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Black plate (12,1)
2-12
Keys, Doors, and Windows
How to Detect a Tamper Condition If K is pressed and the horn chirps three times, an attempted break-in has occurred while the system was armed.
Immobilizer See Radio Frequency Statement on page 13-15.
Immobilizer Operation This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system. The system does not have to be manually armed or disarmed. The vehicle is automatically immobilized when the key is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the vehicle is started with the correct key. The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer control unit in the vehicle and automatically disarms the system. Only an authorized key starts the vehicle. The vehicle may not start if the key is damaged.
The security light in the instrument cluster comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
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 ignition off and try again. If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged or the light continues to stay on, try another ignition key. If the engine does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle does start, the first key may be damaged. See your dealer who can service the theft-deterrent system and have a new key made. Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (13,1)
Exterior Mirrors
Power Mirrors
Folding Mirrors
Keys, Doors, and Windows
2-13
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.
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 9 to
deselect the mirror.
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 (Rear Window Defogger): Press to heat the mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger” under Climate Control Systems on page 8-1.
Blind Spot Mirrors If equipped, the blind spot mirror is a small convex mirror built into the upper and outer corner of both outside mirrors. It can show objects that may be in the vehicle's blind zone.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (14,1)
2-14
Keys, Doors, and Windows
Driving with the Blind Spot Mirror
1. When the approaching vehicle is a long distance away, the image in the main mirror is small and near the inboard edge of the mirror.
2. As the vehicle gets closer, the image in the main mirror gets larger and moves outboard.
3. As the vehicle enters the blind
zone, the image transitions from the main mirror to the blind spot mirror.
4. When the vehicle is in the blind zone, the image only appears in the blind spot mirror.
Using the Outside Mirror with the Blind Spot Mirror 1. Set the main mirror so that the side of the vehicle can just be seen and the blind spot mirror has an unobstructed view.
2. When checking for traffic or
before changing a lane, look at the main driver/passenger side mirror to observe traffic in the adjacent lane, behind your vehicle. Check the blind spot mirror for a vehicle in the blind zone. Then, glance over your shoulder to double check before moving slowly into the adjacent lane.
Actual Mirror View
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (15,1)
Reverse Tilt Mirrors If equipped with the memory package, the outside mirrors have a reverse tilt feature. This feature tilts the outside mirrors to a preselected position when the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This allows the driver to view the curb for parallel parking. The passenger and/or driver mirror returns to its original position when the vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse), or the ignition is turned off or to OFF/LOCK. This feature can be turned on or off through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Vehicle Personalization on page 5-29.
Keys, Doors, and Windows
2-15
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 your dealer for more information about OnStar and how to subscribe to it. See OnStar Overview on page 14-1. 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.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (16,1)
2-16
Keys, Doors, and Windows
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.
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 keys in a vehicle with children. When there are children in the rear seat, use the window lockout button to prevent operation of the windows. See Keys on page 2-1.
The driver door also has switches that control the passenger and rear windows. The switches work when the vehicle is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9-19. Press the switch to lower the window. Pull up on the front edge of the switch to raise it.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (17,1)
Keys, Doors, and Windows
2-17
Express-Up/Express-Down Windows If equipped, a window with the express-up/down feature can be raised or lowered without holding the switch. Press or pull the window switch fully and release it to activate the express feature. The express mode can be canceled by pressing or pulling the switch. Programming the Power Windows If the battery on the vehicle has been recharged, disconnected, or replaced, windows with the express-up feature need to be reprogrammed for this feature to work. To program the window: 1. Close all doors with the ignition
in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY, or when RAP is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9-19.
2. Press and continue to hold the window switch until the window is fully open.
3. Pull up and hold the window switch to close the window. Continue to hold it briefly after the window is fully closed.
4. Repeat for each window that has
the express-up feature.
Anti-Pinch Feature The anti-pinch feature is on windows with the express-up feature. If an object is in the way of the window as it is express-closing, or in certain weather conditions like severe icing, the window will stop and open to a factory preset position. The window functions normally once the obstruction is removed.
Rear Window Lockout
The rear window lockout feature prevents the rear passenger windows from operating, except from the driver position. Press Z to activate the rear window lockout switch. The indicator light comes on when activated. Press Z again to deactivate the lockout switch.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (18,1)
2-18
Keys, Doors, and Windows
Sun Visors
Roof
Sunroof
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.
If equipped, the sunroof only operates when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. Open/Close: Press and hold the front or rear of switch (1) to open or close the sunroof. Vent: Press and hold the front or rear of switch (2) to vent or close the sunroof.
