Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
130 Infotainment System
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
provides digital radio reception. Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in
and out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges, garages,
or tunnels may cause loss of the SiriusXM
signal for a period of time. Some cellular
services may interfere with SXM reception
causing loss of signal.
Mobile Device Usage
Mobile device usage, such as making or
receiving calls, charging, or just having the
mobile device on may cause static
interference in the radio. Unplug the mobile
device or turn it off if this happens.
Multi-Band Antenna
The multi-band roof antenna may be used
for radio, navigation, and other
communication systems, depending on the
equipped options. To ensure clear reception,
keep the antenna clear of obstructions, such
as snow and ice. If the vehicle has a
sunroof, and it is open, or a roof loaded
with cargo, reception may be affected.
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices
When using media devices such as USB and
mobile devices, consider the source.
Untrusted media devices could contain files
that affect system operation or performance
and should be avoided.
USB Port
The vehicle may be equipped with multiple
USB ports. Ports may also be used for
charging. Music may be played from a
connected USB device.
Caution
To avoid vehicle damage, unplug all
accessories and disconnect all accessory
cables from the vehicle when not in use.
Accessory cables left plugged into the
vehicle, unconnected to a device, could be
damaged or cause an electrical short if
the unconnected end comes in contact
with liquids or another power source such
as the accessory power outlet.
USB Audio
To play music via USB:1. On the audio now playing page, touch source and select USB.
2. If there is no device connected, follow the screen prompts to connect the
device.
3. Supported media content will appear on the display.
Bluetooth Audio
Music may be played from a connected
Bluetooth device.
Volume and song selection may be
controlled by using the infotainment
controls. If Bluetooth is selected and no
volume is present, check the volume setting
on the infotainment system or the
connected phone.
To play music via Bluetooth:
1. On the audio now playing page, touch source and select the desired Bluetooth
device.
2. If there is no device connected, follow the screen prompts to pair the device.
3. Supported media content will appear on the display.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
158 Driving and Operating
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
0 301. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0168.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
174.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
If equipped, select All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Mode. See All-Wheel Drive 0171.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
182 Driving and Operating
Near Gap Setting
When pressed, the current gap setting
displays briefly on the instrument cluster.
The gap setting will be maintained until it is
changed.
Since each gap setting corresponds to a
following time (Far, Medium, or Near), the
following distance will vary based on vehicle
speed. The faster the vehicle speed, the
further back your vehicle will follow a
vehicle detected ahead. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting the
following gap. The range of selectable gaps
may not be appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting automatically
changes the alert timing sensitivity (Far,
Medium, or Near) for the Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) feature. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System 0193.
Alerting the Driver
If ACC is engaged, driver action may be
required when ACC cannot apply sufficient
braking because of approaching a vehicle
too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, the red collision
alert symbol will flash on the windshield.
Eight beeps will sound from the front.
See Defensive Driving 0153.
Approaching and Following a Vehicle
The vehicle ahead indicator is in the
instrument cluster. It only displays when a
vehicle is detected in your vehicle’s path moving in the same direction. If this symbol
is not displaying, ACC will not respond to or
brake for vehicles ahead.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle down
and adjusts vehicle speed to follow a
detected vehicle ahead at the selected
following gap. The vehicle speed increases or
decreases to follow a detected vehicle in
front of your vehicle. When that vehicle is
traveling slower than your vehicle set speed,
it may apply limited braking, if necessary.
When braking is active, the brake lamps will
come on. The automatic braking may feel or
sound different than if the brakes were
applied manually. This is normal.
Passing a Vehicle While Using ACC
If the set speed is high enough, and the left
turn signal is used to pass a vehicle ahead
in the selected following gap, ACC may
assist by gradually accelerating the vehicle
prior to the lane change.
{Warning
When using ACC to pass a vehicle or
perform a lane change, the following
distance to the vehicle being passed may
be reduced. ACC may not apply sufficient
(Continued)
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
192 Driving and Operating
.Park exactly lined up with the vehicle
next to it if the spot is approached at an
angle or if the parking space is angled.
.Park exactly centered in a spot that is
marked too large.
.Always detect short curbs.
When enabled, APA searches for parallel
parking spaces to the right of the vehicle. To
search for a parking space to the left, turn
on the left turn signal or, if available,
change the side selection in the
infotainment display.
To switch the parking mode between
parallel and perpendicular, touch icons on
screen during the search process or,
if available, change the parking mode in the
infotainment display.
After completely passing a large enough
space, an audible beep occurs. A red stop symbol and a shift to reverse
message are displayed.
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), but does not
steer into the expected space, this may be
because the system is maneuvering the
vehicle into a previously detected space. The
APA system does not need service.
APA will instruct the vehicle to stop once a
large enough space is found.
Follow the displayed instructions.
Shift to R (Reverse) to engage automatic
steering. The steering wheel will vibrate
briefly as a reminder to remove hands from
the steering wheel. APA uses idle speed and
braking to park. If idle speed is not
sufficient, gently press the accelerator.
Check surroundings and be prepared to stop
to avoid vehicles, pedestrians, or objects not
detected by the system.In case the driver brakes, APA will not
disengage. Manual steering by the driver
automatically disengages APA.
Vehicle speed is limited to a maximum of
5 km/h (3 mph) during the parking
maneuver.
A progress arrow displays the status of the
parking maneuver. Depending on the space
size, additional maneuvers may be required,
and there will be additional instructions.
When changing gears, allow the automatic
steering to complete before continuing the
parking maneuver. APA will beep and
display a PARKING COMPLETE message.
Apply the brakes and place the vehicle in
P (Park).
