buick Encore (2022) Owner's Manual

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

Contents

Introduction .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Storage .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Lighting .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Infotainment System .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Climate Controls .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Vehicle Care .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

Technical Data .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

Customer Information .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

OnStar .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

Connected Services .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

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.

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, including changes in standard or
optional content.

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

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84857911 B Second Printing

©

2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

2 Introduction

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 0 124, Driving

Environment 0 124, and Vehicle Design
0 124.

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 indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.

Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.

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.

{

Warning

Caution

M : Shown when the owner’s manual has

additional instructions or information.

* : Shown when the service manual has

additional instructions or information.

0 : Shown when there is more information

on another page — “see page.”

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

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
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Introduction 3

[ : Forward Collision Alert

R : Fuse Block Cover Lock Location

+ : Fuses

j : ISOFIX/LATCH System Child Restraints

Q : Keep Fuse Block Covers Properly

Installed

I : Side Blind Zone Alert

7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak/Electronic

Stability Control (ESC)

a : Under Pressure
k : Vehicle Ahead Indicator

| : 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

h : Risk of Electrical Fire

> : Seat Belt Reminders

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
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4 Introduction

Instrument Panel Overview

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1. Air Vents 0 121.

2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and

Lane-Change Signals 0 93.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer 0 91.

3. Instrument Cluster 0 75.

4. Driver Information Center (DIC) Display.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 85.

5. Windshield Wiper/Washer 0 71.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 0 72.

6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0 92.

7. Infotainment Controls. See Overview
0 98.

8. Climate Control Systems 0 119.

9. Instrument Panel Storage 0 66.

10. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission
0 141.

11. Traction Control/Electronic Stability

Control 0 145.
Hazard Warning Flashers 0 93.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System 0 43.

12. Park Assist 0 151 (If Equipped).

13. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0 155 (If
Equipped).

14. Engine START/STOP button. See Ignition
Positions 0 134.

15. Steering Wheel Controls 0 71.

16. Horn 0 71.

17. Steering Wheel Adjustment 0 70.

18. Cruise Control 0 147.

Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System

0 152 (If Equipped).

19. Hood Release. See Hood 0 163.

20. Instrument Panel Storage 0 66.

21. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View).

22. Exterior Lamp Controls 0 91.

Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0 93.

Introduction 5

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6 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . 7

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Doors

Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Interior Mirrors

Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 20

Windows

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Roof

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
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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 0 243.

With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 251.

The key that is part of the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter can be used for all
locks.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

See Radio Frequency Statement 0 248.

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.

Keys, Doors, and Windows 7

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 7.

With Remote Start Shown

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
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8 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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 88.

If the driver door is open when
and Open Door Anti-Lockout is enabled, all
doors will lock and then the driver door will
immediately unlock. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 88. If the passenger door

is open when

Pressing
system. See Vehicle Alarm System 0 18.

Q is pressed, all doors lock.

Q may also arm the theft-deterrent

Q is pressed

K : Press to unlock the driver door and the

fuel door, if equipped. Press 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 88.

The turn signal indicators will flash to
indicate unlocking. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 88.

Pressing

K will disarm the theft-deterrent

system. See Vehicle Alarm System 0 18.

7 : Press and release one time to initiate

vehicle locator. The exterior lamps flash and
the horn chirps three times. Press and hold

7 for at least three seconds to sound the

panic alarm. The horn sounds and the turn
signals flash for 30 seconds, or until
pressed again or the vehicle is started.

/ : If equipped, press Q and then press

and hold
start the engine from outside the vehicle
using the RKE transmitter. See Remote
Vehicle Start 0 13.

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 88.

/ for at least four seconds to

7 is

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.

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2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

.

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 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 88.

Temporary Disable of Passive Locking

Temporarily disable passive locking by
pressing and holding

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 88.

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

K on the interior door

Q on

Keys, Doors, and Windows 9

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 88.

Keyless Liftgate Opening

When the doors are locked, press the touch
pad on the rear of the liftgate above the
license plate 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 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

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10 Keys, Doors, and Windows

be off and all of the transmitters, both
currently recognized and new, must be
with you.

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

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.

K.

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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Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery

Note that, for improved vehicle security, the
RKE transmitter is equipped with a motion
sensor. When starting the vehicle, if the RKE
transmitter has been idle for a while, move
the RKE transmitter slightly and try starting
the vehicle.

When starting the vehicle, if the RKE
transmitter battery is depleted or there is
signal interference, the DIC may display NO

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.

When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 10 seconds to exit
programming mode.

K.

REMOTE DETECTED, REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY, or NO REMOTE DETECTED
PLACE KEY IN KEY POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE. If any of these messages appear on
the DIC, follow the steps below.

Keys, Doors, and Windows 11

To start the vehicle:

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.

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12 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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.

Warning

{

To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C
(138 °F).

Caution

When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.

Caution

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, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.

Caution

If the RKE transmitter is not reassembled
properly, liquids could enter the housing
and damage the circuitry, resulting in an
RKE transmitter malfunction and/or
failure. To prevent damage, always follow
the steps for RKE transmitter reassembly
in this manual to ensure the transmitter
is sealed properly whenever the RKE
transmitter is opened.

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.

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2. Separate the two halves of the
transmitter using a flat tool inserted into
the area near the key slot.

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. Ensure that the silicone mat is correctly
positioned with no gaps or wrinkles.

6. Set transmitter button side down on a
hard surface and press the other half
straight down to force the halves
together.

7. 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.

Keys, Doors, and Windows 13

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 7.

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

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 least

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14 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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.
Press ENGINE START/STOP and the brake
with the RKE Transmitter in the vehicle to
drive.

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.

Canceling a Remote Start

To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:

.

Press and hold / until the 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.

.

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 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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

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 7.

.

Use the key in the driver door.

To lock or unlock the doors from inside the
vehicle:

.

Press K or Q on the power door lock
switch.

.

Pulling an interior door handle will unlock
the door. Pulling the door handle again
unlatches it.

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 7.

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 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 15

Delayed locking can only be turned on when
the Open Door Anti-Lockout has been
turned off.

When

Q is pressed on the power 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.

Press

Q on the door lock switch again or

press

Q on the RKE transmitter to lock the

doors immediately.

This feature can also be programmed. See
Vehicle Personalization 0 88.

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).

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).

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16 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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 88.

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
lock switch.

Q on the power door

Open Door Anti-Lockout

If Open 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 Open Door Anti-Lockout
feature can be turned on or off. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 88.

Safety Locks

The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.

Manual Safety Locks

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.

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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

Keys, Doors, and Windows 17

Doors

Liftgate

Warning

{

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
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.

(Continued)

For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0 141.

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
door lock switch or press

transmitter to unlock all doors. See Power

Door Locks 0 15 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 0 7.

Warning (Continued)

Caution

K on the power

K on the RKE

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.

Vehicle Security

This vehicle has theft-deterrent features;
however, they do not make the vehicle
impossible to steal.

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18 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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.

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 Q 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.

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

K on the RKE 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.

Q 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 0 248.

Immobilizer Operation

This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.

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.

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 7.

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.

Keys, Doors, and Windows 19

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.

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20 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Power Mirrors

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.

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
deselect the mirror.

9 to

See “Rear Window Defogger” under Climate
Control Systems 0 119.

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 0 251.

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-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

Warning (Continued)

rear seat, use the window lockout switch
to prevent operation of the windows. See
Keys 0 6.

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

(Continued)

Power windows work when the ignition is
on, in ACC/ACCESSORY, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0 138.

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 21

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.

If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express close the
window.

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22 Keys, Doors, and Windows

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
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.

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) 0 138.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

Slide Switch

Express-Open/Express-Close : Press and

release

D (1) at the second detent to

express-open the sunroof. Press and release

g (1) at the second detent to

express-close the sunroof. Press the switch
again to stop the movement.

Comfort Stop Position : This vehicle may be
equipped with a comfort stop position to
help avoid wind noise. If equipped, the
sunroof will stop approximately halfway
open during an express-open. To fully open
the sunroof from the comfort stop position,

press and release

Open/Close (Manual Mode) : Press and
hold

D (1) at the first detent to open the

sunroof. Press and hold
detent to close the sunroof. Release the
switch to stop the movement.

Tilt Switch

Vent : Press and hold

sunroof. Press and hold
the sunroof vent.

D (1) again.

g (1) at the first

E (2) to vent the

g (2) to close

The sunshade opens automatically with the
sunroof, but must be manually closed.

The sunroof will not operate if the vehicle
has an electrical failure.

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.

Keys, Doors, and Windows 23

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 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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

24 Seats and Restraints

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Rear Seats

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Seat Belts

Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 32

Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 36

Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a

Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 41

What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 42

How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . 42

What Will You See after an Airbag

Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Replacing Airbag System Parts after a

Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children

(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a

Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat

Belt in the Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat

Belt in the Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Head Restraints

Warning

{

With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, there is a
greater chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted
properly.

Front Seats

The front seats have adjustable head
restraints in the outboard seating positions.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

Adjust the head restraint so that the top of
the restraint is at the same height as the
top of the occupant's head. This position
reduces the chances of a neck injury in a
crash.

The height of the head restraint can be
adjusted. Pull the head restraint up to raise
it. Try to move the head restraint to make
sure that it is locked in place.

To lower the head restraint, press the
button, located on the top of the seatback,
and push the head restraint down. Try to
move the head restraint after the button is
released to make sure that it is locked in
place.

The front seat outboard head restraints are
not removable.

Rear Seats

The rear seats have head restraints in the
outboard seating positions that can be
lowered for better visibility when the rear
seat is unoccupied.

To lower the head restraint, press the
button, located on the top of the seatback,
and push the head restraint down.

When an occupant is in the seat, always
return the head restraint to the upright
position. Pull the head restraint up and push

Seats and Restraints 25

it rearward until it locks into place. Push and
pull on the head restraint to make sure that
it is locked.

If you are installing a child restraint in the
rear seat, see “Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH System” under

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) 0 54.

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

Warning

{

You can lose control of the vehicle if you
try to adjust a driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. Adjust the driver seat
only when the vehicle is not moving.

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26 Seats and Restraints

Reclining Seatbacks

Warning

{

If either seatback is not locked, it could
move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
That could cause injury to the person
sitting there. Always push and pull on
the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.

To adjust a manual seat:

1. Pull the handle at the front of the seat.

2. Slide the seat to the desired position and
release the handle.

3. Try to move the seat back and forth to
be sure it is locked in place.

Power Seat Adjustment

Warning

{

The power seats will work with the
ignition off. Children could operate the
power seats and be injured. Never leave
children alone in the vehicle.

To adjust a power seat:

.

Move the seat forward or rearward by
sliding the control forward or rearward.

.

Raise or lower the front part of the seat
cushion by moving the front of the
control up or down.

.

Raise or lower the entire seat by moving
the rear of the control up or down.

To adjust the seatback, see Reclining
Seatbacks 0 26.

To adjust the lumbar support, see Lumbar
Adjustment 0 27.

Manual Seat Shown, Power Seat Similar

To recline the seatback:

1. Lift the lever.
If necessary, move the seat belt out of

the way to access the lever.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
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2. Move the seatback to the desired
position, then release the lever to lock
the seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to make
sure it is locked.

To return the seatback to an upright
position:

1. Lift the lever fully without applying
pressure to the seatback, and the
seatback returns to the upright position.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to make
sure it is locked.

Warning

{

Sitting in a reclined position when the
vehicle is in motion can be dangerous.
Even when buckled up, the seat belts
cannot do their job.

The shoulder belt will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in front of
you. In a crash, you could go into it,
receiving neck or other injuries.

The lap belt could go up over your
abdomen. The belt forces would be there,
not at your pelvic bones. This could cause
serious internal injuries.

(Continued)

For proper protection when the vehicle is
in motion, have the seatback upright.
Then sit well back in the seat and wear
the seat belt properly.

Do not have a seatback reclined if the
vehicle is moving.

Warning (Continued)

Seats and Restraints 27

Lumbar Adjustment

If available, press the front or rear of the
switch to increase or decrease lumbar
support. Release the switch when the
desired level of support is reached.

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28 Seats and Restraints

Front Seat Armrest

There is an armrest on the inboard side of
the driver seat. To raise or lower the
armrest, push up or pull down on the
armrest.

Rear Seats

Rear Seat Reminder

If equipped, the message REAR SEAT
REMINDER LOOK IN REAR SEAT displays
under certain conditions indicating there
may be an item or passenger in the rear
seat. Check before exiting the vehicle.

This feature will activate when a second row
door is opened while the vehicle is on or up
to 10 minutes before the vehicle is turned
on. There will be an alert when the vehicle
is turned off. The alert does not directly
detect objects in the rear seat; instead,
under certain conditions, it detects when a
rear door is opened and closed, indicating
that there may be something in the
rear seat.

