt out of the retractor
to make sure the retractor is locked.
If the retractor is not locked, repeat
Steps 4 and 5. 6. If the child restraint has a top tether,
follow the child restraint manufacturer's
instructions regarding the use of the top
tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children (LATCH System) 072.
7. Before placing a child in the child restraint, make sure it is securely held in
place. To check, grasp the child restraint
at the seat belt path and attempt to
move it side to side and back and forth.
When the child restraint is properly
installed, there should be no more than
2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the
vehicle seat belt and let it return to the
stowed position. If the top tether is attached
to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
82 Seats and Restraints
6. To tighten the belt, push down on thechild restraint, pull the shoulder portion
of the belt to tighten the lap portion of
the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor.
There must be finger clearance between
the release pushbutton and the child
restraint. If there is not clearance
between the buckle release pushbutton
and the child restraint, move the seat
upward and repeat prior installation
steps. Otherwise secure the child
restraint in a rear seat.
When installing a forward-facing child
restraint, it may be helpful to use your
knee to push down on the child restraint
as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor
to make sure the retractor is locked.
If the retractor is not locked, repeat
Steps 5 and 6.
7. Before placing a child in the child restraint, make sure it is securely held in
place. To check, grasp the child restraint
at the seat belt path and attempt to
move it side to side and back and forth.
When the child restraint is properly
installed, there should be no more than
2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
If the airbags are off, the OFF indicator in
the passenger airbag status indicator will
come on and stay on when the vehicle is
started.
If a child restraint has been installed and
the ON indicator is lit, see “If the On
Indicator Is Lit for a Child Restraint” under
Passenger Sensing System 061.
To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the
vehicle seat belt and let it return to the
stowed position.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Instruments and Controls 91
.Move the windshield wiper lever out of
the AUTO position to deactivate
Rainsense.
To turn the Rainsense feature on or off,
select Settings > Vehicle > Comfort and
Convenience > Rainsense Wipers > Select ON
or OFF.
Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
When using an automatic car wash, move
the windshield wiper lever to OFF. This
disables the automatic Rainsense windshield
wipers and/or manual windshield wipers.
With Rainsense, if the transmission is in
N (Neutral) and the vehicle speed is very
slow, the wipers will automatically stop at
the base of the windshield.
The wiper operations return to normal when
the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral)
or the vehicle speed has increased.
Windshield Washer
e: Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to spray windshield washer fluid
and activate the windshield wipers. The
wipers will continue until the lever is
released or the maximum wash time is
reached. When the windshield wiper lever is
released, additional wipes may occur depending on how long the windshield
washer had been activated. See
Washer
Fluid 0230 for information on filling the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The ignition must be on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY to operate the rear window
wiper/washer.
Rear Wiper with Rainsense Shown, without
Rainsense Similar
Turn the end of the windshield wiper lever
to operate the rear window wiper/washer.
OFF : Turns the wiper off.
INT : Intermittent wipes. ON :
Slow wipes.
f:Push the windshield wiper lever
forward to spray washer fluid on the rear
window and the Rear Mirror Camera Lens.
If equipped, See Rear Camera Mirror 031.
The wipers will clear the rear window and
either stop or return to your preset speed.
For more washer cycles, press and hold the
lever.
The rear window wiper/washer will not
operate if the liftgate is open or ajar. If the
liftgate is opened while the rear wiper is on,
the wiper returns to the parked position and
stops.
Rear Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
When using an automatic car wash, move
the rear wiper control to OFF to disable the
rear wiper. In some vehicles, if the
transmission is in N (Neutral) and the
vehicle speed is very slow, the rear wiper
will automatically park.
The wiper operations return to normal when
the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral)
or the vehicle speed has increased.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Instruments and Controls 99
English Info Layout Shown, Other LayoutsSimilar
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
indicates about how much fuel is left in
the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low
fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel
left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
The fuel gauge may:
.Take a little more, or less fuel to fill up
than it indicates. For example, the gauge
may have indicated the tank is half full, but it actually will take a little more,
or less than half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.
.Moves a little while turning a corner,
speeding up, or braking.
.Take a few seconds to stabilize after the
ignition is turned on and goes back to
empty when the ignition is turned off.
These are normal conditions, none of which
indicate a problem with the fuel gauge.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Metric Info Layout Shown, Other Layouts Similar
English Info Layout Shown, Other Layouts Similar
This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the warning
area at the high end of the gauge, the
engine is too hot.
This reading indicates the same thing as the
warning light. It means that the engine
coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has
been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as
possible. See Engine Overheating 0229.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
102 Instruments and Controls
If a short distance must be driven with the
light on, be sure to turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a
safe place to stop the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission
control on-board diagnostic system. If this
light is on while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and the
vehicle may require service. The light should
come on to show that it is working when
the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. SeeIgnition Positions 0162.
Malfunctions are often indicated by the
system before any problem is noticeable.
Being aware of the light and seeking service
promptly when it comes on may prevent
damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with
this light on, the emission control system
may not work as well, the fuel economy
may be lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the
use of replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also affect
the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0215.
If the light is flashing : A malfunction has
been detected that could damage the
emission control system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may be
required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe
place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait
at least 10 seconds before restarting the
engine. If the light is still flashing, follow
the previous guidelines and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :
A malfunction has
been detected. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless funnel adapter, make
sure that it has been removed. See
“Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0203. The
diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Instruments and Controls 103
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. SeeRecommended Fuel 0202.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation. See
Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 213. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is on while the engine is off.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on to show that the light is
working. If it does not come on then, have
it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on, there is
a brake problem. Have the brake system
inspected right away. This light may come
on if the brake fluid is low. See
Brake Fluid
0 232.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The brake
system has electric brake boost. Vehicle
speed may be limited when the brake
system warning light comes on. The brake
pedal might be harder to push, or the brake
pedal may go closer to the floor. It could
take longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service. See
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0273.
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
(Continued)