Buick Encore 2020 Owner's Manual
Encore
Owner’s Manual
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
Contents
Introduction .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . 7
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . 88
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 130
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . 139
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 262
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . 280
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . 290
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
2 Introduction
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, BUICK, the
BUICK Emblem, and ENCORE are
trademarks and/or service marks of
General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Company” for
Buick Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84709964 A First Printing
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on the vehicle
because of optional equipment that
was not purchased on the vehicle,
model variants, country
specifications, features/applications
that may not be available in your
region, or changes subsequent to
the printing of this owner’s manual.
Refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm the
features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be
obtained from your dealer, at
www.helminc.com, or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.
About Driving the Vehicle
As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle
correctly may result in loss of
control or a crash. Be sure to read
the driving guidelines in this manual
in the section called “Driving and
Operating” and specifically Driver
Behavior 0 140, Driving
Environment 0 140, and Vehicle
Design 0 140.
©
2019 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
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Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger
{
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
Warning
{
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do
not,” “Do not do this,” or “Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M : Shown when the owner’s
manual has additional instructions
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
or information.
* : Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0 : Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.”
Introduction 3
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
u : Air Conditioning System
G : Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$ : Brake System Warning Light
9 : Dispose of Used Components
Properly
P : Do Not Apply High Pressure
Water
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
_ : Flame/Fire Prohibited
H : Flammable
[ : Forward Collision Alert
R : Fuse Block Cover Lock
Location
+ : Fuses
j : ISOFIX/LATCH System Child
Restraints
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4 Introduction
Q : Keep Fuse Block Covers
Properly Installed
| : Lane Change Alert
@ : Lane Departure Warning
A : Lane Keep Assist
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
X : Park Assist
~ : Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
O : Power
7 : Rear Cross Traffic Alert
I : Registered Technician
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Seat Belt Reminders
I : Side Blind Zone Alert
h : Stop/Start
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
a : Under Pressure
V : Vehicle Ahead Indicator
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Instrument Panel Overview
Introduction 5
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6 Introduction
1. Air Vents 0 136.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn
and Lane-Change Signals
0 126.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer 0 124.
3. Instrument Cluster 0 95.
4. Driver Information Center (DIC)
Display. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0 110.
5. Windshield Wiper/Washer 0 89.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
0 91.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0 125.
7. Infotainment 0 130.
8. Climate Control Systems 0 131
or
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 133 (If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 0 89 (If
Equipped).
9. Instrument Panel Storage 0 83.
10. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0 161.
11. Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 166.
Hazard Warning Flashers
0 126.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator. See Passenger
Sensing System 0 56.
12. Park Assist 0 174 (If
Equipped).
13. Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) 0 179 (If Equipped).
14. Ignition Positions 0 152.
15. Steering Wheel Controls 0 89.
16. Horn 0 89.
17. Steering Wheel Adjustment
0 89.
18. Cruise Control 0 168.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0 175 (If Equipped).
19. Hood Release. See Hood
0 190.
20. Instrument Panel Storage 0 83.
21. Data Link Connector (DLC)
(Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light - Capless) 0 101 or
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light - Capped)
0 103.
22. Exterior Lamp Controls 0 124.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0 127.
Front Fog Lamps 0 127 (If
Equipped).
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Keys, Doors, and Windows
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Reverse Tilt Mirrors .. . . . . . . . . . . 23
Interior Mirrors
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start .. . . . . . . . . 15
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 17
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . 24
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . 24
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Doors
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Vehicle Alarm System .. . . . . . . . 20
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . 21
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
Keys and Locks
Keys
Warning
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with
a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is dangerous and
children or others could be
seriously injured or killed. They
could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the
vehicle move. The windows will
function with the RKE transmitter
in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path
of a closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with an RKE
transmitter.
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8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for all locks.
To remove the key, press the button
on the back of the transmitter, and
pull the key out. Never pull the key
out without pressing the button.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program
0 284.
With an active OnStar or connected
service plan, an OnStar Advisor
may remotely unlock the vehicle.
See OnStar Overview 0 294.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 290.
If there is a decrease in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) operating
range:
.
Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.
Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows
for vehicle entry when the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless
Access Operation” later in this
section.
