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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.
If the vehicle is equipped with front fog lamps, the button is on the outboard side of the instrument panel. The ignition must be on to turn on the fog lamps.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (5,1)
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
Courtesy Lamps The courtesy lamps come on automatically when any door is opened and the dome lamp is in the door position.
Dome Lamps
Front and Rear Dome Lamps
Lighting
6-5
H (Door): When the button is returned to the middle position, the lamps turn on automatically when a door is opened. ' (On): Press to turn on the dome lamps.
This feature controls the brightness of the instrument panel controls and infotainment display screen. The thumbwheel is to the left of the steering column on the instrument panel. D (Instrument Panel Brightness): Move the thumbwheel up or down and hold, to brighten or dim the instrument panel controls and infotainment display screen.
The rear dome lamp controls are in the headliner above the rear seats. 9 (Dome Lamp Override): Press to turn the lamps off, even when a door is open.
The front dome lamp controls are in the overhead console. ( (Dome Lamp Override): Press to turn the lamps off, even when a door is open.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Black plate (6,1)
6-6
Lighting
H (Door): When the button is returned to the middle position, the lamps turn on automatically when a door is opened. R (On): Press to turn on the dome lamps.
Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps are in the overhead console. # or $ (Reading Lamps): Press to turn each lamp on or off.
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting The headlamps, parking lamps, taillamps, back-up lamps, and most of the interior lamps turn on briefly at night or in areas of limited lighting when K is pressed on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. After about 30 seconds the exterior lamps turn off, and then the dome and remaining interior lamps will dim to off. Entry lighting can be disabled manually by changing the ignition out of the OFF position, or by pressing the RKE transmitter Q button. This feature can be changed. See “Vehicle Locator Lights” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5-29.
Exit Lighting The headlamps, taillamps, parking lamps, back‐up lamps, and license plate lamps come on at night, or in
areas with limited lighting, when the key is removed from the ignition. The dome lamps also come on when the key is removed from the ignition. The exterior lamps and dome lamps remain on after the door is closed for a set amount of time, then automatically turn off. The exterior lamps turn off immediately by turning the exterior lamps control off. The exit lighting feature can be changed. See Vehicle Personalization on page 5-29.
Battery Power Protection The battery saver feature is designed to protect the vehicle's battery. If some interior lamps are left on and the ignition is turned off, the battery rundown protection system automatically turns the lamp off after some time.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Black plate (1,1)
Infotainment System 7-1
Infotainment System
Introduction
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction
Infotainment See the infotainment manual for information on the radio, audio players, phone, navigation system, and voice or speech recognition. It also includes information on settings.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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7-2
Infotainment System
2 NOTES
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Controls
8-1
The heating, cooling, defrosting, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Maintenance
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
1. Temperature Control 2. Air Delivery Modes 3. Fan Control 4. Recirculation 5. Air Conditioning 6. Rear Window Defogger 7. Defrost
9 (Fan Control): Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed. Turn the knob completely to 0 to turn off the fan and air conditioning compressor.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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8-2
Climate Controls
Temperature Control: Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the temperature setting. Air Delivery Mode Control: Press [, Y , or X to change the direction of the airflow. Air delivery mode settings can be combined. An indicator light comes on in the selected mode button. [ (Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets. Y (Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets. X (Defog): Air is directed to the windshield and side window vents. 0 (Defrost): Press to clear the windshield of fog or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield. For best results, clear all snow and ice from the windshield before defrosting. Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Air Conditioning # (Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning on or off. An indicator light comes on. If the fan is turned off or the outside temperature falls below freezing, the air conditioning compressor will not work. h (Recirculation): Press to turn on the recirculation. An indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated inside the vehicle. It helps to quickly cool the air inside the vehicle or prevent outside air and odors from entering. To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the vehicle faster, recirculation may be automatically selected in warm weather when the temperature is set to the coldest setting. The recirculation light will not come on. Press h to select recirculation; press it again to select outside air.