The feature is active only once each time
the vehicle is turned on and off, and will
require reactivation by opening and closing
the second row doors. There may be an
alert even when there is nothing in the rear
seat; for example, if a child entered the
vehicle through the rear door and left the
vehicle without the vehicle being shut off.

The feature can be turned on or off. See
Vehicle Personalization 0 88.

Folding the Seatback

Either side of the seatback can be folded
down for more cargo space. Fold a seatback
only when the vehicle is not moving.

Caution

Folding a rear seat with the seat belts
still fastened may cause damage to the
seat or the seat belts. Always unbuckle
the seat belts and return them to their
normal stowed position before folding a
rear seat.

Caution

Folding the rear seatback prior to tilting
the seat cushion forward may damage
the rear seat. Always tilt the rear seat
cushion forward before folding the
seatback.

To fold a seatback down:

1. Make sure the floor area in front of the
rear seats is clear.

2. Fully lower the head restraint. See Head
Restraints 0 24.

3. Slide the front seats forward and place
the front seatbacks in the upright
position. See Seat Adjustment 0 25 and
Reclining Seatbacks 0 26.

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Seats and Restraints 29

Warning

{

Do not allow the seat belt webbing to
become caught under the retainer hook
trim, as this may cause the seat belt to
not be worn properly.

4. Pull the strap on the front edge of the
rear seat cushion to release the cushion.
Tilt the seat cushion forward toward the
front of the vehicle.

The seat cushion must be tilted forward
before the seatback is folded down.
Otherwise, the seatback will not fold
down properly.

Rear Seat with Retainer Hook on the

5. Make sure the seat belt is in the retainer
hook on top of the seatback, if equipped.

Seatback

6. Reach under the belt and pull the lever
on top of the seatback to unlock the
seatback.

A tab near the seatback lever raises
when the seatback is unlocked.

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30 Seats and Restraints

7. Fold the seatback forward and down.

Seat Belt Clip on Side Trim

8. Place the outboard seat belt in the seat
belt clip (if equipped) on the side trim of
the vehicle.

9. Repeat Steps 1–8 for the other seatback
and seat cushion, if desired.

Raising the Seatback

Warning

{

If either seatback is not locked, it could
move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
That could cause injury to the person
sitting there. Always push and pull on
the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.

Warning

{

A seat belt that is improperly routed, not
properly attached, or twisted will not
provide the protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the rear
seatback, always check to be sure that
the seat belts are properly routed and
attached, and are not twisted.

To return the rear seatback to the normal
seating position:

Seat Belt Clip on Side Trim

1. Remove the outboard seat belt from the
seat belt clip (if equipped) on the side
trim of the vehicle.

2. Lift the seatback and push it rearward to
lock it in place. A tab near the seatback
lever retracts when the seatback is
locked in place.

Make sure the seat belts are not pinched
by the seatback locking mechanism.

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The center rear seat belt may lock when
you raise the seatback. If this happens,
let the belt go back all the way and start
again. If the seat belt is still locked, try
again after pulling the seat cushion out.

3. Push and pull the top of the seatback to
be sure it is locked into position.

4. Return the seat cushion to its original
position and push down on the front
part of the seat cushion until it latches.

Make sure the seat belts and seat belt
buckles are not trapped under the seat
cushion and are properly positioned
for use.

5. Repeat Steps 1–4 for the other seatback
and seat cushion, if necessary.

If additional cargo space is not needed, the
seatbacks should be kept in the upright,
locked position.

Rear Seat Armrest

The rear seat has an armrest in the center
of the seatback. Lower the armrest to access
the cupholders.

To fold, lift the armrest up and push it
rearward until it is flush with the seatback.

Seat Belts

This section describes how to use seat belts
properly, and some things not to do.

Seats and Restraints 31

Warning

{

Do not let anyone ride where a seat belt
cannot be worn properly. In a crash,
if you or your passenger(s) are not
wearing seat belts, injuries can be much
worse than if you are wearing seat belts.
You can be seriously injured or killed by
hitting things inside the vehicle harder or
by being ejected from the vehicle. In
addition, anyone who is not buckled up
can strike other passengers in the vehicle.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, passengers riding in these
areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed. Do not allow passengers
to ride in any area of the vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and seat belts.

Always wear a seat belt, and check that
all passenger(s) are restrained
properly too.

This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to
buckle the seat belts. See Seat Belt
Reminders 0 78.

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32 Seats and Restraints

Why Seat Belts Work

When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast
as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops
suddenly, you keep going until something
stops you. It could be the windshield, the
instrument panel, or the seat belts!

When you wear a seat belt, you and the
vehicle slow down together. There is more
time to stop because you stop over a longer
distance and, when worn properly, your
strongest bones take the forces from the
seat belts. That is why wearing seat belts
makes such good sense.

Questions and Answers About Seat Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a

crash if I am wearing a seat belt?

A: You could be — whether you are

wearing a seat belt or not. Your chance
of being conscious during and after a
crash, so you can unbuckle and get out,
is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I

have to wear seat belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental systems only.

They work with seat belts — not instead
of them. Whether or not an airbag is
provided, all occupants still have to
buckle up to get the most protection.

Also, in nearly all states and in all
Canadian provinces, the law requires
wearing seat belts.

How to Wear Seat Belts Properly

Follow these rules for everyone's protection.

There are additional things to know about
seat belts and children, including smaller
children and infants. If a child will be riding
in the vehicle, see Older Children 0 48 or
Infants and Young Children 0 49. Review
and follow the rules for children in addition
to the following rules.

It is very important for all occupants to
buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted
people are hurt more often in crashes than
those who are wearing seat belts.

There are important things to know about
wearing a seat belt properly.

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.

Sit up straight and always keep your feet
on the floor in front of you (if possible).

.

Wear the lap part of the belt low and
snug on the hips, just touching the
thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the
strong pelvic bones and you would be
less likely to slide under the lap belt.
If you slid under it, the belt would apply
force on your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.

.

Wear the shoulder belt over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts of the
body are best able to take belt
restraining forces. The shoulder belt locks
if there is a sudden stop or crash.

Warning

{

You can be seriously injured, or even
killed, by not wearing your seat belt
properly.

Seats and Restraints 33

Never allow the lap or shoulder belt to
become loose or twisted.

Never wear the shoulder belt under both
arms or behind your back.

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34 Seats and Restraints

Warning

{

The seat belt can be pinched if it is
routed under plastic trim on the seat,
such as trim around the rear seatback
folding handle or side airbag. In a crash,
pinched seat belts might not provide
adequate protection. Never allow seat
belts to be routed under plastic trim
pieces.

Warning

Always use the correct buckle for your
seating position.

Never route the lap or shoulder belt over an
armrest.

You can be seriously injured or killed if
the shoulder belt is worn behind your
back, under your legs, or wrapped around
your neck. The shoulder belt can tighten
but cannot be loosened if it is locked. The
shoulder belt locks when it is pulled all
the way out of the retractor. It unlocks
when the shoulder belt is allowed to go
all the way back into the retractor, but it
cannot do this if it is wrapped around
you. You may have to cut the seat belt if
it is locked and tightened around you.

{

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All seating positions in the vehicle have a
lap-shoulder belt.

The following instructions explain how to
wear a lap-shoulder belt properly.

1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable,
so you can sit up straight. To see how,
see “Seats” in the Index.

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt
across you. Do not let it get twisted.

The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you
pull the belt across you very quickly.
If this happens, let the belt go back
slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.

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If the shoulder portion of a passenger
belt is pulled out all the way, the child
restraint locking feature may be
engaged. See Child Restraint Systems
0 51. If this occurs, let the belt go back
all the way and start again. If the
locking feature stays engaged after
letting the belt go back to stowed
position on the seat, move the seat
rearward or recline the seat until the
shoulder belt retractor lock releases.

The rear center seat belt can only be
withdrawn from the retractor if the
seatback is in the upright locked
position.

3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until
it clicks.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure
it is secure. If the belt is not long
enough, see Seat Belt Extender 0 37.

Position the release button on the buckle
so that the seat belt could be quickly
unbuckled if necessary.

4. If equipped with a shoulder belt height
adjuster, move it to the height that is
right for you. See “Shoulder Belt Height
Adjuster” later in this section for
instructions on use and important safety
information.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on
the shoulder belt.

Seats and Restraints 35

To unlatch the belt, push the button on the
buckle. The belt should return to its stowed
position.

Always stow the seat belt slowly. If the seat
belt webbing returns quickly to the stowed
position, the retractor may lock and cannot
be pulled out. If this happens, pull the seat
belt straight out firmly to unlock the
webbing, and then release it. If the webbing
is still locked in the retractor, see your
dealer.

Before a door is closed, be sure the seat belt
is out of the way. If a door is slammed
against a seat belt, damage can occur to
both the seat belt and the vehicle.

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36 Seats and Restraints

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

The vehicle has a shoulder belt height
adjuster for the driver and front outboard
passenger seating positions.

Adjust the height so the shoulder portion of
the belt is on the shoulder and not falling
off of it. The belt should be close to, but not
contacting, the neck. Improper shoulder belt
height adjustment could reduce the
effectiveness of the seat belt in a crash. See
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly 0 32.

To move the shoulder belt height adjuster
down, push down on the release button and
move the height adjuster to the desired

position. You can move the height adjuster
up by pushing up on the shoulder belt
guide.

After the adjuster is set to the desired
position, try to move it down without
pushing the release button to make sure it
has locked into position.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

This vehicle has seat belt pretensioners for
the front outboard occupants. Although the
seat belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the seat belt assembly. They can
help tighten the seat belts during the early
stages of a moderate to severe frontal, near
frontal, or rear crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner activation are
met. Seat belt pretensioners can also help
tighten the seat belts in a side crash or a
rollover event.

Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash, the
pretensioners and probably other parts of
the vehicle's seat belt system will need to
be replaced. See Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash 0 38.

Do not sit on the outboard seat belt while
entering or exiting the vehicle or at any
time while sitting in the seat. Sitting on the
seat belt can damage the webbing and
hardware.

Rear Seat Belt Comfort Guides

Rear seat belt comfort guides may provide
added seat belt comfort for older children
who have outgrown booster seats and for
some adults. When installed on a shoulder
belt, the comfort guide positions the belt
away from the neck and head.

Comfort guides are available through your
dealer for the rear outboard seating
positions. Instructions are included with the
guides.

Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy

Seat belts work for everyone, including
pregnant women. Like all occupants, they
are more likely to be seriously injured if
they do not wear seat belts.

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But if a seat belt is not long enough, your
dealer will order you an extender. Only a
GM dealer issued extender should be used.
When you go in to order it, take the
heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender
will be long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone else use
it, and use it only for the seat it is made to
fit. The extender has been designed for
adults. Never use it for securing child
restraints. For more information on the
proper use and fit of seat belt extenders see

A pregnant woman should wear a
lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should
be worn as low as possible, below the
rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is to
protect the mother. When a seat belt is
worn properly, it is more likely that the
fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For
pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to
making seat belts effective is wearing them
properly.

Seat Belt Extender

If the vehicle's seat belt will fasten around
you, you should use it.

the instruction sheet that comes with the
extender.

Safety System Check

Periodically check the seat belt reminder,
seat belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors,
shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped),
and seat belt anchorages to make sure they
are all in working order. Look for any other
loose or damaged seat belt system parts
that might keep a seat belt system from
performing properly. See your dealer to
have it repaired. Torn, frayed, or twisted
seat belts may not protect you in a crash.
Torn or frayed seat belts can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed,
have it replaced immediately. If a belt is
twisted, it may be possible to untwist by

Seats and Restraints 37

reversing the latch plate on the webbing.
If the twist cannot be corrected, ask your
dealer to fix it.

Make sure the seat belt reminder light is
working. See Seat Belt Reminders 0 78.

Keep seat belts clean and dry. See Seat Belt
Care 0 37.

Seat Belt Care

Keep belts clean and dry.

Seat belts should be properly cared for and
maintained.

Seat belt hardware should be kept dry and
free of dust or debris. As necessary, exterior
hard surfaces and seat belt webbing may be
lightly cleaned with mild soap and water.
Ensure there is not excessive dust or debris
in the mechanism. If dust or debris exists in
the system please see the dealer. Parts may
need to be replaced to ensure proper
functionality of the system.

Warning

{

Do not bleach or dye seat belt webbing.
It may severely weaken the webbing. In
a crash, they might not be able to

(Continued)

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38 Seats and Restraints

Warning (Continued)

provide adequate protection. Clean and
rinse seat belt webbing only with mild
soap and lukewarm water. Allow the
webbing to dry.

Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash

Warning

{

A crash can damage the seat belt system
in the vehicle. A damaged seat belt
system may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in serious injury
or even death in a crash. To help make
sure the seat belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.

After a minor crash, replacement of seat
belts may not be necessary. But the seat
belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the seat belt
assemblies inspected or replaced.

New parts and repairs may be necessary
even if the seat belt system was not being
used at the time of the crash.

Have the seat belt pretensioners checked if
the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the
airbag readiness light stays on after you
start the vehicle or while you are driving.
See Airbag Readiness Light 0 78.

Airbag System

The vehicle has the following airbags:

.

A frontal airbag for the driver

.

A frontal airbag for the front outboard
passenger

.

A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
driver

.

A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the
front outboard passenger

.

A roof-rail airbag for the driver and the
passenger seated directly behind the
driver

.

A roof-rail airbag for the front outboard
passenger and the passenger seated
directly behind the front outboard
passenger

The vehicle may have the following airbags:

.

A knee airbag for the driver

.

A knee airbag for the front outboard
passenger

.

Seat-mounted side impact airbags for the
second row outboard passengers

All vehicle airbags have the word AIRBAG on
the trim or on a label near the deployment
opening.

For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the center of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel for the
front outboard passenger.

For knee airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the
lower part of the instrument panel.

For seat-mounted side impact airbags, the
word AIRBAG is on the side of the seatback
or side of the seat closest to the door.

For roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the ceiling or trim.

Airbags are designed to supplement the
protection provided by seat belts. Even
though today's airbags are also designed to
help reduce the risk of injury from the force
of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.

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Here are the most important things to know
about the airbag system:

Warning

{

You can be severely injured or killed in a
crash if you are not wearing your seat
belt, even with airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with seat belts, not
replace them. Also, airbags are not
designed to inflate in every crash. In
some crashes seat belts are the only
restraint. See When Should an Airbag
Inflate? 0 41.

Wearing your seat belt during a crash
helps reduce your chance of hitting
things inside the vehicle or being ejected
from it. Airbags are “supplemental
restraints” to the seat belts. Everyone in
the vehicle should wear a seat belt
properly, whether or not there is an
airbag for that person.

Warning

{

Because airbags inflate with great force
and faster than the blink of an eye,
anyone who is up against, or very close
to, any airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not sit
unnecessarily close to any airbag, as you
would be if sitting on the edge of the
seat or leaning forward. Seat belts help
keep you in position before and during a
crash. Always wear a seat belt, even with
airbags. The driver should sit as far back
as possible while still maintaining control
of the vehicle. The seat belts and the
front outboard passenger airbags are
most effective when you are sitting well
back and upright in the seat with both
feet on the floor.

Occupants should not lean on or sleep
against the door or side windows in
seating positions with seat-mounted side
impact airbags and/or roof-rail airbags.

Seats and Restraints 39

Warning

{

Children who are up against, or very
close to, any airbag when it inflates can
be seriously injured or killed. Always
secure children properly in the vehicle. To
read how, see Older Children 0 48 or
Infants and Young Children 0 49.

There is an airbag readiness light on the
instrument cluster, which shows the airbag
symbol. The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem.
See Airbag Readiness Light 0 78 for more
information.

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40 Seats and Restraints

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver frontal airbag is in the center of
the steering wheel.

The front outboard passenger frontal airbag
is in the passenger side instrument panel.

The seat-mounted side impact airbags for
the driver and front outboard passenger are
in the side of the seatbacks closest to
the door.

The roof-rail airbags for the driver, front
outboard passenger, and second row
outboard passengers are in the ceiling above
the side windows.

The driver knee airbag (if equipped) is below
the steering column. The front outboard
passenger knee airbag (if equipped) is below
the glove box.

Rear Seat Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side

Similar

On vehicles with second row seat-mounted
side impact airbags, they are in the side of
the seatback closest to the door.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar

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Warning

{

If something is between an occupant and
an airbag, the airbag might not inflate
properly or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury or even
death. The path of an inflating airbag
must be kept clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an airbag, and
do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any
other airbag covering.

Do not use seat accessories that block the
inflation path of a seat-mounted side
impact airbag.

Never secure anything to the roof of a
vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a
rope or tie‐down through any door or
window opening. If you do, the path of
an inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.

When Should an Airbag Inflate?

This vehicle is equipped with airbags. See
Airbag System 0 38. Airbags are designed to
inflate if the impact exceeds the specific
airbag system's deployment threshold.

Deployment thresholds are used to predict
how severe a crash is likely to be in time
for the airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants. The vehicle has electronic
sensors that help the airbag system
determine the severity of the impact.
Deployment thresholds can vary with
specific vehicle design.

Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe frontal or near frontal
crashes to help reduce the potential for
severe injuries, mainly to the driver's or
front outboard passenger's head and chest.

Whether the frontal airbags will or should
inflate is not based primarily on how fast
the vehicle is traveling. It depends on what
is hit, the direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.

Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash
speeds depending on whether the vehicle
hits an object straight on or at an angle,
and whether the object is fixed or moving,
rigid or deformable, narrow or wide.

Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate
during vehicle rollovers, in rear impacts,
or in many side impacts.

Seats and Restraints 41

In addition, the vehicle has advanced
technology frontal airbags. Advanced
technology frontal airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.

Knee airbags (if equipped) are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near
frontal impacts. Knee airbags are not
designed to inflate during vehicle rollovers,
in rear impacts, or in many side impacts.

Seat-mounted side impact airbags are
designed to inflate in moderate to severe
side crashes depending on the location of
the impact. Seat-mounted side impact
airbags are not designed to inflate in frontal
impacts, near frontal impacts, rollovers,
or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact
airbag is designed to inflate on the side of
the vehicle that is struck.

Roof-rail airbags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe side crashes depending
on the location of the impact. In addition,
these roof-rail airbags are designed to inflate
during a rollover or in a severe frontal
impact. Roof-rail airbags are not designed to
inflate in rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags
will inflate when either side of the vehicle is
struck, if the sensing system predicts that
the vehicle is about to roll over on its side,
or in a severe frontal impact.

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42 Seats and Restraints

In any particular crash, no one can say
whether an airbag should have inflated
simply because of the vehicle damage or
repair costs.

What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing system
sends an electrical signal triggering a release
of gas from the inflator. Gas from the
inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to
break out of the cover. The inflator, the
airbag, and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.

For airbag locations, see Where Are the
Airbags? 0 40.

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal
collisions, even belted occupants can contact
the steering wheel or the instrument panel.
In moderate to severe side collisions, even
belted occupants can contact the inside of
the vehicle.

Airbags supplement the protection provided
by seat belts by distributing the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant's body.

Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help contain the head and chest
of occupants in the outboard seating
positions in the first and second rows. The
rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of full or
partial ejection in rollover events, although
no system can prevent all such ejections.

But airbags would not help in many types
of collisions, primarily because the
occupant's motion is not toward those
airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inflate?
0 41.

Airbags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to seat
belts.

What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?

After the frontal, knee (if equipped), and
seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate,
they quickly deflate, so quickly that some
people may not even realize the airbags
inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at
least partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of the airbag
module may be hot for several minutes. For
location of the airbags, see Where Are the
Airbags? 0 40.

The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but not too
hot to touch. There may be some smoke
and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people from
leaving the vehicle.

Warning

{

When an airbag inflates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the
vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing problems
following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.

The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn on the
interior lamps and hazard warning flashers,
and shut off the fuel system after the

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airbags inflate. The feature may also
activate, without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition off and
then on again, the fuel system will return to
normal operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off, and
the hazard warning flashers can be turned
off using the controls for those features.
If any of these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.

Warning

{

A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle, such
as the fuel system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash,
there may be concealed damage that
could make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.

Use caution if you should attempt to
restart the engine after a crash has
occurred.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate
the airbag, windshields are broken by
vehicle deformation. Additional windshield
breakage may also occur from the front
outboard passenger airbag.

.

Airbags are designed to inflate only once.
After an airbag inflates, you will need
some new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will
include airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the vehicle
covers the need to replace other parts.

.

The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See Vehicle

Data Recording and Privacy 0 249 and
Event Data Recorders 0 250.

.

Let only qualified technicians work on the
airbag systems. Improper service can
mean that an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for service.

Seats and Restraints 43

Passenger Sensing System

The vehicle has a passenger sensing system
for the front outboard passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator will
light on the instrument panel when the
vehicle is started.

United States

Canada

The words ON and OFF, or the symbols for
on and off, will be visible during the system
check. When the system check is complete,
either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol
for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 0 79.

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44 Seats and Restraints

The passenger sensing system turns off the
front outboard passenger frontal airbag and
knee airbag (if equipped) under certain
conditions. No other airbag is affected by
the passenger sensing system.

The passenger sensing system works with
sensors that are part of the front outboard
passenger seat. The sensors are designed to
detect the presence of a properly seated
occupant and determine if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag (if equipped) should be allowed to
inflate or not.

According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly secured in a rear seat
in the correct child restraint for their weight
and size.

Whenever possible, children aged 12 and
under should be secured in a rear seating
position.

Never put a rear-facing child seat in the
front. This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great if the airbag
inflates.

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
passenger frontal airbag inflates. This is
because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the
inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the passenger
frontal airbag inflates and the passenger
seat is in a forward position.

Even if the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
airbag(s), no system is fail-safe. No one
can guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual circumstance,
even though the airbag(s) are off.

Never put a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat, even if the airbag is off.
If securing a forward-facing child restraint
in the front outboard passenger seat,
always move the seat as far back as it
will go. It is better to secure child
restraints in the rear seat. Consider using
another vehicle to transport the child
when a rear seat is not available.

{

Warning

The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag (if
equipped) if:

.

The front outboard passenger seat is
unoccupied.

.

The system determines that an infant is
present in a rear-facing infant seat.

.

The system determines that a small child
is present in a child restraint.

.

The system determines that a small child
is present in a booster seat.

.

A front outboard passenger takes his/her
weight off of the seat for a period
of time.

.

A front outboard passenger seat is
occupied by a smaller person, such as a
child who has outgrown child restraints.

.

There is a critical problem with the airbag
system or the passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag (if equipped),
the OFF indicator will light and stay lit as a
reminder that the airbags are off. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator 0 79.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn on the front outboard passenger frontal
airbag and knee airbag (if equipped)
anytime the system senses that a person of
adult size is sitting properly in the front
outboard passenger seat. When the
passenger sensing system has allowed the
airbags to be enabled, the ON indicator will
light and stay lit as a reminder that the
airbags are active.

For some children who have outgrown child
restraints and for very small adults, the
passenger sensing system may or may not
turn off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag (if equipped),
depending upon the person's seating posture
and body build. Everyone in the vehicle who
has outgrown child restraints should wear a
seat belt properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.

Warning

{

If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right

(Continued)

away. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 78
for more information, including important
safety information.

If the On Indicator Is Lit for a Child
Restraint

If a child restraint has been installed and
the ON indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove the child restraint from the

3. Remove any additional items from the

4. Reinstall the child restraint following the

5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint

Warning (Continued)

vehicle.

seat such as blankets, cushions, seat
covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.

directions provided by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to Securing Child

Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear
Seat) 0 61 or
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat
Belt in the Front Seat) 0 63.

and restarting the vehicle, the ON
indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off.
Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback
and adjust the seat cushion,

Seats and Restraints 45

if adjustable, to make sure that the
vehicle seatback is not pushing the child
restraint into the seat cushion. Also
make sure the child restraint is not
trapped under the vehicle head restraint.
If this happens, adjust the head restraint.
See Head Restraints 0 24.

6. Restart the vehicle.

If the ON indicator is still lit, secure the child
in the child restraint in a rear seat position
in the vehicle, and check with your dealer.

If the Off Indicator Is Lit for an
Adult-Sized Occupant

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46 Seats and Restraints

If a person of adult size is sitting in the
front outboard passenger seat, but the OFF
indicator is lit, it could be because that
person is not sitting properly in the seat.
Use the following steps to allow the system
to detect that person and enable the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag (if equipped):

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove any additional material from the
seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat
covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully upright
position.

4. Have the person sit upright in the seat,
centered on the seat cushion, with legs
comfortably extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the person
remain in this position for two to
three minutes after the ON indicator
is lit.

Warning

{

If the front outboard passenger airbag is
turned off for an adult-sized occupant,
the airbag will not be able to inflate and
help protect that person in a crash,

(Continued)

resulting in an increased risk of serious
injury or even death. An adult-sized
occupant should not ride in the front
outboard passenger seat, if the passenger
airbag OFF indicator is lit.

Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation

Seat belts help keep the passenger in
position on the seat during vehicle
maneuvers and braking, which helps the
passenger sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See “Seat Belts”
and “Child Restraints” in the Index for
additional information about the importance
of proper restraint use.

A thick layer of additional material, such as
a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket
equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters,
and seat massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates. We
recommend that you not use seat covers or
other aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific vehicle.

Warning (Continued)

See Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 47 for more

information about modifications that can
affect how the system operates.

The ON indicator may be lit if an object,
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired,
remove the object from the seat.

Warning

{

Stowing articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion
and seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0 247.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

.

Warning

{

For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.

Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.

The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:

.

Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring

Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers

.

Seat belts

.

Steering wheel, instrument panel, ceiling
trim, or pillar garnish trim

.

Inner door seals, including speakers

Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.

In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or
with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing

Seats and Restraints 47

system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing
System 0 43.

If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see Different Size Tires and Wheels 0 204
for additional important information.

If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and have questions about
whether the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices 0 242.

Airbag System Check

The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 78.

Caution

If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
broken airbag coverings, have the airbag

(Continued)

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48 Seats and Restraints

Caution (Continued)

covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 0 40. See your dealer
for service.

If the airbag readiness light stays on after
the vehicle is started or comes on when you
are driving, the airbag system may not work
properly. Have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 78.

Child Restraints

Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash

Warning

{

A crash can damage the airbag systems
in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system
may not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in
serious injury or even death. To help
make sure the airbag systems are
working properly after a crash, have
them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See your dealer
for service.

Older Children

Older children who have outgrown booster
seats should wear the vehicle’s seat belts.

The manufacturer instructions that come
with the booster seat state the weight and
height limitations for that booster. Use a
booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until
the child passes the fit test below:

.

Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the
knees bend at the seat edge? If yes,
continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

.

Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the
shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes,
continue. If no, try using the rear seat
belt comfort guide, if available. See “Rear
Seat Belt Comfort Guides” under
Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 34. If a comfort guide
is not available, or if the shoulder belt
still does not rest on the shoulder, then
return to the booster seat.

.

Does the lap belt fit low and snug on the
hips, touching the thighs? If yes, continue.
If no, return to the booster seat.

.

Can proper seat belt fit be maintained for
the length of the trip? If yes, continue.
If no, return to the booster seat.

Q: What is the proper way to wear seat

belts?

A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder

belt and get the additional restraint a
shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder
belt should not cross the face or neck.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
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The lap belt should fit snugly below the
hips, just touching the top of the thighs.
This applies belt force to the child's
pelvic bones in a crash. It should never
be worn over the abdomen, which could
cause severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash.

Also see “Rear Seat Belt Comfort Guides”
under Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 34.

According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in a rear
seating position.

In a crash, children who are not buckled up
can strike other people who are buckled up,
or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older
children need to use seat belts properly.

Warning

{

Never allow more than one child to wear
the same seat belt. The seat belt cannot
properly spread the impact forces. In a
crash, they can be crushed together and
seriously injured. A seat belt must be
used by only one person at a time.

Never allow a child to wear the seat belt
shoulder belt under both arms or behind
their back. A child can be seriously
injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder
belt properly. In a crash, the child would
not be restrained by the shoulder belt.
The child could move too far forward
increasing the chance of head and neck
injury. The child might also slide under
the lap belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen. That could
cause serious or fatal injuries. The
shoulder belt should go over the shoulder
and across the chest.

{

Warning

Seats and Restraints 49

Infants and Young Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This
includes infants and all other children.
Neither the distance traveled nor the age
and size of the traveler changes the need,
for everyone, to use safety restraints. In
fact, the law in every state in the United
States and in every Canadian province says
children up to some age must be restrained
while in a vehicle.

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50 Seats and Restraints

Warning

{

Children can be seriously injured or killed
if the shoulder belt is worn behind their
back, under their legs, or wrapped around
their neck. The shoulder belt can tighten
but cannot be loosened if it is locked. The
shoulder belt locks when it is pulled all
the way out of the retractor. It unlocks
when the shoulder belt is allowed to go
all the way back into the retractor, but it
cannot do this if it is wrapped around the
child. Never leave children unattended in
a vehicle and never allow children to
improperly wear, or play with, the seat
belts.

Every time infants and young children ride
in vehicles, they should have the protection
provided by appropriate child restraints.
Neither the vehicle's seat belt system nor its
airbag system is designed for them.

Children who are not restrained properly can
strike other people, or can be thrown out of
the vehicle.

Never hold an infant or a child while
riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an
infant or a child will become so heavy it
is not possible to hold it during a crash.
For example, in a crash at only
40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb) infant
will suddenly become a 110 kg (240 lb)
force on a person's arms. An infant or
child should be secured in an appropriate
child restraint.

{

Warning

Warning

{

Children who are up against, or very
close to, any airbag when it inflates can
be seriously injured or killed. Never put a
rear-facing child restraint in the front
outboard seat. Secure a rear-facing child
restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to
secure a forward-facing child restraint in
a rear seat. If you must secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the front
outboard seat, always move the front
passenger seat as far back as it will go.

Child restraints are devices used to restrain,
seat, or position children in the vehicle and
are sometimes called child seats or car seats.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
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There are three basic types of child
restraints:

.

Forward-facing child restraints

.

Rear-facing child restraints

.

Belt-positioning booster seats

The proper child restraint for your child
depends on their size, weight, and age, and
also on whether the child restraint is
compatible with the vehicle in which it will
be used.

For each types of child restraints, there are
many different models available. When
purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is
designed to be used in a motor vehicle and
is certified to comply with US Federal or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
If it is, the child restraint will have a label
saying that it meets federal motor vehicle
safety standards. The NHTSA website
includes a list of registered car seat
manufacturers (https://www.nhtsa.gov) and
links to their registration pages for
consumers. Registration helps manufacturers
identify purchasers for recall notices.

The instruction manual that is provided with
the child restraint states the weight and
height limitations for that particular child

restraint. In addition, there are many kinds
of child restraints available for children with
special needs.

Warning

{

To reduce the risk of neck and head
injury in a crash, infants and toddlers
should be secured in a rear-facing child
restraint until age two, or until they
reach the maximum height and weight
limits of their child restraint.

Warning

{

A young child's hip bones are still so
small that the vehicle seat belt may not
remain low on the hip bones, as it
should. Instead, it may settle up around
the child's abdomen. In a crash, the belt
would apply force on a body area that is
unprotected by any bony structure. This
alone could cause serious or fatal injuries.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injuries during a crash, young children
should always be secured in an
appropriate child restraint.

Seats and Restraints 51

Child Restraint Systems

Rear-Facing Infant Restraint

A rear-facing child restraint provides
restraint with the seating surface against
the back of the infant.

The harness system holds the infant in place
and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant
positioned in the restraint.

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52 Seats and Restraints

Forward-Facing Child Restraint

A forward-facing child restraint provides
restraint for the child's body with the
harness.

Booster Seats

A belt-positioning booster seat is used for
children who have outgrown their
forward-facing child restraint. Boosters are
designed to improve the fit of the vehicle's
seat belt system until the child is large
enough for the vehicle seat belts to fit
properly without a booster seat. See the
seat belt fit test in Older Children 0 48.

Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in
the Vehicle

Warning

{

A child can be seriously injured or killed
in a crash if the child restraint is not
properly secured in the vehicle. Secure
the child restraint properly in the vehicle
using the vehicle seat belt or LATCH
system, following the instructions that
came with that child restraint and the
instructions in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury, the
child restraint must be secured in the
vehicle. Child restraints must be secured in
vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt
portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the
LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH System) 0 54 for
more information. Never use a seat belt
extender when installing a child restraint.
Use only seats and related equipment that
are certified to comply with US Federal or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to
secure a child restraint. Children can be
endangered in a crash if the child restraint is
not properly secured in the vehicle.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
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When securing an add-on child restraint,
refer to the following:

1. Instruction labels provided on the child
restraint

2. Instruction manual provided with the
child restraint

3. This vehicle owner's manual

The child restraint instructions are
important, so if they are not available,
obtain a replacement copy from the
manufacturer.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child
restraint can move around in a collision or
sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle.
Be sure to properly secure any child
restraint in the vehicle — even when no
child is in it.

In some areas Certified Child Passenger
Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are available to
inspect and demonstrate how to correctly
use and install child restraints. In the U.S.,
refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) website to locate
the nearest child safety seat inspection
station. For CPST availability in Canada,
check with Transport Canada or the
Provincial Ministry of Transportation office.

Securing the Child Within the Child
Restraint

{

A child can be seriously injured or killed
in a crash if the child is not properly
secured in the child restraint. Secure the
child properly following the instructions
that came with that child restraint.

Where to Put the Restraint

According to accident statistics, children and
infants are safer when properly restrained in
an appropriate child restraint secured in a
rear seating position.

Whenever possible, children aged 12 and
under should be secured in a rear seating
position.

Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the
front. This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great if the airbag
deploys.

Warning

Seats and Restraints 53

Warning

{

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the front
passenger airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child restraint
would be very close to the inflating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or killed
if the front passenger airbag inflates and
the passenger seat is in a forward
position.

Even if the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front passenger frontal
airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual circumstance, even
though it is turned off.

Secure rear-facing child restraints in a
rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you
secure a forward-facing child restraint in
the front seat, always move the front
passenger seat as far back as it will go.
It is better to secure the child restraint in
a rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing System 0 43 for
additional information.

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54 Seats and Restraints

When securing a child restraint with the
seat belts in a rear seat position, study the
instructions that came with the child
restraint to make sure it is compatible with
this vehicle.

Child restraints and booster seats vary
considerably in size, and some may fit in
certain seating positions better than others.
Do not install a child restraint in any rear
seating position where it cannot be installed
securely.

Depending on where you place the child
restraint and the size of the child restraint,
you may not be able to access adjacent seat
belts or LATCH anchors for additional
passengers or child restraints. Adjacent
seating positions should not be used if the
child restraint prevents access to or
interferes with the routing of the seat belt.

The seat in front of an installed child
restraint should be adjusted to ensure
proper installation according to the child
restraint manual.

Wherever a child restraint is installed, be
sure to follow the instructions that came
with the child restraint and secure the child
restraint properly.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child
restraint can move around in a collision or
sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle.
Be sure to properly secure any child
restraint in the vehicle — even when no
child is in it.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

The LATCH system secures a child restraint
during driving or in a crash. LATCH
attachments on the child restraint are used
to attach the child restraint to the anchors
in the vehicle. The LATCH system is designed
to make installation of a child restraint
easier.

In order to use the LATCH system in your
vehicle, you need a child restraint that has
LATCH attachments. LATCH-compatible
rear-facing and forward-facing child seats can
be properly installed using either the LATCH
anchors or the vehicle’s seat belts. Do not
use both the seat belts and the LATCH
anchorage system to secure a rear-facing or
forward-facing child seat.

Booster seats use the vehicle’s seat belts to
secure the child and the booster seat. If the
manufacturer recommends that the booster
seat be secured with the LATCH system, this

can be done as long as the booster seat can
be positioned properly and there is no
interference with the proper positioning of
the lap-shoulder belt on the child.

Make sure to follow the instructions that
came with the child restraint, and also the
instructions in this manual.

When installing a child restraint with a top
tether, you must also use either the lower
anchors or the seat belts to properly secure
the child restraint. A child restraint must
never be installed using only the top tether
and anchor.

For a forward-facing 5-pt harness child
restraint where the combined weight of the
child and restraint are up to 29.5 kg (65 lb),
use either the lower LATCH anchorages with
the top tether anchorage, or the seat belt
with the top tether anchorage. Where the
combined weight of the child and restraint
are greater than 29.5 kg (65 lb), use the seat
belt with the top tether anchorage only.

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Recommended Methods for Attaching Child Restraints

Restraint Type Combined Weight of

Rear-Facing Child
Restraint

Rear-Facing Child
Restraint

Forward-Facing Child
Restraint

Forward-Facing Child
Restraint

the Child + Child
Restraint

Up to 29.5 kg (65 lb) X X

Greater than

29.5 kg (65 lb)

Up to 29.5 kg (65 lb) X X

Greater than

29.5 kg (65 lb)

Use Only Approved Attachment Methods Shown with an X

LATCH – Lower

Anchors Only

Seat Belt Only LATCH – Lower

Anchors and Top
Tether Anchor

X

Seats and Restraints 55

Seat Belt and Top
Tether Anchor

X

See Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat
Belt in the Rear Seat) 0 61 or
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt
in the Front Seat) 0 63.

Child restraints built after March 2014 will
be labeled with the specific child weight up
to which the LATCH system can be used to
install the restraint.

The following explains how to attach a child
restraint with these attachments in the
vehicle.