The RKE transmitter may work up to
60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can impact the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 0 8.
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immediately unlock. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 114. If the
passenger door is open when
pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
theft-deterrent system. See Vehicle
Alarm System 0 20.
Q may also arm the
K : Press to unlock the driver door
and the fuel door, if equipped. Press
With Remote Start Shown
The following may be available:
Q : Press to lock all doors and the
fuel door, if equipped.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound on the
second press to indicate locking.
See Vehicle Personalization 0 114.
If the driver door is open when
pressed and Unlocked Door
Anti-Lockout is enabled, all doors
will lock and then the driver door will
Q is
again within five seconds to unlock
all doors. The RKE transmitter can
be programmed to unlock all doors
on the first button press. See
Vehicle Personalization 0 114.
The turn signal indicators will flash
to indicate unlocking. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 114.
Pressing
theft-deterrent system. See Vehicle
Alarm System 0 20.
K will disarm the
7 : Press and release one time to
initiate vehicle locator. The exterior
lamps flash and the horn chirps
three times. Press and hold
least three seconds to sound the
Q is
7 for at
Keys, Doors, and Windows 9
panic alarm. The horn sounds and
the turn signals flash for
30 seconds, or until
again or the vehicle is started.
7 is pressed
/ : If equipped, press Q and then
press and hold
four seconds to start the engine
from outside the vehicle using the
RKE transmitter. See Remote
Vehicle Start 0 15.
Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system lets
you lock and unlock the doors and
access the liftgate without removing
the RKE transmitter from your
pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. The
RKE transmitter must be within 1 m
(3 ft) of the liftgate or door being
opened. There is a button on each
door handle.
Keyless Access can be
programmed to unlock all doors on
the first lock/unlock press from the
driver door. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 114.
/ for at least
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10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to
seating positions of memory 1 or 2.
See Memory Seats 0 34.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from
the Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the
RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft)
of the driver door handle, pressing
the lock/unlock button on the driver
door handle will unlock the driver
door. If the lock/unlock button is
pressed again within five seconds,
all passenger doors will unlock. Pull
the door handle to unlatch the door.
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
Pressing the lock/unlock button will
cause all doors to lock if any of the
following occur:
.
It has been more than
five seconds since the first lock/
unlock button press.
.
The lock/unlock button presses
were used to unlock all doors.
.
Any vehicle door has opened
and all doors are now closed.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from
the Passenger Doors
When the doors are locked and the
RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of
the passenger door handle,
pressing the lock/unlock button on
the passenger door handle will
unlock all doors.
Pressing the lock/unlock button will
cause all doors to lock if any of the
following occur:
.
The lock/unlock button was used
to unlock all doors.
.
Any vehicle door has opened
and all doors are now closed.
Passive Locking
The vehicle will lock several
seconds after all doors are closed if
the vehicle is off and at least one
transmitter has been removed or
none remain in the vehicle.
The fuel door will also lock,
if equipped.
If other electronic devices interfere
with the RKE transmitter signal, the
vehicle may not detect the RKE
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transmitter inside the vehicle.
If passive locking is enabled, the
doors may lock with the RKE
transmitter inside the vehicle. Do
not leave the RKE transmitter in an
unattended vehicle.
To customize the doors to
automatically lock when exiting the
vehicle, see Vehicle Personalization
0 114.
Temporary Disable of Passive
Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking
by pressing and holding
interior door switch with a door open
for several seconds, or until three
chimes are heard. Passive locking
will then remain disabled until
the interior door is pressed, or until
the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left In Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and
an RKE transmitter is left in the
vehicle, the horn will chirp three
times after all doors are closed.
To turn on or off see Vehicle
Personalization 0 114.
K on the
Q on
Remote No Longer In Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open
and then all doors are closed, the
vehicle will check for RKE
transmitters inside. If an RKE
transmitter is not detected, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display NO REMOTE DETECTED
and the horn will chirp three times.
This occurs only once each time the
vehicle is driven. To turn on or off
see Vehicle Personalization 0 114.
Keyless Liftgate Opening
When the doors are locked, press
the touch pad to open the liftgate if
the RKE transmitter is within
1 m (3 ft).