Rear Window Defogger 1 (Rear Defogger): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. The rear window defogger turns off after about 10 minutes. It can also be turned off by turning the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/ OFF. If turned on again it runs for about five minutes before turning off. Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
{ Caution
Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Black plate (3,1)
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
English Shown, Metric Similar
1. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
2. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
3. Air Delivery Modes 4. Heated Steering Wheel (If
Equipped)
5. Recirculation
6. Air Conditioning 7. Fan Controls 8. Rear Window Defogger 9. Defrost 10. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
Climate Controls
8-3
Automatic Operation The system automatically controls the fan speed, air delivery, air conditioning, and recirculation in order to heat or cool the vehicle to the desired temperature. When the AUTO indicator light is on, the system is in full automatic operation. If the air delivery mode or fan setting is manually adjusted, the auto indicator turns off and displays will show the selected settings. To place the system in automatic mode do the following: 1. Press AUTO. 2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Then adjust the temperature as needed for best comfort. To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the vehicle faster, recirculation may be automatically selected in warm weather. The recirculation light
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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8-4
Climate Controls
will not come on. Press h to select recirculation; press it again to select outside air.
English units can be changed to metric units through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Vehicle Personalization on page 5-29.
Manual Operation 9 (Fan Control): Press the lower 9 button to decrease the fan speed. Pressing the lower button longer turns the fan and cooling off. Press the upper 9 button to increase the fan speed. The selected fan speed is indicated by a number on the display screen. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation. Air Delivery Modes: Press [, Y, or X to change the direction of the airflow. Air delivery mode settings can be combined. An indicator light comes on in the selected mode button.
Changing the mode cancels the automatic operation and the system goes into manual mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation. [ (Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets. Y (Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets. X (Defog): Air is directed to the windshield and side window vents. 0 (Defrost): Press to clear the windshield of fog or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield. For best results, clear all snow and ice from the windshield before defrosting. # (Air Conditioning): Press to turn the automatic air conditioning on or off. If the fan is turned off or the outside temperature falls below freezing, the air conditioning compressor will not run.
Press AUTO to return to automatic operation and the air conditioner runs as needed. When the indicator light is on, the air conditioner runs automatically to cool the air inside the vehicle or to dry the air needed to defog the windshield faster. h (Recirculation): Press to turn on recirculation. An indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle or prevent outside air and odors from entering. Auto Defog: The climate control system may have a sensor to automatically detect high humidity inside the vehicle. When high humidity is detected, the climate control system may adjust to outside air supply and turn on the air conditioner. If the climate control system does not detect possible window fogging, it returns to normal operation. To turn Auto Defog off or on, see "Climate and Air Quality" under Vehicle Personalization on page 5-29.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Black plate (5,1)
Rear Window Defogger = (Rear Window Defogger): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. The rear window defogger turns off automatically after about 10 minutes. If turned on again it runs for about five minutes before turning off. The rear window defogger can be set to automatic operation; see “Climate and Air Quality” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5-29. When auto rear defog is selected, the rear window defogger turns on automatically when the interior temperature is cold and the outside temperature is about 4°C (40°F) and below. The auto rear defogger turns off automatically after about 10 minutes. At higher speeds, the rear window defogger may stay on continuously.
For vehicles with heated outside rearview mirrors, they turn on when the rear window defogger button is on and help to clear fog or frost from the surface of the mirrors. See Heated Mirrors on page 2-13.
{ Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other material from the inside of the front windshield and rear window with a razor blade or anything else that is sharp. This may damage the rear window defogger grid and affect the radio's ability to pick up stations clearly. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
M or L (Heated Seats, If Equipped): Press to turn the heated seats on or off. See Heated Front Seats on page 3-8.