Not all vehicle seating positions have lower
anchors. In this case, the seat belt must be
used (with top tether where available) to
secure the child restraint. See Securing Child

Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear
Seat) 0 61 or
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt
in the Front Seat) 0 63.

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56 Seats and Restraints

Lower Anchors

Top Tether Anchor

the top tether always to be attached. In
Canada, the law requires that forward-facing
child restraints have a top tether, and that
the tether be attached. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions for your child
restraint.

Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor
Locations

Lower anchors (1) are metal bars built into
the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for
each LATCH seating position that will
accommodate a child restraint with lower
attachments (2).

A top tether (3, 4) is used to secure the top
of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top
tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The
top tether attachment hook (2) on the child
restraint connects to the top tether anchor
in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward
movement and rotation of the child restraint
during driving or in a crash.

The child restraint may have a single
tether (3) or a dual tether (4). Either will
have a single attachment hook (2) to secure
the top tether to the anchor.

Some child restraints that have a top tether
are designed for use with or without the
top tether being attached. Others require

I : Seating positions with top tether

anchors.

H : Seating positions with two lower

anchors.

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To assist in locating the lower anchors, each
seating position with lower anchors has two
labels, near the crease between the seatback
and the seat cushion.

The top tether anchors are on the back of
the rear seatbacks. Be sure to use an anchor
located directly behind the seating position
where the child restraint will be placed.

To assist in locating the top tether anchors,
the top tether anchor symbol is on the trim
near the anchor.

Do not secure a child restraint in a position
without a top tether anchor if a national or
local law requires that the top tether be
attached, or if the instructions that come
with the child restraint say that the top
tether must be attached.

According to accident statistics, children and
infants are safer when properly restrained in
a child restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating position.
See Where to Put the Restraint 0 53 for
additional information.

Seats and Restraints 57

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System

Warning

{

A child could be seriously injured or killed
in a crash if the child restraint is not
properly attached to the vehicle using
either the LATCH anchors or the vehicle
seat belt. Follow the instructions that
came with the child restraint and the
instructions in this manual.

Warning

{

To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injuries during a crash, do not attach
more than one child restraint to a single
anchor. Attaching more than one child
restraint to a single anchor could cause
the anchor or attachment to come loose
or even break during a crash. A child or
others could be injured.

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58 Seats and Restraints

Warning

{

Children can be seriously injured or
strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped
around their neck. The shoulder belt can
tighten but cannot be loosened if it is
locked. The shoulder belt locks when it is
pulled all the way out of the retractor.
It unlocks when the shoulder belt is
allowed to go all the way back into the
retractor, but it cannot do this if it is
wrapped around a child’s neck. If the
shoulder belt is locked and tightened
around a child’s neck, the only way to
loosen the belt is to cut it.

Buckle any unused seat belts behind the
child restraint so children cannot reach
them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way
out of the retractor to set the lock, and
tighten the belt behind the child restraint
after the child restraint has been
installed.

Do not let the LATCH attachments rub
against the vehicle’s seat belts. This may
damage these parts. If necessary, move
buckled seat belts to avoid rubbing the
LATCH attachments.

Do not fold the rear seatback when the
seat is occupied. Do not fold the empty
rear seat with a seat belt buckled. This
could damage the seat belt or the seat.
Unbuckle and return the seat belt to its
stowed position, before folding the seat.

If you need to secure more than one child
restraint in the rear seat, see Where to Put
the Restraint 0 53.

1. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments to the lower anchors. If the
child restraint does not have lower
attachments or the desired seating
position does not have lower anchors,
secure the child restraint with the top
tether and the seat belt. Refer to the
child restraint manufacturer instructions
and the instructions in this manual.

1.1. Find the lower anchors for the

desired seating position.

Caution

1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
For rear outboard seating positions,

if the head restraint interferes with
the proper installation of the child
restraint, the head restraint may be
removed. See “Head Restraint
Removal and Reinstallation” at the
end of this section.

When installing a rear-facing child
restraint, it may be necessary to
move the front seat forward to
properly install the child restraint
per the child restraint manufacturer
instructions. See Seat Adjustment
0 25.

1.3. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments on the child restraint
to the lower anchors.

2. If the child restraint manufacturer
recommends that the top tether be
attached, attach and tighten the top
tether to the top tether anchor,
if equipped. Refer to the child restraint
instructions and the following steps:

2.1. Find the top tether anchor.

2.2. Remove the cargo cover,

if equipped, before installing the
top tether. Place the cargo cover on

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the floor of the cargo area. The
cargo cover should remain off while
the top tether is in use.

2.3. Route, attach, and tighten the top
tether according to your child
restraint instructions and the
following instructions:

If the position you are using does
not have a headrest or head
restraint and you are using a single
tether, route the tether over the
seatback.

If the position you are using does
not have a headrest or head
restraint and you are using a dual
tether, route the tether over the
seatback.

If the position you are using has an
adjustable headrest or head
restraint and you are using a single
tether, raise the headrest or head
restraint and route the tether under

Seats and Restraints 59

the headrest or head restraint and
in between the headrest or head
restraint posts.

If the position you are using has an
adjustable headrest or head
restraint and you are using a dual
tether, raise the headrest or head
restraint and route the tether under
the headrest or head restraint and
around the headrest or head
restraint posts.

If the child restraint is installed next
to a center seat, make sure the top
tether does not interfere with the
center seating position shoulder
belt/retractor. If it does, find
another suitable seating position to
install the child restraint.

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60 Seats and Restraints

3. Before placing a child in the child
restraint, make sure it is securely held in
place. To check, grasp the child restraint
at the LATCH path and attempt to move
it side to side and back and forth. There
should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of
movement for proper installation.

Head Restraint Removal and
Reinstallation

The rear outboard head restraints can be
removed if they interfere with the proper
installation of the child restraint.

To remove the head restraint:

1. Partially fold the seatback forward. See
Rear Seats 0 28.

2. Press both buttons on the head restraint
posts at the same time, and pull up on
the head restraint.

3. Store the head restraint in a secure
place.

4. When the child restraint is removed,
reinstall the head restraint before the
seating position is used.

Warning

{

With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, there is a
greater chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted
properly.

To reinstall the head restraint:

1. Insert the head restraint posts into the
holes in the top of the seatback. The
notches on the posts must face the
driver side of the vehicle.

2. Push the head restraint down.
If necessary, press the height adjustment

release button to further lower the head
restraint. See Rear Seats 0 28.

3. Try to move the head restraint to make
sure it is locked in place.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash

Warning

{

A crash can damage the LATCH system in
the vehicle. A damaged LATCH system
may not properly secure the child
restraint, resulting in serious injury or
even death in a crash. To help make sure
the LATCH system is working properly
after a crash, see your dealer to have the
system inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it
was being used during a crash, new LATCH
system parts may be needed.

New parts and repairs may be necessary
even if the LATCH system was not being
used at the time of the crash.

Securing Child Restraints (With

If the child restraint has the LATCH system,
see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) 0 54 for how and where to
install the child restraint using LATCH. If a
child restraint is secured in the vehicle using
a seat belt and it uses a top tether, see

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) 0 54 for top tether anchor

locations.

Do not secure a child seat in a position
without a top tether anchor if a national or
local law requires that the top tether be
anchored, or if the instructions that come
with the child restraint say that the top
tether must be anchored.

In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have a top
tether and that the tether be attached.

If the child restraint or vehicle seat position
does not have the LATCH system, you will
be using the seat belt to secure the child
restraint. Be sure to follow the instructions
that came with the child restraint.

the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat)

When securing a child restraint with the
seat belts in a rear seat position, study the
instructions that came with the child
restraint to make sure it is compatible with
this vehicle.

Seats and Restraints 61

If more than one child restraint needs to be
installed in the rear seat, be sure to read
Where to Put the Restraint 0 53.

1. Put the child restraint on the seat.
For outboard second row seating

positions, remove the seat belt from the
guide. Do not secure the child restraint
with the seat belt routed through the
guide.

When installing a rear-facing child
restraint, it may be necessary to move
the front seat forward to properly install
the child restraint per the child restraint
manufacturer instructions.

If the head restraint interferes with the
proper installation of the child restraint,
the head restraint may be removed. See
"Head Restraint Removal and
Reinstallation" under Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH System) 0 54.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap
and shoulder portions of the vehicle seat
belt through or around the restraint. The
child restraint instructions will show
you how.

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62 Seats and Restraints

3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until
it clicks.

Position the release button on the
buckle, away from the child restraint, so
that the seat belt could be quickly
unbuckled if necessary.

The push button used to release the
latch plate must be visible and not
obscured by the child restraint. There
must not be direct contact of the child
restraint to the push button.

4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of
the retractor to set the lock. When the
retractor lock is set, the belt can be
tightened but not pulled out of the
retractor.

5. To tighten the belt, push down on the
child restraint, pull the shoulder portion
of the belt to tighten the lap portion of
the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor. When installing a
forward-facing child restraint, it may be
helpful to use your knee to push down
on the child restraint as you tighten
the belt.

Try to pull the belt out of the retractor
to make sure the retractor is locked.
If the retractor is not locked, repeat
Steps 4 and 5.

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6. If the child restraint has a top tether,
follow the child restraint manufacturer's
instructions regarding the use of the top
tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children (LATCH System) 0 54.

7. Before placing a child in the child
restraint, make sure it is securely held in
place. To check, grasp the child restraint
at the seat belt path and attempt to
move it side to side and back and forth.
When the child restraint is properly
installed, there should be no more than

2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the
vehicle seat belt and let it return to the
stowed position. If the top tether is attached
to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.

If the head restraint was removed, reinstall
it before the seating position is used. See
"Head Restraint Removal and Reinstallation"
under Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) 0 54 for additional
information on installing the head restraint
properly.

Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Seat)

This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a
safer place to secure a forward-facing child
restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint
0 53.

In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system which is designed to turn off
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag (if equipped) under certain
conditions. See Passenger Sensing System

0 43 and
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator 0 79 for

more information, including important
safety information.

Never put a rear-facing child seat in the
front. This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great if the airbag
deploys.

{

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
inflates. This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would be very

Warning

(Continued)

Seats and Restraints 63

Warning (Continued)

close to the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag inflates
and the passenger seat is in a forward
position.

Even if the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
airbag(s), no system is fail-safe. No one
can guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual circumstance,
even though the airbag(s) are off.

Secure rear-facing child restraints in a
rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off.
If you secure a forward-facing child
restraint in the front outboard passenger
seat, always move the seat as far back as
it will go. It is better to secure the child
restraint in a rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing System 0 43 for
additional information.

If the child restraint uses a top tether, see

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) 0 54 for top tether anchor

locations.

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64 Seats and Restraints

Do not secure a child seat in a position
without a top tether anchor if a national or
local law requires that the top tether be
anchored, or if the instructions that come
with the child restraint say that the top
tether must be anchored.

In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have a top
tether, and that the tether be attached.

When using the lap-shoulder belt to secure
the child restraint in this position, follow the
instructions that came with the child
restraint and the following instructions:

1. Move the seat as far back as it will go
before securing the forward-facing child
restraint. Move the seat upward or the
seatback to an upright position,
if needed, to get a tight installation of
the child restraint.

The push button used to release the
latch plate must be visible and not
obscured by the child restraint. There
must not be direct contact of the child
restraint to the push button.

When the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag (if
equipped), the OFF indicator on the
passenger airbag status indicator should

light and stay lit when you start the
vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator 0 79.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap
and shoulder portions of the vehicle seat
belt through or around the restraint. The
child restraint instructions will show
you how.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until
it clicks.

Position the release button on the
buckle, away from the child restraint, so
that the seat belt could be quickly
unbuckled if necessary.

5. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of
the retractor to set the lock. When the
retractor lock is set, the belt can be
tightened but not pulled out of the
retractor.

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6. To tighten the belt, push down on the
child restraint, pull the shoulder portion
of the belt to tighten the lap portion of
the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor. When installing a
forward-facing child restraint, it may be
helpful to use your knee to push down
on the child restraint as you tighten
the belt.

Try to pull the belt out of the retractor
to make sure the retractor is locked.
If the retractor is not locked, repeat
Steps 5 and 6.

Seats and Restraints 65

7. Before placing a child in the child
restraint, make sure it is securely held in
place. To check, grasp the child restraint
at the seat belt path and attempt to
move it side to side and back and forth.
When the child restraint is properly
installed, there should be no more than

2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

If the airbag or airbags are off, the OFF
indicator in the passenger airbag status
indicator will come on and stay on when
the vehicle is started.

If a child restraint has been installed and
the ON indicator is lit, see “If the On
Indicator Is Lit for a Child Restraint” under
Passenger Sensing System 0 43.