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
The vehicle can be reprogrammed
so that lost or stolen transmitters no
longer work. Any remaining
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
transmitters will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
matched to it.
Programming with Recognized
Transmitters
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle when
there are two recognized
transmitters. To program, the vehicle
must be off and all of the
transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be
with you.
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12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
1. Remove the key from the RKE
transmitter.
2. Place the two recognized
transmitters in the center
console front cupholder.
3. Insert the vehicle key of the
new transmitter into the key
lock cylinder on the outside of
the driver door and turn the key
to the unlock position five times
within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR
REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5.
4. Remove the two recognized
transmitters from the
cupholder.
5. Place the new transmitter in
the cupholder
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP.
When the transmitter is
learned, the DIC will show that
it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
7. Remove the transmitter from
the cupholder and press
K.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
10 seconds to exit
programming mode.
Programming without Recognized
Transmitters
If two currently recognized
transmitters are not available, follow
this procedure to program up to
eight transmitters. This feature is
not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle
must be off and all of the
transmitters to be programmed must
be with you.
1. Remove the key from the RKE
transmitter.
2. Insert the vehicle key of the
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder on the outside of the
driver door and turn the key to
the unlock position five times
within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE
LEARN PENDING,
PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the
DIC displays PRESS ENGINE
START BUTTON TO LEARN
and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC will again show
REMOTE LEARN PENDING,
PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Step 2 two additional
times. After the third time, all
previously known transmitters
will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters
can be relearned during the
next steps.
The DIC display should now
show READY FOR REMOTE
# 1.
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5. Place the new transmitter in
the front cupholder.
6. Press ENGINE START/STOP.
When the transmitter is
learned, the DIC will show that
it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
7. Return the key back into the
transmitter.
8. Remove the transmitter from
the cupholder and press
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6.
K.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
10 seconds to exit
programming mode.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
If the transmitter battery is weak, the
DIC may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED when trying to start the
vehicle. The DIC may also display
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
1. Place the transmitter in the
center console front cupholder
with the buttons facing the front
of the vehicle.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or
N (Neutral), press the brake
pedal and ENGINE
START/STOP.
Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Warning
{
Never allow children to play with
the RKE transmitter. The
transmitter contains a small
battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal
burns can occur, resulting in
severe injury or death. Seek
medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
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14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
2. Separate the two halves of the
transmitter using a flat tool
inserted into the area near the
key slot.
Always replace the battery with
the correct type. Replacing the
battery with an incorrect type
could potentially create a risk of
battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to
instructions and local laws. Do
not attempt to burn, crush, or cut
the used battery.
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the back of
the RKE transmitter and pull
the key out. Never pull the key
out without pressing the button.
3. Remove the battery by pushing
on the battery and sliding it
toward the bottom of the
transmitter.
4. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing the back cover.
Push the battery down until it is
held in place. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on
to the transmitter.
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6. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature
that allows you to start the engine
from outside the vehicle.
/ : This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
The climate control system will use
the previous settings during a
remote start. The rear window
defogger may come on during a
remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. The rear window
defogger indicator light does not
come on during a remote start. If the
vehicle has heated seats, they may
come on during a remote start. See
Heated Front Seats 0 36.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
require a person using remote start
to have the vehicle in view. Check
local regulations for any
requirements.
Do not use remote start if the
vehicle is low on fuel as it may run
out of fuel.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 0 8.
Starting the Vehicle
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Press and release
2. Immediately after completing
Step 1, press and hold
least four seconds or until the
turn signal lamps flash. The
turn signal lamps flashing
confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been
received.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
Q.
/ for at
Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
The engine will continue to run for
15 minutes. After 30 seconds,
repeat the steps if a 15-minute
extension is desired. Remote start
can be extended only once.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can also be
extended by another 15 minutes,
if during the first 15 minutes
Steps 1 and 2 are repeated while
the engine is still running. An
extension can be requested
30 seconds after starting. This
provides a total of 30 minutes.
The remote start can only be
extended once.
When the remote start is extended,
the second 15-minute period is
added on to the first 15 minutes for
a total of 30 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a remote start with an extension,
are allowed between ignition cycles.
