Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Vehicle Care 279
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level and
create a non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes, between
the hood and windshield, when washing the
vehicle.
Shutter System
The vehicle may have a shutter system
designed to help improve fuel economy.
Keep the shutter system clear of debris,snow and ice. If the check engine light is
activated, please check to see if the shutter
system is clear of debris, snow or ice.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with
glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged. Damage can be caused by
extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat,
sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips at least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be removed
by rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0290.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
286 Service and Maintenance
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0159.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0202.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0215.
Maintenance Schedule
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Tires are rotated to achieve a more uniform
wear for all tires. The first rotation is the
most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate the
tires as soon as possible, check for proper
tire inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the unusual
wear continues after the rotation, check the wheel alignment. See
When It Is Time for
New Tires 0260 and
Wheel Replacement 0263.
.Perform Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection.
See Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
0 288.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0277.
Additional Required Services —Normal
Service
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system. Or
when the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). If driven under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may
not indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform this
work. If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle within
5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the last service.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
288 Service and Maintenance
* Footnote: Under extreme driving
conditions listed above, it may be
necessary to replace your spark plugs at
more frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the most
suitable service maintenance intervals for
your vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Extreme service is for vehicles mainly
driven off-road in four-wheel drive or used
in farming, mining, forestry, or snow
plowing.
Additional Required Services—Severe
Service
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter.
Every 120 000 km (75,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the
transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or axles and should be replaced.
Owner Checks and Services
Every Five Years
.Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0232.
Every Seven Years
.Replace Air Conditioning Desiccant every
seven years. The air conditioning system
requires maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air conditioning
system. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Multi-Point Vehicle
Inspection (MPVI)
A Multi Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
completed by a GM dealer technician is a
maintenance assessment of your vehicle.
The benefit of the MPVI is to identify and
inform the customer of service items that
require immediate attention and those that
may require attention in the future. The technician will perform the following
checks on your vehicle. For a complete list
of checks, inspections, and services, see your
dealer.
Some items may not apply to your vehicle
and/or region.
Diagnostics
.OnStar active, if equipped
.Service history/recall check
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐
Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and connections
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Service and Maintenance 289
Systems, Fluids, and Visible Leak
Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped
.Fuel system
.Windshield washer fluid
Tire Inspection
.Tire pressure, tread depth, and wear
.Rotation, if applicable
.Alignment check, optional
.Reset tire pressure monitor
.Check tire sealant expiration date,
if equipped
.Check spare tire, if equipped
Brakes
.Check brake system
Visible and Functional Inspections
.Seat belt components
.Exhaust system
.Accelerator pedal
.Passenger compartment air filter,
if equipped
.Engine air filter
.Hoses
.Belts
.Shocks and struts
.Steering components
.Axle boots or driveshaft and u-joints
.Compartment lift struts, if equipped
.Floor mats secured, no interference with
pedals
.Horn
.Ignition lock, if equipped
.Starter switch
.Evaporative control system
Lubricate
.Chassis components
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0277.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
296 Technical Data
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Transfer Case Fluid 0.23 L 0.24 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 140 Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level
after filling.
*Engine cooling system capacity values are based on the entire cooling system and its components.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
1.2L L3 Gas Engine (LIH) 2Automatic 0.6 - 0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)
1.3L L3 Gas Engine (L3T) LAutomatic 0.65 - 0.75 mm (0.025-0.030 in)
Spark plug gaps are preset by the manufacturer. Re-gapping the spark plug is not recommended and can damage the spark plug.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
306 Customer Information
with that company. In such cases, you can
have control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within reasonable
limits.
Publication Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis and
repair information on the engine/propulsion,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written specifically for
owners and are intended to provide basic
operational information about the vehicle.
The owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
Customer literature publications available for
purchase include owner’s manuals, warranty
manuals, and portfolios. Portfolios include an
owner’s manual, warranty manual,
if applicable, and zip lock bag or pouch.
Current and Past Models
Service manuals and customer literature are
available for many GM vehicles.To check availability and to order, call
1-800-551-4123 Monday–Friday,
8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern Time
For credit card orders only (VISA,
MasterCard, or Discover), see Helm, Inc. at:
www.helminc.com.
To order by mail, write to:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
Make checks payable in U.S. funds.
Radio Frequency Statement
This vehicle uses license-exempt
transmitters / receivers / systems that
operate on a radio frequency that complies
with Part 15/Part 18 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules and
with Innovation, Science and Economic
Development (ISED) Canada's license-exempt
RSS(s) / RSP-100 / ICES-GEN.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. The device may not cause harmful interference. 2. The device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to any of these
systems by other than an authorized service
facility could void authorization to use this
equipment.
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying General
Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer,
or General Motors.
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
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
320 Index
Carbon MonoxideEngine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78, 80
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Child Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277 Cleaning (cont'd)
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Collision Alert
Forward (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Control Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 174
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Controls Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Coolant
Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Engine Temperature Warning Light . . . . 107
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144, 146
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 303
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Covers Rear Compartment/Storage Panel . . . . . . . 84
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Customer Assistance Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 306
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 298
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5