To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the
vehicle seat belt and let it return to the
stowed position.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
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66 Storage

Storage

Storage Compartments

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Instrument Panel Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Underseat Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Cargo Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Roof Rack System

Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Storage Compartments

Warning

{

Do not store heavy or sharp objects in
storage compartments. In a crash, these
objects may cause the cover to open and
could result in injury.

Instrument Panel Storage

Pull the handle to open.

Pull up on the handle to open.

Glove Box

Lift up on the glove box lever to open it.

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Storage 67

Cupholders

If equipped, pull the rear seat armrest down
to access.

Underseat Storage

If equipped, there is storage under the front
passenger seat. Lift the end of the tray and
pull it forward to open. Push it in toward
the seat to close.

Center Console Storage

For vehicles with center console storage,
press the button and slide rearward to open.

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover

Warning

{

An unsecured cargo cover could strike
people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash. Store the cargo cover securely or
remove it from the vehicle.

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68 Storage

Warning

{

Do not place objects on the cargo cover.
Sudden stops or turns can cause objects
to be thrown in the vehicle. You or
others could be injured.

If equipped, use the cargo cover to cover
items in the rear of the vehicle.

To install, hang the loops on the liftgate
anchors.

Cargo Management System

This vehicle has a cargo management
system in the rear.

Convenience Net

Pull the strap to lift.

The vehicle may have a convenience net.

The net is used to store small loads and
should not be used for heavy loads.

Roof Rack System

The vehicle may be equipped with side-rails
for a roof rack system. Cargo must be
secured with properly installed cross rails
and other accessories designed to carry
cargo. These can be purchased from your
dealer.

Fold the load floor. Place the hook from the
load floor inside the hook on the side trim.

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Warning

{

Before driving and occasionally during a
trip, check that cargo is securely fastened,
rests evenly between the cross rails and
does not block the vehicle's lamps or
windows. Never load cargo directly on
the roof of the vehicle or allow cargo to
hang over the rear or sides of the vehicle.
Never load cargo without first properly
installing cross rails and other accessories
designed to carry cargo. Personal injury,
death or damage to the vehicle or other
property may occur.

weight designated in the instructions that
came with the cross rails or other roof rack
accessories, whichever is less.

Warning

{

Never load the roof rack with more
weight than specified in this section.
Loading cargo on the roof rack will make
the vehicle's center of gravity higher. To
avoid losing control of the vehicle, avoid
overloading, high speeds, sudden starts,
sharp turns, sudden braking, or abrupt
maneuvers when carrying cargo on the
roof rack.

Storage 69

If driving for a long distance, on rough
roads, or at high speeds, occasionally stop
the vehicle to make sure the cargo remains
in its place.

Cargo Weight Limits

Do not exceed the maximum cargo weight
for the roof rack system, including the
weight of the cross rails and any other
accessories used to carry the cargo such as
bike racks or roof boxes. The maximum
cargo weight that can be loaded onto the
roof rack system is 75 kg (165 lb) or the

The weight of any cargo carried on the roof
rack system must be included in calculating
the loaded weight of the vehicle. Do not
exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading the vehicle, including cargo carried
on the roof rack system and passengers
and cargo carried in the vehicle. For more
information on vehicle capacity and loading,
see Vehicle Load Limits 0 130.

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70 Instruments and Controls

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 77

Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 79

Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check

Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . 82

Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Immobilizer Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Information Displays

Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . 85

Vehicle Messages

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Vehicle Personalization

Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment

To adjust the steering wheel:

1. Pull the lever down.

2. Move the steering wheel up or down.

3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or
away from you.

4. Lift the lever up to lock the steering
wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving.

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Steering Wheel Controls

The infotainment system can be operated
by using the steering wheel controls. See
Steering Wheel Controls 0 99.

Horn

Press a on the steering wheel pad to
sound the horn.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The windshield wiper/washer lever is on the
right side of the steering column.

Move the lever to one of the following
positions:

HI : Use for fast wipes.

LO : Use for slow wipes.

INT : Use this setting for intermittent wipes

or Rainsense™, if equipped. For intermittent
wipes, move the windshield wiper lever to

INT. Turn the
frequent wipes or down for less frequent
wipes.

If equipped with Rainsense wipes, see
“Rainsense” later in this section.

OFF : Use to turn the wipers off.

1X : For a single wipe, briefly move the

wiper lever down. For several wipes, hold
the wiper lever down.

x INT band up for more

b : Pull the windshield wiper lever toward

you to spray windshield washer fluid and
activate the wipers. The wipers will continue
until the lever is released or the maximum
wash time is reached. When the windshield
wiper lever is released, additional wipes may
occur depending on how long the windshield

Instruments and Controls 71

washer had been activated. See Washer
Fluid 0 174 for information on filling the

windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Wipe Parking

If the ignition is turned off while the wipers
are on LO, HI, or INT, they will
immediately stop.

If the windshield wiper lever is then moved
to OFF before the driver door is opened or
within 10 minutes, the wipers will restart
and move to the base of the windshield.

If the ignition is turned off while the wipers
are performing wipes due to windshield
washing or Rainsense wipes, the wipers
continue to run until they reach the base of
the windshield.

Warning

{

In freezing weather, do not use the
washer until the windshield is warmed.
Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking your vision.

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72 Instruments and Controls

Warning

{

Before driving the vehicle, always clear
snow and ice from the hood, windshield,
washer nozzles, roof, and rear of the
vehicle, including all lamps and windows.
Reduced visibility from snow and ice
buildup could lead to a crash.

INT : When enabled, move the windshield
wiper lever to INT. Turn the
on the wiper lever to adjust the sensitivity.

x INT band

Rear Window Wiper/Washer

The rear wiper/washer controls are on the
end of the windshield wiper lever.

Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades
before using them. If frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced.
See Wiper Blade Replacement 0 178.

Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper
motor. A circuit breaker will stop the motor
until it cools down.

Rainsense™

If equipped with Rainsense, a sensor near
the top center of the windshield detects the
amount of water on the windshield and
controls the frequency of the windshield
wiper.

Keep the sensor free from debris to allow
for best system performance.

.

Turn the band up for more sensitivity to
moisture.

.

Turn the band down for less sensitivity to
moisture.

.

Move the windshield wiper lever out of
the INT position to deactivate Rainsense.

Wiper Arm Assembly Protection

When using an automatic car wash, move
the windshield wiper lever to OFF. This
disables the automatic Rainsense windshield
wipers and/or manual windshield wipers.

With Rainsense, if the transmission is in
N (Neutral) and the vehicle speed is very
slow, the wipers will automatically stop at
the base of the windshield.

The wiper operations return to normal when
the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral)
or the vehicle speed has increased.

ON : Press the upper portion of the button
for continuous rear window wipes.

OFF : The rear wiper turns off when the
button is returned to the middle position.

INT : Press the lower portion of the button
for rear intermittent wipes.

m= REAR : Push the windshield wiper lever

forward to spray washer fluid on the rear
window. The lever returns to its starting
position when released.

Rear Wiper Arm Assembly Protection

When using an automatic car wash, move
the rear wiper control to OFF to disable the
rear wiper. In some vehicles, if the
transmission is in N (Neutral) and the

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vehicle speed is very slow, the rear wiper
will automatically park under the rear
spoiler.

The wiper operations return to normal when
the transmission is no longer in N (Neutral)
or the vehicle speed has increased.

Reverse Gear Wipes

If the rear wiper control is off, the rear
wiper will automatically operate
continuously when the shift lever is in
R (Reverse), and the front windshield wiper
is performing low or high speed wipes.
If the rear wiper control is off, the shift
lever is in R (Reverse), and the front
windshield wiper is performing interval
wipes, then the rear wiper automatically
performs interval wipes.

This feature can be changed. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 88.

The windshield washer reservoir is used for
the windshield and the rear window. Check
the fluid level in the reservoir if either
washer is not working. See Washer Fluid
0 174.

Compass

The vehicle may have a compass display in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).

Setting the Compass Zone

Under certain circumstances, such as during
a long trip or moving to a new area, the
compass zone will need to be reset. If the
compass is not set to the correct zone, it
may give false readings. The compass zone
should be set to the area in which the
vehicle is currently traveling.

Use the DIC buttons to set the
compass zone:

1. While the vehicle is in P (Park), press the
MENU button to display the DIC menu.

2. Press and hold SET/CLR while the Set
Area display is active.

Instruments and Controls 73

3. Find the vehicle's current location and
zone number on the map. Zones 1
through 15 are available.

4. Use

w x to change to the correct zone

number.

5. Press SET/CLR to confirm the setting.

The compass system is designed to operate
for a certain number of miles or degrees of
turn before needing a signal from the GPS
satellites. When the compass display shows
CAL, drive the vehicle for a short distance in
an open area where it can receive a GPS
signal. The compass system will
automatically determine when a GPS signal
is restored and provide a heading again.

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74 Instruments and Controls

Clock

Set the time and date using the
infotainment system. See "Time / Date"
under Settings 0 112.

Power Outlets

Power Outlet 110/120-Volt Alternating
Current

If equipped, this power outlet is on the rear
of the center console. It can be used to plug
in electrical equipment that uses a
maximum limit of 150 watts.

An indicator light on the outlet turns on to
show it is in use. The light comes on when
the ignition is on and equipment requiring
less than 150 watts is plugged into the
outlet, and no system fault is detected.

The indicator light does not come on when
the ignition is off or if the equipment is not
fully seated into the outlet.

If equipment is connected using more than
150 watts or a system fault is detected, a
protection circuit shuts off the power supply
and the indicator light turns off. To reset
the circuit, unplug the item and plug it back
in or turn the Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) off and then back on. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0 138. The power
restarts when equipment using 150 watts or
less is plugged into the outlet and a system
fault is not detected.

The power outlet is not designed for and
may not work properly, if any of the
following are plugged in:

.

Equipment with high initial peak wattage,
such as compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools

.

Other equipment requiring an extremely
stable power supply, such as
microcomputer-controlled electric blankets
and touch sensor lamps

.

Medical equipment

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning lights and gauges can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes
serious enough to cause an expensive repair
or replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could prevent
injury.

Some warning lights come on briefly when
the engine is started to indicate they are
working. When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while driving,
or when one of the gauges shows there
may be a problem, check the section that
explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs
can be costly and even dangerous.

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Instrument Cluster

English Shown, Metric Similar

1. Tachometer 0 76

2. Fuel Gauge 0 76

3. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

0 77

4. Speedometer 0 76

5. Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 85

Instruments and Controls 75

Cluster Menu

There is an interactive display area in the
center of the instrument cluster.

Use the controls to open and scroll through
the different items and displays.

1. SET/CLR : Press to set or clear the menu
item when it is displayed.

2.

\ : Turn the band to scroll through the

menu items.

3. MENU: Press to access the cluster
applications. This button is also used to
return to or exit the last screen
displayed on the DIC.

Press MENU to access the cluster
applications. Use
list of available applications. Not all

applications will be available on all vehicles.

.

Info app. This is where you can view the
selected Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) 0 85.

\ to scroll through the

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76 Instruments and Controls

.

Navigation

.

Options

Navigation

Press SET/CLR to select the Navigation app.
Use

\ to highlight available options.

If there is no active route, you can resume
the last route and turn the voice prompts
on/off. If there is an active route, press
SET/CLR to cancel route guidance or turn the
voice prompts on/off.

Options

Press SET/CLR to select the Options app. Use

\ to scroll through the items in the

Options menu.

Unit : Press SET/CLR while Unit is displayed
to enter the Units menu. Choose U.S. or
metric units by pressing SET/CLR while the
desired item is highlighted.

Info Pages : Press SET/CLR while Info Pages
is displayed to enter the Info Pages menu.
Press SET/CLR to edit the list of info apps
displayed. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) 0 85.

Speedometer

The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in
kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per
hour (mph).

Odometer

The odometer shows how far the vehicle has
been driven, in either kilometers or miles.

Trip Odometer

The trip odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven since the trip
odometer was last reset.

The trip odometer is accessed and reset
through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 85.

Tachometer

The tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).

When the engine is on, the tachometer will
indicate the engine’s revolutions per minute
(rpm). The tachometer may vary by several
hundred rpm’s, during Auto Stop mode,
when the engine is shutting off and
restarting.

Caution

If the engine is operated with the rpm in
the warning area at the high end of the
tachometer, the vehicle could be
damaged, and the damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
operate the engine with the rpm in the
warning area.

Fuel Gauge

Metric

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English

full, but it actually took a little more or
less than half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.

.

The gauge moves a little while turning a
corner or speeding up.

.

The gauge takes a few seconds to
stabilize after the ignition is turned on,
and goes back to empty when the
ignition is turned off.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

Instruments and Controls 77

English

When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge
indicates about how much fuel is left in
the tank.