The ignition must be turned on and
then off before the remote start
procedure can be used again.
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16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.
Press and hold
parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the vehicle on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start
Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if:
.
A transmitter is in the vehicle.
.
The vehicle is on.
.
The hood is not closed.
.
The hazard warning flashers
are on.
.
The malfunction indicator lamp
is on.
.
The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
.
The oil pressure is low.
/ until the
Two remote vehicle starts, or a
single remote start with an
extension, have already
been used.
.
The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
Warning
{
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.
Passengers, especially
children, can easily open
the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors
can be unlocked and
opened while the vehicle is
moving. The chance of
being thrown out of the
vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are
not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
seat belts properly and the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.
.
Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by
extreme heat and can suffer
permanent injuries or even
death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle
whenever leaving it.
.
Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
the vehicle. Locking the
doors can help prevent this
from happening.
To lock or unlock the doors from the
outside:
.
Press
K or Q on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 0 8.
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2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
.
Use the key in the driver door.
To lock or unlock the doors from
inside the vehicle:
.
.
Keyless Access
The RKE transmitter must be within
1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door being
opened.
Press the button on the door handle
to open. See “Keyless Access
Operation” under Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 0 8.
Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns
freely when either the wrong key is
used, or the correct key is not fully
inserted. The free-turning door lock
feature prevents the lock from being
forced open. To reset the lock, turn
it to the vertical position with the
correct key fully inserted. Remove
the key and insert it again. If this
K or Q on the power door
Press
lock switch.
Pulling an interior door handle
will unlock the door. Pulling the
door handle again unlatches it.
does not reset the lock, turn the key
halfway around in the cylinder and
repeat the reset procedure.
Power Door Locks
K : Press to unlock the doors.
Q : Press to lock the doors.
Delayed Locking
This feature delays the locking of
the doors until five seconds after all
doors are closed.
Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
Delayed locking can only be turned
on when the Unlocked Door
Anti-Lockout has been turned off.
Q is pressed on the power
When
door lock switch while the door is
open, a chime will sound three
times indicating delayed locking is
active.
The doors will lock automatically
five seconds after all doors are
closed. If a door is reopened before
that time, the five-second timer will
reset when all doors are closed
again.
Q on the door lock switch
Press
again or press
transmitter to lock the doors
immediately.
This feature can also be
programmed. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 114.
Q on the RKE
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically
when all doors are closed, the
ignition is on, and the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park).
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
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18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
If a vehicle door is unlocked, and
then opened and closed, the doors
will lock either when your foot is
removed from the brake or the
vehicle speed becomes faster than
13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
.
Press
K on the power door lock
switch.
.
Shift the transmission into
P (Park).
Automatic door locking cannot be
disabled. Automatic door unlocking
can be programmed. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 114.
Lockout Protection
If the vehicle is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY and the power door
lock switch is pressed with the
driver door open, all the doors will
lock and only the driver door will
unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is
requested while a door is open,
when all doors are closed the
vehicle will check for RKE
transmitters inside. If an RKE
transmitter is detected and the
number of RKE transmitters inside
has not reduced, the driver door will
unlock and the horn will chirp three
times.
Lockout Protection can be manually
overridden with the driver door open
by pressing and holding
power door lock switch.
Unlocked Door Anti-Lockout
If Unlocked Door Anti-Lockout has
been turned on and the vehicle is
off, the driver door is open, and
locking is requested, all the doors
will lock and the driver door will
remain unlocked. The Unlocked
Door Anti-Lockout feature can be
turned on or off. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 114.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear
doors from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
Q on the
If equipped, the safety lock is
located on the inside edge of the
rear doors. To use the safety lock:
1. Insert the key into the safety
lock slot and turn it so the slot
is in the horizontal position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other
rear door.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
To open a rear door when the safety
lock is on:
1. Unlock the door by activating
the inside handle, by using the
power door lock switch, or by
using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the
outside.
To cancel the safety lock:
1. Unlock the door and open it
from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the safety
lock slot and turn it so the slot
is in the vertical position. Do
the same for the other door.
