2024 BUICK ENCORE GX ignition

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)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
108 Instruments and Controls
Caution (Continued)
4. Restart the vehicle. If the engine oilpressure light stays on for more
than 10 seconds, turn the vehicle
back off. Do not restart the vehicle.
See your dealer for service.
This light should come on briefly when the
engine starts. When the engine is off and
the vehicle is on, the light should remain
illuminated. If it does not come on under
either condition, contact your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on when the
engine is running, it may not have adequate
oil pressure. The oil level may be low or
there may be some other oil system
problem. Turn the engine off when it is safe
to do so and contact your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Auto Stop Indicator
This light comes on when the engine is in
an Auto Stop.
See Stop/Start System 0165.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does
not start, there could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. See Immobilizer
Operation 029.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
114 Instruments and Controls
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Universal Remote System
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0306.
Universal Remote System
Programming
If equipped, the Universal Remote system
buttons are in the overhead console.
This system can replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate devices
such as garage door openers, security
systems, and home automation devices.
These instructions refer to a garage door
opener, but can be used for other devices.
Do not use the Universal Remote system
with any garage door opener that does not
have the stop and reverse feature. This
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982. Read these instructions completely before
programming the Universal Remote system.
It may help to have another person assist
with the programming process.
Keep the original hand-held transmitter for
use in other vehicles as well as for future
programming. Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated. See
“Erasing Universal Remote System Buttons”
later in this section.
To program a garage door opener, park
outside directly in line with and facing the
garage door opener receiver. Clear all people
and objects near the garage door.
Make sure the hand-held transmitter has a
new battery for quick and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
Programming the Universal Remote
System
For questions or programming help, see
www.homelink.com/gm or call
1-800-355-3515.
Programming involves time-sensitive actions,
and may time out causing the procedure to
be repeated.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Lighting 119
This indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster when the high-beam
headlamps are on.
Flash-to-Pass
The flash-to-pass feature works with the low
beams or Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on
or off.
To flash the high beams, pull the turn signal
lever toward you momentarily and then
release it.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to see the
front of your vehicle during the day. Fully
functional DRL are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system comes on in daylight when
the following conditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
.The light sensor determines it is daytime.When the DRL are on, the taillamps,
sidemarker lamps, instrument panel lights,
and other lamps will not be on.
The DRL turn off when the headlamps are
turned to
Oor the ignition is off. For
vehicles sold in Canada, this control only
works when the vehicle is parked.
The regular headlamp system should be
turned on when needed.
Automatic Headlamp System
When the exterior lamp control is set to
AUTO and it is dark enough outside, the
headlamps come on automatically.
There is a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the sensor;
otherwise the headlamps will come on when
they are not needed.
The system may also turn on the headlamps
when driving through a parking garage or
tunnel.
When it is bright enough outside, the
headlamps will turn off or may change
to DRL.
The automatic headlamp system turns off
when the exterior lamp control is turned to
Oor the ignition is off.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are activated in
daylight with the engine on, and the
exterior lamp control is in AUTO, the
headlamps, parking lamps, and other
exterior lamps come on. The transition time
for the lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are not
operating, these lamps turn off. Move the
exterior lamp control to
Oor;to disable
this feature.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Lighting 123
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of
the battery. It does this by balancing the
generator's output and the vehicle's
electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power
demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or
levels, without being noticeable. In rare
cases at the highest levels of corrective
action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might be
displayed and it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as
possible.
Battery Power Protection
This feature helps prevent the battery from
being drained, if the interior courtesy lamps
or reading lamps are accidentally left on.
If any of these lamps are left on, they
automatically turn off after 10 minutes,
if the ignition is off. The lamps will not
come back on again until one of the
following occurs:
.The ignition is turned on.
.The doors are closed and then re-opened.
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes
after the vehicle is turned off, if the parking
lamps or headlamps have been manually
left on. This protects against draining the
battery. To restart the 10-minute timer, turn
the exterior lamp control to the
Oposition
and then back to the
;or2position.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the vehicle must be on or in
accessory mode.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
138 Infotainment System
Apps
The menu may contain the following:
Audio
Adjusts different audio settings.
Phone
Adjusts different phone settings.
OnStar
Adjusts different OnStar settings.
Teen Driver
If equipped, this allows multiple keys to be
registered for beginner drivers to encourage
safe driving habits. When the vehicle is
started with a Teen Driver key, it will
automatically activate certain safety
systems, allow setting of some features, and
limit the use of others. The Report Card will
record vehicle data about driving behavior
that can be viewed later. When the vehicle
is started with a registered key, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) displays a message
that Teen Driver is active.
To access:1. Touch Settings on the Home Page, then touch Vehicle, and then Teen Driver. 2. Create a Personal Identification Number
(PIN) by choosing a four-digit PIN.
Re-enter the PIN to confirm. To change
the PIN, touch Change PIN.
The PIN is required to:
.Set up/Add or remove keys.
.Change Teen Driver settings.
.Change or clear the Teen Driver PIN.
.Access or delete Report Card data.
Set up/Add keys to activate Teen Driver and
assign restrictions to the key:
Any vehicle key can be registered, up to a
maximum of eight keys. Label the key to
tell it apart from the other keys.
For a pushbutton start system: 1. Start the vehicle.
2. For automatic transmissions, the vehicle must be in P (Park). For manual
transmissions, the vehicle must be
stopped with the parking brake set.
3. From the Settings menu, touch Vehicle and then Teen Driver.
4. Enter the PIN.
5. Place the remote key you wish to register in the transmitter pocket. The
key does not need to be the one that started the vehicle. See
Remote Key
Operation 010 for transmitter pocket
location.
6. From the Teen Driver menu, touch Setup Keys or Add/Remove Teen Driver Keys.
.If the remote key has not previously
been registered, the option to add
the key displays. Touch Add and a
confirmation message displays. Teen
Driver restrictions will be applied
whenever this remote key is used to
operate the vehicle.
.If the remote key has already been
registered, the option to remove the
key displays. If Remove is touched,
the remote key is no longer
registered. A confirmation message
displays, and Teen Driver restrictions
will not be applied if this remote key
is used to operate the vehicle.
In vehicles with a pushbutton start system,
if a Teen Driver and a non-Teen Driver key
are both present at start up, the vehicle will
recognize the non-Teen Driver key to start
the vehicle. The Teen Driver settings will not
be active.
For a keyed ignition system: 1. Start the vehicle.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Driving and Operating 151
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 152
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 167Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 168
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 169
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera) . . . . . . 177
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems . . . 187
Assistance Systems for Parking orBacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Surround Vision System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Automatic Parking Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . 191
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 193
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . 195
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . 204