There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel
door is on.

When the indicator nears empty, the low
fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel
left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.

Here are three things that some owners ask
about. None of these show a problem with
the fuel gauge:

.

It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up
than the gauge indicated. For example,
the gauge indicated the tank was half

Metric

This gauge shows the engine coolant
temperature.

If the pointer moves toward the warning
area at the high end of the gauge, the
engine is too hot.

This reading indicates the same thing as the
warning light. It means that the engine
coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has
been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as
possible. See Engine Overheating 0 173.

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78 Instruments and Controls

Seat Belt Reminders

Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light

There is a driver seat belt reminder light on
the instrument cluster.

When the vehicle is started, this light
flashes and a chime may come on to remind
in front of passenger to fasten the seat belt.
Then the light stays on solid until the belt is
buckled. This cycle may continue several

When the vehicle is started, this light
flashes and a chime may come on to remind
the driver to fasten the seat belt. Then the
light stays on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several times if the
driver remains or becomes unbuckled while
the vehicle is moving.

If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light comes on.

Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder
Light

The vehicle may have a front passenger seat
belt reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator.

times if the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.

If the passenger seat belt is buckled, neither
the chime nor the light comes on.

The front passenger seat belt reminder light
and chime may turn on if an object is put
on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic
device. To turn off the reminder light and/or
chime, remove the object from the seat or
buckle the seat belt.

Airbag Readiness Light

This light shows if there is an electrical
problem with the airbag system. It is
located in the instrument cluster. The
system check includes the airbag sensor(s),
the passenger sensing system, the

pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the airbag
system, see Airbag System 0 38.

The airbag readiness light comes on for
several seconds when the vehicle is started.
If the light does not come on then, have it
fixed immediately.

Warning

{

If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes on
while driving, it means the airbag system
might not be working properly. The
airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury,
have the vehicle serviced right away.

If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.

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Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System 0 43 for
important safety information. The
instrument panel has a passenger airbag
status indicator.

United States

Canada

When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
or the symbol for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several seconds, the status indicator will
light either ON or OFF, or the on or off

symbol to let you know the status of the
front outboard passenger frontal airbag and
knee airbag (if equipped).

If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag (if equipped)
are allowed to inflate.

If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing system
has turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and passenger knee airbag (if
equipped).

If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, there may be a problem with
the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.

{

If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right

Warning

(Continued)

Instruments and Controls 79

Warning (Continued)

away. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 78
for more information, including important
safety information.

Charging System Light

The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.

If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.

When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message.

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80 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 in Service Mode. See Ignition
Positions 0 134.

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.

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.

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 0 162.

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.

Caution

Caution

To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle
speed and avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades.

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 0 157. 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.

.

Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor drivability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel

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.

brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel 0 157.

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 light does not come on when the
ignition is in Service Mode.

.

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

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
0 159. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.

The vehicle may not pass inspection if:

.

The light is on when the engine is
running.

Metric English

This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.

Instruments and Controls 81

When the vehicle is on, the brake system
warning light also comes on when the
parking brake is set. The light stays on if
the parking brake does not fully release. If it
stays on after the parking brake is fully
released, there is a brake problem. Have the
brake system inspected right away.

If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. 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 Towing
the Vehicle 0 214.

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
been pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed for
service.

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82 Instruments and Controls

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

See Brake System Warning Light 0 81.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light

This warning light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If the light
does not come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.

If the light comes on while driving, safely
stop as soon as it is possible and turn off
the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again
to reset the system.

If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when the
light stays on.

If the ABS warning light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is
not functioning.

If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.

This light is green if LDW is on and ready to
operate.

This light changes to amber and flashes to
indicate that the lane marking has been
crossed without using a turn signal in that
direction.

See Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 0 155.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator

If equipped, this indicator will display green
when a vehicle is detected ahead.

See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 152.

Traction Off Light

This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system is
working normally, the indicator light then
turns off.

The traction off light comes on when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has been
turned off. If StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is turned off, TCS is also
turned off. To turn TCS and ESC off and on,
see Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0 145.

If TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited unless
necessary to help protect the driveline from
damage. Adjust driving accordingly.

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Instruments and Controls 83

StabiliTrak OFF Light

Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light

This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on. If the light does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light then turns off.

This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the
Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. To
turn ESC off and on, see Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0 145.

If ESC and TCS are off, the systems do not
assist in controlling the vehicle. Adjust
driving accordingly.

This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on.

If the light 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 is on and not flashing, the TCS
and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system
are not fully operational and may not assist
in maintaining control. Adjust driving
accordingly. If the condition persists, see
your dealer as soon as possible. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message may
display.

The light flashes when the TCS and/or the
StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.

See Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0 145.

Tire Pressure Light

For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the vehicle is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.

When the Light Is On Steady

This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.

A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display. Stop as
soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure
0 196.

When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady

If the light flashes for about a minute and
then stays on, there may be a problem with
the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected,

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84 Instruments and Controls

the light will come on at every ignition
cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 198.

Engine Oil Pressure Light

Caution

Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. Driving with the
engine oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil
level as soon as possible. Add oil if
required, but if the oil level is within the
operating range and the oil pressure is
still low, have the vehicle serviced.
Always follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.

This 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 light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not flowing through the engine
properly. The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem. See 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.

Immobilizer Light

The immobilizer 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
immobilizer system. See Immobilizer
Operation 0 18.

High-Beam On Light

This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.

See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
0 91.

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Lamps On Reminder

This light comes on when the exterior lamps
are in use, except when only the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) are active. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 0 91.

Cruise Control Light

Door Ajar Light

This light comes on when a door is open or
not securely latched. Before driving, check
that all doors are properly closed.

Information Displays

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays
information about the vehicle. It also
displays warning messages if a system
problem is detected. See Vehicle Messages

0 87. All messages appear in the DIC display
The cruise control light is white when the
cruise control is on and ready, and turns
green when the cruise control is set and
active.

See Cruise Control 0 147.

in the center of the instrument cluster.

The vehicle may also have features that can

be customized through the controls on the

radio. See Vehicle Personalization 0 88.

DIC Operation and Displays

The DIC has different displays which can be

accessed by using the DIC buttons on the

turn signal lever. The DIC displays trip, fuel,

Instruments and Controls 85

and vehicle system information, and
warning messages if a system problem is
detected.

The bottom of the DIC display shows the
position of the shift lever and the odometer.
It may also show the direction the vehicle is
driving.

In cold weather the DIC display may change
slowly. This is normal and will move more
quickly as the vehicle's interior temperature
rises.

Use the controls to open and scroll through
the different items and displays.

SET/CLR : Press to set or clear the menu
item displayed.

\ : Turn the band to scroll through the

items in each menu.

MENU : Press to display the Trip/Fuel Menu
and the Vehicle Information Menu. This
button is also used to return to or exit the
last screen displayed on the DIC.

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86 Instruments and Controls

.

DIC Info Page Options

The info pages on the DIC can be turned on
or off through the Options app.

1. Press MENU to access the cluster
applications.

2. Use

\ to scroll to the Options menu

and press SET/CLR.

\ to choose the Info pages. Press

3. Use
SET/CLR to select.

4. Select Edit List.

5. Use

\ to move through the list of

possible information displays.

6. Press SET/CLR while an item is
highlighted to select or deselect that
item. When an item is selected, a
checkmark will appear next to it.

7. To exit, scroll to Exit and select.

DIC Menu Items

Press MENU on the turn signal lever until
the Info menu is displayed. Use
through the menu items. Not all items are

available on every vehicle.

.

Digital Speedometer

.

Trip A or B, Average Fuel Economy

.

Fuel Range

\ scroll

Oil Life

.

Tire Pressure

.

Fuel Economy

Digital Speedometer

The speedometer shows how fast the
vehicle is moving in either kilometers per
hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). The
speedometer cannot be reset.

Trip A or Trip B, Average Fuel Economy

Displays the current distance traveled, in
either kilometers (km) or miles (mi), from
the last reset for the trip odometer. The trip
odometer can be reset to zero by pressing
and holding the reset stem in the cluster
while the trip odometer display is showing.

Also displays the approximate average liters
per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per
gallon (mpg). This number is based on the
number of L/100 km (mpg) recorded since
the last time this menu item was reset. This
number reflects only the approximate
average fuel economy that the vehicle has
right now, and will change as driving
conditions change. The average fuel
economy can be reset by pressing SET/CLR
while the Average Fuel Economy display is
showing.

Fuel Range

This display shows the approximate distance
the vehicle can be driven without refueling.
The fuel range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle’s fuel economy over
recent driving history and the amount of
fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Fuel range
cannot be reset.

Oil Life

This display shows an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. If OIL LIFE 99%
REMAINING is displayed, that means 99% of
the current oil life remains.

When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 166. In addition to the Engine Oil Life
System monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 226 for more
information.

Remember, the Oil Life display must be
reset after each oil change. It will not reset
itself. Also, be careful not to reset the Oil
Life display accidentally at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed.

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It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, see Engine Oil Life
System 0 168.

Tire Pressure

The display will show a vehicle with the
approximate pressures of all four tires. Tire
pressure is displayed in either
kilopascal (kPa) or pounds per square
inch (psi). See Tire Pressure Monitor System

0 197 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0 198 for

more information.

Fuel Economy

The center displays the approximate
instantaneous fuel economy as a number
and bar graph. Displayed above the bar
graph is a running average of fuel economy
for the most recently travelled selected
distance. Displayed below the bar graph is
the best average fuel economy that has
been achieved for the selected distance. The
selected distance is displayed at the top of
the page as “last xxx mi/km”.

Press SET/CLR to select the distance or reset
best value.

Hold SET/CLR to reset the best average fuel
economy. After reset, the best value
displays until the selected distance has been

travelled. The display provides information
on how current driving behavior affects the
running average and how well recent driving
compares to the best that has been
achieved for the selected distance.

Compass

The vehicle has a compass display in the
DIC. See Compass 0 73 for more
information.

Vehicle Messages

Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another.

The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing SET/CLR. The messages
that require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is performed.

All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.

If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.

Instruments and Controls 87

Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:

.

Service Messages

.

Fluid Levels

.

Vehicle Security

.

Brakes

.

Ride Control Systems

.

Driver Assistance Systems

.

Cruise Control

.

Lighting and Bulb Replacement

.

Wiper/Washer Systems

.

Doors and Windows

.

Seat Belts

.

Airbag Systems

.

Engine and Transmission

.

Tire Pressure

.

Battery

Engine Power Messages

ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED

This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in

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88 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.

Vehicle Personalization

The following are all possible vehicle
personalization features. Depending on the
vehicle, some may not be available.

For System and Apps features and functions,
see Settings 0 112.

To access the vehicle personalization menu:

1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home
Page on the infotainment display.

2. Touch the desired category to display a
list of available options.

3. Touch to select the desired feature
setting.

4. Touch

5. Touch

The menu may contain the following:

9 or R to turn off or on a feature.

z to go to the top level of the

SETTINGS menu.

Rear Seat Reminder

This allows for a chime and a message when
the rear door has been opened before or
during operation of the vehicle.

Touch Off or On.

Collision / Detection Systems

Touch and the following may display:

.

Park Assist

.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

.

Side Blind Zone Alert

Park Assist

This allows the feature to be turned on or
off. See Park Assist 0 151.

Touch Off or On.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

This allows the feature to be turned on or
off. See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) 0 150.

Touch Off or On.

Side Blind Zone Alert

This allows the feature to be turned on or
off. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) 0 154.

Touch Off or On.

Comfort and Convenience

Touch and the following may display:

.

Chime Volume

.

Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear

Chime Volume

This setting determines the chime volume
level.

Touch the controls to adjust the volume.

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Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear

When on and the front wiper is on, the rear
wiper will automatically activate when the
vehicle is shifted to R (Reverse).

Touch Off or On.

Lighting

Touch and the following may display:

.

Vehicle Locator Lights

.

Exit Lighting

Vehicle Locator Lights

This feature will flash the exterior lamps and
allows some of the exterior lamps and most
of the interior lamps to turn on briefly

when

K on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

transmitter is pressed to locate the vehicle.

Touch Off or On.

Exit Lighting

This allows the selection of how long the
exterior lamps stay on when leaving the
vehicle when it is dark outside.

Touch Off, 30 Seconds, 60 Seconds,
or 120 Seconds.

Power Door Locks

Touch and the following may display:

.

Open Door Anti Lockout

.

Auto Door Unlock

.

Delayed Door Lock

Open Door Anti Lock Out

When on, this feature will keep the driver
door from locking when the door is open.
If Off is selected, the Delayed Door Lock
menu will be available.

Touch Off or On.