Climate Controls
8-5
( (Heated Steering Wheel, If Equipped): Press to turn the heated steering wheel on or off. See Heated Steering Wheel on page 5-2. Remote Start Climate Control Operation: For vehicles with the remote vehicle start feature, the climate control system may run when the vehicle is started remotely. The system uses the driver’s previous settings to heat or cool the inside of the vehicle. The rear defog may come on during remote start based on cold ambient conditions. The rear defog indicator light does not come on during a remote start. If the vehicle has front heated seats, they may come on during a remote start. The heated seat indicator lights do not come on during a remote start. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 2-5 and Heated Front Seats on page 3-8.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Black plate (6,1)
8-6
Climate Controls
Sensors The solar sensor, located on top of the instrument panel near the windshield, monitors the solar heat. The climate control system uses the sensor information to adjust the temperature, fan speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode for best comfort. If the sensor is covered, the automatic climate control system may not work properly.
Air Vents Use the louvers located on the air vents to change the direction of the airflow. Use the thumbwheels near the air vents to control the amount of airflow or to shut off the airflow.
Operation Tips . Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system performance.
. Keep the paths under all seats clear of objects to help circulate the air inside the vehicle more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors can adversely affect the performance of the system.
Maintenance
Air Intake Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air intake at the base of the windshield that can block the flow of air into the vehicle.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter The filter removes dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants from outside air that is pulled into the vehicle. The filter should be replaced as part of routine scheduled maintenance. See Maintenance Schedule on page 11-2. To find out what type of filter to use, see Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 11-12.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Black plate (7,1)
Climate Controls
8-7
1. Open the glove box completely and disconnect the damper on the outboard side.
2. Push in both sides of the glove
box and pull to remove. 3. Open the filter cover by
releasing tabs on both sides and pulling up the cover.
4. Replace the air filter. 5. Close the air filter cover and
reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional assistance is needed.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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8-8
Climate Controls
2 NOTES
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Black plate (1,1)
Driving and Operating
9-1
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-7
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-10Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-14
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Parking over ThingsThat Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-23
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Driver Assistance Systems Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-34
Side Blind ZoneAlert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Rear Vision
Lane Departure
Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-43
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-43
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Towing
General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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9-2
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior Driving is an important responsibility. Driver behavior, the driving environment, and the vehicle's design all affect how well a vehicle performs. Being aware of these factors can help in understanding how the vehicle handles and what can be done to avoid many types of crashes, including a rollover crash. Most serious injuries and fatalities to unbelted occupants can be reduced or prevented by the use of safety belts. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety belt. In addition, avoiding excessive speed, sudden or abrupt turns, and drunken or aggressive driving can help make trips safer and avoid the possibility of a crash.
Driving Environment Be prepared for driving in inclement weather, at night, or during other times where visibility or traction may be limited, such as on curves, slippery roads, or hilly terrain. Unfamiliar surroundings can also have hidden hazards. Learn more about driving in different conditions and off-road driving in this section.
Vehicle Design Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. This is because they have a higher ground clearance and a narrower track or shorter wheelbase than passenger cars, which makes them more capable for off-road driving. While these design characteristics provide the driver with a better view of the road, these vehicles do have a higher center of gravity than other types of vehicles. A utility vehicle does not handle the
same as a vehicle with a lower center of gravity, like a car, in similar situations. Safe driver behavior and understanding of the environment can help avoid a rollover crash in any type of vehicle, including utility vehicles.
Distracted Driving Distraction comes in many forms and can take your focus from the task of driving. Exercise good judgment and do not let other activities divert your attention away from the road. Many local governments have enacted laws regarding driver distraction. Become familiar with the local laws in your area. To avoid distracted driving, always keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Driving and Operating
9-3
. Do not use a phone in
. Keep pets in an appropriate
. Assume that other road users
demanding driving situations. Use a hands-free method to place or receive necessary phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up information on phones or other electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential distractions.
. Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as programming favorite radio stations and adjusting climate control and seat settings. Program all trip information into any navigation device prior to driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations while driving, whether with a passenger or on a cell phone.
{ Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often could cause a crash resulting in injury or death. Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more information on using that system. Refer to the infotainment manual for more information on the navigation system, if equipped, including pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts on page 3-14.
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in front of you. Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.
{ Warning
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You
(Continued)
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9-4
Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.
Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency. Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include: . Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking. . Keep pace with traffic. If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering The vehicle has electric power steering. It does not have power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required. If power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can be steered, but may require increased effort. See your dealer if there is a problem. If the steering wheel is turned until it reaches the end of its travel and is held against that position for an extended period of time, power steering assist may be reduced. If the steering assist is used for an extended period of time, power assist may be reduced. Normal use of the power steering assist should return when the system cools down. See your dealer if there is a problem.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Curve Tips
Off-Road Recovery
Take curves at a reasonable speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.
. Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking.
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips: 1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle so that it straddles the edge of the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.
Driving and Operating
9-5
3. Turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control systems: . Braking Skid — wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid — too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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9-6
Driving and Operating
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions: . Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material on the road. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt. Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep‐standing or flowing water.
{ Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until the brakes work normally.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. Driving through flowing water could cause the vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore police warnings and be very cautious about trying to drive through flowing water.
Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under the vehicle's tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Driving and Operating
9-7
Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips include: . Allow extra following distance. . Pass with caution. . Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires on page 10-35. Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe place to park the vehicle and rest. Other driving tips include: . Keep the vehicle well ventilated. . Keep the interior temperature cool.
. Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead and to the sides.
. Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: . Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{ Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a long downhill slope can cause brake overheating, can reduce brake performance, and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could result in a loss of braking. Shift the transmission to a lower gear to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{ Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. This can cause overheating of the brakes and loss of steering. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear.
. Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane (stalled car, accident).
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9-8
Driving and Operating
. Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated with salt or sand. Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. Traction Control should be turned on. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control on page 9-28. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves vehicle stability during hard stops on slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 9-26. Allow greater following distance on any slippery road and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and braking while on ice. Turn off cruise control on slippery surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 13-5. To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on the hazard warning flashers. Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{ Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If the vehicle is stuck in the snow: (Continued)
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Warning (Continued)
. Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does not collect there.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the vehicle that is away from the wind to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that circulates the air inside the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control Systems”.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9-22.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and close the window most of the way to save heat. Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to keep warm also helps. If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use the
rocking method. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control on page 9-28.
{ Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine compartment fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator
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Driving and Operating
pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see Towing the Vehicle on page 10-65.
Vehicle Load Limits It is very important to know how much weight the vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options. Two labels on the vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry: the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certification label.
{ Warning
Tire and Loading Information Label
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles. This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also shorten the life of the vehicle.
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and Loading Information label shows the number of occupant seating positions (1), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (2) in kilograms and pounds.
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The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the tire size of the original equipment tires (3) and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (4). For more information on tires and inflation see Tires on page 10-35 and Tire Pressure on page 10-43. There is also important loading information on the Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle. See “Certification Label” later in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit– 1. Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals
the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined
6.
weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.”
This vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.
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Driving and Operating
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight
@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs).
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs).
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight
@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight =
113 kg (250 lbs).
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight
@ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight =
0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and Loading Information label for specific information about the vehicle's capacity weight and
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seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo should never exceed the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification label is attached to the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). The label tells the gross weight capacity of the vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
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9-13
fuel, and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for the vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. And, if there is a heavy load, it should be spread out. See “Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit” earlier in this section.
{ Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles. This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also shorten the life of the vehicle.
If you put things inside the vehicle — like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else — they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
{ Warning
Things inside the vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
. Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as far forward as possible. Try to spread the weight evenly.
(Continued)
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Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
. Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats.
. Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint in the vehicle.
. Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
. Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
{ Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: . Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 805 km (500 mi). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different positions.