APA may automatically disengage if:
.The steering wheel is used by the driver.
.The maximum allowed speed is exceeded.
.The parking brake is applied or the
vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
.There is a failure with the APA system.
.Electronic stability control or antilock
brakes are activated.
.A high priority vehicle message is
displayed in the DIC.
.The driver opens the door with an
unbuckled seat belt.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
198 Driving and Operating
Automatic braking levels may be reduced
under certain conditions, such as higher
speeds.
If this happens, Automatic Braking may
engage the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) to
hold the vehicle at a stop. Release the EPB.
A firm press of the accelerator pedal will
also release Automatic Braking and the EPB.
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in shape
or size to pedestrians, including shadows.
This is normal operation and the vehicle
does not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. To view available
settings for this feature, touch the Settings
icon on the infotainment home page. Select
“Vehicle” to display the list of available
options and select “Collision/Detection
Systems”.
{Warning
Using the Front Pedestrian Braking
system while towing a trailer could cause
you to lose control of the vehicle and
crash. Turn the system to Alert or Off
when towing a trailer.
Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate properly,
cleaning the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone (or spot)
areas. When the vehicle is in a forward gear,
the left or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in that
blind zone. If the turn signal is activated and
a vehicle is also detected on the same side,
the display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes. Since this system is
part of the Lane Change Alert (LCA) system,
read the entire LCA section before using this
feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding lane change crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from behind. The
LCA warning display will light up in the
corresponding outside mirror and will flash
if the turn signal is on.
{Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to vehicles
outside of the system detection zones,
pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. It may
not provide alerts when changing lanes
under all driving conditions. Failure to use
proper care when changing lanes may
result in injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Before making a lane change, always
check mirrors, glance over your shoulder,
and use the turn signals.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Driving and Operating 199
LCA Detection Zones
1. SBZA Detection Zone
2. LCA Detection Zone
The LCA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from both
sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m (11 ft). The
height of the zone is approximately between
0.5 m (1.5 ft) and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground.
The Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) warning
area starts at approximately the middle of
the vehicle and goes back 5 m (16 ft). Drivers
are also warned of vehicles rapidly
approaching from up to 70 m (230 ft) behind
the vehicle.
How the System Works
The LCA symbol lights up in the outside
mirrors when the system detects a moving
vehicle in the next lane over that is in theside blind zone or rapidly approaching that
zone from behind. A lit LCA symbol indicates
it may be unsafe to change lanes. Before
making a lane change, check the LCA
display, check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Outside Mirror
DisplayRight Outside Mirror Display
When the vehicle is started, both outside
mirror LCA displays will briefly come on to
indicate the system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left or right
outside mirror display will light up if a
moving vehicle is detected in the next lane
over in that blind zone or rapidly
approaching that zone. If the turn signal is
activated in the same direction as a
detected vehicle, this display will flash as an
extra warning not to change lanes.
LCA can be disabled. When you disable LCA,
Side Blind Zone Alert is also disabled.To view
available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle >
Collision/Detection Systems. If LCA is
disabled by the driver, the LCA mirror
displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving for
the system to calibrate to maximum
performance. This calibration may occur
more quickly if the vehicle is driving on a
straight highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a stopped
vehicle, or when towing a trailer. The LCA
detection zones that extend back from the
side of the vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution while
changing lanes when towing a trailer. LCA
may alert to objects attached to the vehicle,
such as a trailer, bicycle, or object extending
out to either side of the vehicle. Attached
objects may also interfere with the
detection of vehicles. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the next lane over, especially in
wet conditions or when driving on sharp
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
200 Driving and Operating
curves. The system does not need to be
serviced. The system may light up due to
guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA sensors
in the left or right corners of the rear
bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,
ice, or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" underExterior Care0277. If the DIC
still displays the system unavailable
message after cleaning both sides of the
vehicle toward the rear corners of the
vehicle, see your dealer.
If the LCA displays do not light up when
moving vehicles are in the side blind zone or
are rapidly approaching this zone and the
system is clean, the system may need
service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.
Radio Frequency Information
See Radio Frequency Statement 0306.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid crashes due
to unintentional lane departures. This
system uses a camera to detect lane
markings. The LKA system can be ready to assist at speeds between approximately
60 km/h (37 mph) and 180 km/h (112 mph).
On some vehicles, the system will instead
operate above 50 km/h (31 mph). LKA may
assist by gently turning the steering wheel
if the vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking. It may also provide a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert if the vehicle
crosses a detected lane marking. This system
is not intended to keep the vehicle centered
in the lane. LKA will not assist and alert if
the turn signal is active in the direction of
lane departure, or if it detects that you are
accelerating, braking or actively steering.
LKA can be overridden by turning the
steering wheel. If the system detects you
are steering intentionally across a lane
marker, the LDW will not be given. Do not
expect the LDW to occur when you are
intentionally crossing a lane marker.
{Warning
The LKA system does not continuously
steer the vehicle. It may not keep the
vehicle in the lane or give a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert, even if a
lane marking is detected.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
The LKA and LDW systems may not:
.Provide an alert or enough steering
assist to avoid a lane departure or
crash.
.Detect lane markings under poor
weather or visibility conditions. This
can occur if the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice; if they are not in proper
condition; or if the sun shines directly
into the camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding or hilly roads.
If LKA only detects lane markings on one
side of the road, it will only assist or
provide an LDW alert when approaching
the lane on the side where it has
detected a lane marking. Even with LKA
and LDW, you must steer the vehicle.
Always keep your attention on the road
and maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle damage,
injury, or death could occur. Always keep
the windshield, headlamps, and camera (Continued)
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.