Doors
Liftgate
{
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, hatch/trunk open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate or hatch/trunk open:
.
Close all of the windows.
.
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.
Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air
Warning
(Continued)
Keys, Doors, and Windows 19
Warning (Continued)
and set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
.
If the vehicle is equipped
with a power liftgate, disable
the power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0 160.
Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or
liftgate glass, make sure the area
above and behind the liftgate is
clear before opening it.
To open the liftgate, press
the power door lock switch or
press
K on the RKE transmitter to
K on
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
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20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
unlock all doors. See Power Door
Locks 0 17 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 0 8.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
If equipped with an anti-theft alarm
system, the indicator light, on the
instrument panel near the
windshield, shows the status of the
system.
Press the touch pad below the
license plate and lift up.
The liftgate may also be opened
while the vehicle is locked by
pressing the touch pad while the
RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of
the rear of the vehicle.
To close the liftgate, push from the
center to ensure that it fully latches.
Off : Alarm system is disarmed.
On Solid : Vehicle is secured
during the delay to arm the system.
Fast Flast : Vehicle is unsecured.
A door, the liftgate, or the hood
is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is
armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of
two ways:
.
Use the RKE transmitter.
.
With a door open, press
on the interior of the door.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm
system will arm, and the
indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the
alarm system is operating.
Pressing
transmitter a second time will
bypass the 30-second delay
and immediately arm the alarm
system.
The vehicle alarm system will not
arm if the doors are locked with
the key.
Q on the RKE
Q
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
If any door or the hood is opened
without first unlocking with the RKE
transmitter, the horn will chirp and
the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not
started, or the door is not unlocked
by pressing
transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be
activated.
The alarm will also be activated if
any door or the the hood is opened
without first disarming the system.
When the alarm is activated, the
turn signals flash and the horn
sounds for about 30 seconds. The
alarm system will then re-arm to
monitor for the next unauthorized
event.
K on the RKE
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn
off the alarm if it has been activated:
.
Press
K on the RKE transmitter.
.
Start the vehicle.
Avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
.
Lock the vehicle after all
occupants have exited and all
doors are closed.
.
Always unlock the vehicle with
the RKE transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the
key will not disarm the system or
turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
If K is pressed and the horn chirps
and the lights flash three times, an
attempted break-in has occurred
while the system was armed.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 290.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
Keys, Doors, and Windows 21
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the transmitter
leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when ENGINE START/
STOP is pressed and a valid
transmitter is found in the vehicle.
The security light in the instrument
cluster comes on when there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more
transmitters matched to an
immobilizer control unit in your
vehicle. Only a correctly matched
transmitter will start the vehicle.
If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your
vehicle.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
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22 Keys, Doors, and Windows
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
vehicle off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition
modes (ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off),
and the RKE transmitter appears to
be undamaged, try another
transmitter. Or, you may try placing
the transmitter in the front
cupholder. See “Starting the Vehicle
with a Low Transmitter Battery”
under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 0 8.
If the engine does not start with the
other transmitter or when the
transmitter is in the pocket in the
front cupholder, the vehicle needs
service. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new transmitter
programmed to the vehicle.
Do not leave the transmitter or
device that disarms or deactivates
the theft-deterrent system in the
vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
Warning
{
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
Power Mirrors
To adjust the mirrors:
1. Turn the selector switch to L
(Left) or R (Right) to choose
the driver or passenger mirror.
2. Move the control to adjust the
mirror.
3. Turn the selector switch to
to deselect the mirror.
9
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
These mirrors can be folded inward
to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash. To
fold, pull the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward to
return it to the original position.
Heated Mirrors
This vehicle has heated mirrors:
1 : Press to heat the mirrors.
See “Rear Window Defogger” under
Climate Control Systems 0 131.
Reverse Tilt Mirrors
If equipped with memory seats, the
passenger and/or driver mirror tilts
to a preselected position when the
vehicle is in R (Reverse). This
allows the curb to be seen when
parallel parking.
Keys, Doors, and Windows 23
The mirror(s) return to the original
position when:
.
The vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse), or remains in
R (Reverse) for about
30 seconds.
.
The ignition is turned off.
.