Auto Door Unlock

This allows selection of which of the doors
will automatically unlock when the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park).

Touch Off, All Doors, or Driver Door.

Delayed Door Lock

When on, this feature will delay the locking
of the doors. To override the delay, press
the power door lock switch on the door.

Touch Off or On.

Remote Lock, Unlock, and Start

Touch and the following may display:

.

Remote Unlock Light Feedback

Instruments and Controls 89

.

Remote Lock Feedback

.

Remote Door Unlock

.

Passive Door Unlock

.

Passive Door Lock

.

Remote Left in Vehicle Alert

Remote Unlock Light Feedback

This setting flashes the exterior lamps when
you remotely unlock the vehicle.

Touch Off or Flash Lights.

Remote Lock Feedback

This setting specifies how the vehicle
responds when you remotely lock the
vehicle.

Touch Off, Lights and Horn, Lights Only,
or Horn Only.

Remote Door Unlock

This setting specifies whether all doors,
or just the driver door, unlock when pressing

K on the RKE transmitter.

Touch All Doors or Driver Door.

Passive Door Unlock

This setting specifies which doors unlock
when using the button on the driver door
handle to unlock the vehicle.

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90 Instruments and Controls

Touch All Doors or Driver Door Only.

Passive Door Lock

This setting specifies whether the vehicle
will automatically lock, or lock and alert you
after all the doors are closed, and you walk
away from the vehicle with the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 0 7.

Touch Off, On with Horn Chirp, or On.

Remote Left in Vehicle Alert

This feature sounds an alert when the RKE
transmitter is left in the vehicle. This menu
also enables Remote No Longer in Vehicle
Alert.

Touch Off or On.

Teen Driver

See Teen Driver 0 115.

Valet Mode

This will lock the infotainment system and
steering wheel controls. It may also limit
access to vehicle storage locations,
if equipped.

To enable valet mode:

1. Enter a four-digit code on the keypad.

2. Select Enter to go to the confirmation
screen.

3. Re-enter the four-digit code.

Touch Lock or Unlock to lock or unlock the
system. Touch Back to go back to the
previous menu.

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Lighting 91

Lighting

Exterior Lighting

Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer . . . . . 91

Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 92

Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . 93

Exterior Lighting

Exterior Lamp Controls

Interior Lighting

Instrument Panel Illumination

Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Lighting Features

Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Battery Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Battery Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 96

The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering
column.

There are four positions:

O : Turns the exterior lamps off and

deactivates the AUTO mode. Turn
to reactivate the AUTO mode.

In Canada, the headlamps will automatically
reactivate when the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park).

AUTO : Turns the exterior lamps on and off
automatically depending on outside lighting.

; : Turns on the parking lamps including

all lamps, except the headlamps.

O again

5 : Turns on the headlamps together with

the parking lamps and instrument panel
lights. A warning chime sounds if the driver
door is opened when the ignition is off and
the headlamps are on.

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer

3 : Push the turn signal lever away from

you and release, to turn the high beams on.

To return to low beams, push the lever
again or pull it toward you and release.

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92 Lighting

This indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster when the high-beam
headlamps are on.

Flash-to-Pass

To flash the high beams, pull the turn signal
lever all the way toward you. Then
release it.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

Daytime Running Lamps 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.

A light sensor on top of the instrument
panel makes the DRL work, so be sure it is
not covered.

The DRL system makes the low-beam
headlamps come on at a reduced brightness
when the following conditions are met:

.

The ignition is on.

.

The exterior lamp control is in AUTO.

.

The engine is running.

When the DRL are on, the taillamps,
sidemarker, instrument panel, and other
lamps will not be on.

The headlamps automatically change from
DRL to the regular headlamps depending on
the darkness of the surroundings. The other
lamps that come on with the headlamps will
also come on.

When it is bright enough outside, the
headlamps go off and the DRL come on.

The DRL turn off when the headlamps are
turned to

vehicles first sold in Canada, this control
only works when the vehicle is parked.

O or the ignition is off. For

Automatic Headlamp System

When it is dark enough outside and the
exterior lamp control is in the automatic
position, the headlamps come on
automatically. See Exterior Lamp Controls
0 91.

The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Make sure it is not
covered, or the headlamps will be on when
they are not needed.

The system may also turn on the headlamps
when driving through a parking garage or
tunnel.

If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system comes on
immediately. If it is light outside when the
vehicle leaves the garage, there is a slight
delay before the automatic headlamp
system changes to the DRL. During that
delay, the instrument cluster may not be as
bright as usual. Make sure the instrument

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panel brightness control is in the full bright
position. See Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0 93.

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
disable this feature.

P or ; to

| : Press and momentarily hold to make

the front and rear turn signal lamps flash on
and off. This warns others that you are
having trouble. Press and momentarily hold
again to turn the flashers off.

Turn and Lane-Change Signals

Lighting 93

If after signaling a turn or lane change the
arrow flashes rapidly or does not come on, a
signal bulb may be burned out. Replace any
burned out bulbs. If a bulb is not burned
out, check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit
Breakers 0 185.

Interior Lighting

Instrument Panel Illumination Control

Hazard Warning Flashers

Move the lever all the way up or down to
signal a turn.

An arrow on the instrument cluster will
flash in the direction of the turn or lane
change.

Raise or lower the lever until the arrow
starts to flash to signal a lane change. The
turn signal flashes three times.

The lever returns to its starting position
when it is released.

This feature adjusts the brightness of all
illuminated controls. The instrument panel
illumination control is next to the exterior
lamp control.

Push the knob in all the way until it extends
out and then turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to brighten or dim the
lights. Push the knob back in when finished.

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94 Lighting

The knob is functional at night, or when
headlamps or the parking lamps are ON.

Courtesy Lamps

The courtesy lamps come on when any door
is opened,
(RKE) transmitter is pressed, or when the

ignition is switched off. See Dome Lamps
0 94.

K on the Remote Keyless Entry

Dome Lamps

Front and Rear Dome Lamps

The front dome lamp controls are in the
overhead console.

( : Press to turn the lamps off, even when

any door is opened,
transmitter is pressed, or when the ignition
is switched off.

K on the RKE

H : When the button is returned to the

middle position, the lamps turn on
automatically when any door is opened,
on the RKE transmitter is pressed, or when

the ignition is switched off.

K

' : Press to turn on the dome lamps.

The rear dome lamp controls are in the
headliner above the rear seats.

9 : Press to turn the lamps off, even when

any door is opened,
transmitter is pressed, or when the ignition
is switched off.

K on the RKE

H : When the button is returned to the

middle position, the lamps turn on
automatically when any door is opened,
on the RKE transmitter is pressed, or when

the ignition is switched off.

K

R : Press to turn on the dome lamps.

Reading Lamps

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The front reading lamps are in the overhead
console. These lamps come on when any

door is opened,
pressed, or when the ignition is
switched off.

To operate, the ignition must be on, in ACC/
ACCESSORY, or using Retained Accessory
Power (RAP).

K on the remote key is

# or $ : Press to turn each lamp on

or off.

Lighting Features

Entry Lighting

The interior lamps turn on when pressing K
on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter or opening any doors, and the
dome lamp control is in the DOOR position.

Some exterior lamps also turn on when
pressing

K on the RKE transmitter or

opening any doors. Low-Beam lamps will
only turn on briefly at night, or in areas
with limited lighting.

All lamps will gradually fade out after about
30 seconds.

Entry lighting can be disabled manually by
closing all doors, pressing
transmitter, or starting the vehicle.

This feature can be changed. See “Vehicle
Locator Lights” under Vehicle Personalization
0 88.

Q on the RKE

Exit Lighting

Some exterior lamps and interior lamps turn
on when the key is removed from the
ignition.

The exterior and interior lamps remain on
for a set amount of time, then automatically
turn off. If equipped with Keyless Access,
the exterior lamps automatically turn on
when the driver door is opened after the
ignition is turned off.

The interior lights turn on when the ignition
is turned off.

The exterior lamps turn off immediately by
turning the exterior lamp control off.

This feature can be changed. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 88.

Lighting 95

Battery Load Management

The vehicle has Electric Power Management
(EPM) that estimates the battery's
temperature and state of charge. It then
adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.

When the battery's state of charge is low,
the voltage is raised slightly to quickly bring
the charge back up. When the state of
charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the
vehicle has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or
down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.

The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for
all vehicles. This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the power
needed for very high electrical loads.

A high electrical load occurs when several of
the following are on, such as: headlamps,
high beams, fog lamps, rear window
defogger, climate control fan at high speed,

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96 Lighting

heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory
power outlets.

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.

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 ignition 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
and then back to the

To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the ignition must be on or in
ACC/ACCESSORY.

; or 2 position.

O position

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Infotainment System

Introduction

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Radio

AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Multi-Band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Audio Players

Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . 103

USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Phone

Bluetooth (Overview) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Bluetooth (Pairing and Using the

Phone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . 111

Settings

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Trademarks and License Agreements

Trademarks and License Agreements . . . 117

Infotainment System 97

Introduction

Read the following pages to become familiar
with the features.

Warning

{

Taking your eyes off the road for too
long or too often while using any
infotainment feature can cause a crash.
You or others could be injured or killed.
Do not give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving. Limit
your glances at the vehicle displays and
focus your attention on driving. Use voice
commands whenever possible.

The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid distraction
by disabling some features when driving.
These features may gray out when they are
unavailable. Many infotainment features are
also available through the instrument cluster
and steering wheel controls.

Before driving:

.

Become familiar with the operation,
center stack controls, steering wheel
controls, and infotainment display.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

98 Infotainment System

.

Set up the audio by presetting favorite
stations, setting the tone, and adjusting
the speakers.

.

Set up phone numbers in advance so they
can be called easily by pressing a single
control or by using a single voice
command.

See Distracted Driving 0 124.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

If equipped, ANC reduces engine noise in the
vehicle’s interior. ANC requires the
factory-installed audio system, radio,
speakers, amplifier (if equipped), induction
system, and exhaust system to work
properly. Deactivation is required by your
dealer if related aftermarket equipment is
installed.

Overview

Customer Assistance

Assistance is available to help with
Bluetooth pairing, other mobile device
interface, and operation support of the
infotainment system. See Customer
Assistance Offices 0 242.

Infotainment System

The infotainment system is controlled by using the infotainment display, the controls on the
center stack, and the steering wheel controls.

1. {

.

Press to go to the Home Page. See
“Home Page” following.

.

Press to exit Android Auto or Apple
CarPlay. To enter back into Android
Auto or Apple CarPlay, press and
hold. See Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto 0 111.

2.

g

.

Radio: Press and release to go to the
previous station or channel. Press and
hold to fast seek the previous
strongest station.

.

USB/Music: Press to go to the
previous content. Press and hold to
fast rewind.

3.

O

.

When off, press O to turn the
system on. Press and hold to turn off.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15498924) -
2022 - CRC - 5/27/21

.

When on, press O to mute the
system and display a status pane.
Press

O again to unmute the system.

.

Turn to decrease or increase the
volume.

d

4.

.

Radio: Press and release to go to the
next strongest station or channel.
Press and hold to fast seek the next
strongest station.

.

USB/Music: Press to go to the next
content. Press and hold to fast
forward.

5.

5

.

Press and release to access the phone
screen, answer an incoming call,
or access the device home screen.

Home Page

The Home Page is where application icons
are accessed. Some features are disabled
when the vehicle is moving.

Slide a finger left/right across the screen to
access the pages of icons.

Managing Home Page Icons

1. Touch and hold any of the Home Page
icons to edit that icon.

2. Drag the icon to a new location on the
Home Page.

Steering Wheel Controls

If equipped, some audio controls can be
adjusted at the steering wheel.

b / g : For vehicles with Bluetooth or

OnStar, press to interact with those systems.

$ / i : Press to decline an incoming call,

to end speech recognition, or to end a
current call. Press to silence the vehicle
speakers while using the infotainment
system. Press again to turn the sound on.

Infotainment System 99

For vehicles with Bluetooth systems, press
to reject an incoming call or end a
current call.

_ SRC ^ : Press to select an audio source.

Toggle up or down to select the next or
previous favorite radio station, MP3 track,
USB file, iPod/iPhone song, or Bluetooth
music.

Toggle and hold up or down to fast forward
or reverse the radio stations, MP3 tracks,
USB files, iPod/iPhone songs, or Bluetooth
music.

+

x − : Press + or − to increase or decrease

the volume.

Using the System

Infotainment Display Icons

Infotainment display icons show on the
screen when available. When a function is
unavailable, the icon may gray out. When a
function is selected, the icon may highlight.

Audio

Touch the Audio icon to display the active
audio source page. Examples of available
sources are AM, FM, SXM, MyMedia, USB,
and AUX.