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The key must be fully extended to start the vehicle. To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal applied. 1 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/ OFF): When the vehicle is stopped, turn the ignition switch to LOCK/ OFF to turn the engine off. This position locks the steering wheel, ignition, and transmission. The ignition switch can bind in the LOCK/OFF position with the wheels turned off center. If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to left while turning the key to ACC/ ACCESSORY. If this does not work, then the vehicle needs service. Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is moving. This will cause a loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This may deplete power assist, requiring increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).
This can be done while the vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 9-27.
{ Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may cause loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags. While driving, only shut the vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and must be shut off while driving, turn the ignition to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
{ Caution
Using a tool to force the key to turn in the ignition could cause damage to the switch or break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer.
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Driving and Operating
4 (START): This is the position that starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch returns to ON/RUN for driving. A warning tone will sound when the driver door is opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/ OFF, and the key is in the ignition. If the ignition becomes difficult to turn, see Keys on page 2-1. Key Lock Release
The vehicle may be equipped with an electronic key lock release system. This system is to prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is in P (Park). The key lock release will not work if the battery is charged less than 9-volts, or uncharged. Try charging or jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting on page 10-62
If charging or jump starting the battery does not work, there is a manual key lock release. Locate the hole below the ignition lock. Insert a tool or key into the opening. Locate the lever, and press it toward the driver while removing the key from the ignition.2 (ACC/ACCESSORY): This is the position in which you can operate things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. 3 (ON/RUN): This position can be used to operate the electrical accessories and to display some instrument cluster warning and indicator lights. This position can also be used for service and diagnostics, and to verify the proper operation of the malfunction indicator lamp as may be required for emission inspection purposes. The switch stays in this position when the engine is running. If you leave the key in the ACC/ ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
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Starting the Engine Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the vehicle when it is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{ Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle is stopped.
{ Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. See Add-On Electrical Equipment on page 9-46.
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9-17
Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the ignition. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts. The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking
motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
{ Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the ignition to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down.
2.
If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below −18°C or 0°F), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there
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Driving and Operating
as you hold the key in START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of the key or button, and the accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Engine Heater Vehicles with the 1.4L engine may have an engine heater. The engine heater can help in cold weather conditions at or below −18°C (0°F) for easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug in the heater at least four hours before starting the vehicle. An internal thermostat in the plug-end
of the cord will prevent engine heater operation at temperatures above −18°C (0°F). To Use The Engine Heater 1. Turn off the engine.
3. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. The cord is located in the driver side of the engine compartment, near the battery. It is shipped from the factory with a tie holding it in place. Use care in removing the tie so that the cord is not damaged.
4. Plug it into a normal, grounded
110-volt AC outlet.
{ Warning Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
5. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not it could be damaged.
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The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) These vehicle accessories may be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off: . Audio System . Power Windows . Sunroof The power windows and sunroof will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened. The radio will work when the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, the radio will continue to work for 10 minutes, or until the driver door is opened.
Shifting Into Park 1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 9-27.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by pressing the button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission)
{ Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running. It could overheat and catch fire.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park on page 9-19.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the brake pedal down. Then see if you can move the shift lever away from
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Driving and Operating
P (Park) without first pushing the button on the shift lever. If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into P (Park). Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the driver seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into Park” previously in this section. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of P (Park) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park This vehicle is equipped with a shift lock control. The shift lock control is designed to: . Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully released.
. Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park) unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control is always functional except in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9-volt) battery. If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting on page 10-62.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal. 2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN. 3. Press the shift lever button. 4. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and
press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If the shift lever still cannot be moved from P (Park), see “Shift Lock Manual Release.”
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Shift Lock Manual Release The automatic transmission has an electric park lock. The key must be in the ON/RUN position, and the brake pedal pressed so the shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position. If the battery has lost power, the shift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) unless the shift lock manual release is disengaged manually. To access the shift lock manual release: 1. Turn the ignition OFF and
remove the key.