The vehicle is driven in
R (Reverse) above a set speed.
To turn this feature on or off, see
Vehicle Personalization 0 114.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
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24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear
view of the area behind your
vehicle.
If equipped with OnStar, the vehicle
may have three control buttons at
the bottom of the mirror. See OnStar
Overview 0 294.
To avoid accidental OnStar calls,
clean the mirror with the ignition off.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped with a manual rearview
mirror, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it for nighttime
use to avoid glare from the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming
reduces the glare of headlamps
from behind. The dimming feature
comes on when the vehicle is
started.
Windows
Warning
{
Never leave a child, a helpless
adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows
closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof, if equipped.
Power Windows
Warning
{
Children could be seriously
injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Never
leave the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter in a vehicle with
children. When there are children
in the rear seat, use the window
lockout switch to prevent
operation of the windows. See
Keys 0 7.
Power windows work when the
ignition is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or when Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0 157.
Using the window switch, press to
open or pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily
disabled if they are used repeatedly
within a short time.
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear
passenger windows from working.
.
Press
Z to engage the rear
window lockout feature. The
indicator light is on when
engaged.
.
Press
Z again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without
holding the window switch. Press
the switch down fully and quickly
release to express open the
window.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
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26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
If equipped, pull the window switch
up fully and quickly release to
express close the window.
Briefly press or pull the window
switch in the same direction to stop
that window’s express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal
System
The express-close feature will
reverse window movement if it
comes in contact with an object.
Extreme cold or ice could cause the
window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after
the object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System
Override
Warning
{
If automatic reversal system
override is active, the window will
not reverse automatically. You or
others could be injured and the
window could be damaged.
Before using automatic reversal
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
system override, make sure that
all people and obstructions are
clear of the window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling
and holding the window switch if
conditions prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power
Windows
Programming may be necessary if
the vehicle battery has been
disconnected or discharged. If the
window is unable to express-up,
program each express-close
window:
1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be
programmed. Then close it and
continue to pull the switch
briefly after the window has
fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue
to press the switch briefly after
the window has fully opened.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. If equipped, detach the sun
visor from the center mount to pivot
to the side window or to extend
along the rod.
If equipped, there is a lighted mirror
on the sun visor. Lift the cover
to open.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
Roof
Sunroof
If equipped, the sunroof only
operates when the ignition is on or
when Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0 157.
Slide Switch
Express-Open/Express-Close :
Press and release
second detent to express-open the
sunroof. Press and release
D (1) at the
g (1)
at the second detent to
express-close the sunroof. Press
the switch again to stop the
movement.
Open/Close (Manual Mode) :
Press and hold
detent to open the sunroof. Press
and hold
to close the sunroof. Release the
switch to stop the movement.
Tilt Switch
Vent : Press and hold
the sunroof. Press and hold
to close the sunroof vent.
The sunshade opens automatically
with the sunroof, but must be
manually closed.
The sunroof will not operate if the
vehicle has an electrical failure.
g (1) at the first detent
D (1) at the first
E (2) to vent
g (2)
Keys, Doors, and Windows 27
Automatic Reversal System
The sunroof has an automatic
reversal system that is only active
when the sunroof is operated in
express-close mode.
If an object is in the path while
express closing, the reversal system
will detect object, stop, and open
the sunroof slightly.
If frost or other conditions prevent
closing, override the feature by
closing the sunroof in manual mode.
To stop movement, release the
switch.
Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation or noise. It could also plug
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
the water drainage system.
Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose
debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and
roof sealing area using a clean
cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.
If water is seen dripping into the
water drainage system, this is
normal.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13710474) -
2020 - CRC - 6/4/19
Seats and Restraints
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Airbag System
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . 32
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
How to Wear Seat Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Seat Belt Use During
Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 49
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . 52
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Passenger Sensing System . . . 56
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . 61
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . 62
Replacing Airbag System Parts
after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Infants and Young Children . . . . 64
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . 67
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . 68
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) . . . . 70
Seats and Restraints 29
Replacing LATCH System Parts
After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Securing Child Restraints (With
the Seat Belt in the
Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Securing Child Restraints (With
the Seat Belt in the
Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
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