Express-Open/Express-Close: To express-open or express-close the sunroof, fully press and release the front or rear of switch (1) until the sunroof reaches the desired position. Manually close the sunshade. The sunroof will not operate if the vehicle has an electrical failure. Anti-Pinch Feature If an object is in the path of the sunroof when it is closing, the anti-pinch feature will detect the object and stop the sunroof from closing at the point of the obstruction. The sunroof then returns to the full-open position.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (19,1)
Keys, Doors, and Windows
2-19
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. If water is see dripping into the water drainage system, this is normal.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (20,1)
2-20
Keys, Doors, and Windows
2 NOTES
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (1,1)
Seats and Restraints
3-1
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14Safety Belts
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Safety Belt Use DuringPregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-22
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Replacing Safety Belt SystemParts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-25
When Should an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
What Makes an Airbag
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-34
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-35
Replacing Airbag SystemParts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Infants and YoungChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-40
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-42
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Replacing LATCH System
How Does an Airbag
Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Securing Child Restraints
What Will You See after an
(Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Securing Child Restraints
(Front Passenger Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (2,1)
3-2
Seats and Restraints
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.
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 designed to be removed.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (3,1)
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.
When an occupant is in the seat, always return the head restraint to the upright position. Pull the head restraint up and push it rearward until it locks into place. Push and pull on the head restraint to make sure that it is locked. Rear outboard head restraints are not designed to be removed.
Seats and Restraints
3-3
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.
To lower the head restraint, press the button, located on the top of the seatback, and push the head restraint down.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (4,1)
3-4
Seats and Restraints
To adjust a manual seat: 1. Pull the handle at the front of
To adjust a power seat: . Move the seat forward or
Lumbar Adjustment
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
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 on page 3-5. To adjust the lumbar support, see Lumbar Adjustment on page 3-4.
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.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (5,1)
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.
Seats and Restraints
3-5
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 safety 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.
(Continued)
Manual Seat Shown, Power Seat
Similar
To recline the seatback: 1. Lift the lever.
If necessary, move the safety belt out of the way to access the lever.
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.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (6,1)
Do not have a seatback reclined if the vehicle is moving.
Memory Seats
3-6
Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
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. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear the safety belt properly.
If available, the MEM, “1,” and “2” buttons on the outboard side of the driver seat are used to manually save and recall the driver seat and outside mirror positions. These manually stored positions are referred to as Button Memory positions.
The vehicle will also automatically save driver seat and outside mirror positions to the current driver Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter when the ignition is placed in OFF. These automatically stored positions are referred to as RKE Memory positions. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-3.
Storing Button Memory Positions To save positions into Button Memory: 1. Adjust the driver seat and
outside mirrors to the desired driving positions.
2. Press and hold MEM (Memory) and “1” at the same time until a beep sounds.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for a
second driver using “2.”
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (7,1)
Recalling Button Memory Positions To recall the Button Memory positions, press and hold “1” or “2.” The driver seat and outside mirrors move to the positions stored to those buttons when pressed. Releasing “1” or “2” before the stored positions are reached stops the recall. If something has blocked the driver seat while recalling a memory position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold the appropriate manual control for the memory item that is not recalling for two seconds. Try recalling the memory position again by pressing the appropriate memory button. If the memory position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.
Recalling RKE Memory Positions The RKE memory feature can recall the driver seat and outside mirrors to previously stored RKE Memory positions when entering the vehicle.
Every time the ignition is placed in OFF, the positions of the driver seat and outside mirrors are automatically stored to the RKE transmitter that was used to start the vehicle. These positions and settings are called RKE Memory positions and may be different than the previously mentioned Button Memory positions saved to the “1” or “2” buttons. To recall, press K on the RKE transmitter and open the driver door. If the driver door is already open, press K on the RKE transmitter to activate the recall. The driver seat and outside mirrors will move to the previously saved RKE Memory positions. This feature is turned on or off using the vehicle personalization menu. See Vehicle Personalization on page 5-29. To stop recall movement, press one of the memory, power mirror, or power seat controls.
Seats and Restraints
3-7
If something has blocked the driver seat while recalling a memory position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold the appropriate manual control for the memory item that is not recalling for two seconds. Try recalling the memory position again by opening the driver door and pressing the RKE transmitter K button. If the memory position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.
Easy Exit Driver Seat This feature moves the seat rearward allowing the driver more room to exit the vehicle. To activate, place the ignition in OFF and open the driver door. If the driver door is already open, placing the ignition in OFF will activate the recall. This feature is turned on or off using the vehicle personalization menu. See Vehicle Personalization on page 5-29.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (8,1)
3-8
Seats and Restraints
To stop recall movement, press one of the memory or power seat controls. If something has blocked the driver seat while recalling the exit position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold the power seat control rearward for two seconds. Try recalling the exit position again. If the exit position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.
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.
Heated Front Seats { Warning
If you cannot feel temperature change or pain to the skin, the seat heater may cause burns. To reduce the risk of burns, people with such a condition should use care when using the seat heater, especially for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket, cushion, cover, or similar item. This may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat heater may cause a burn or may damage the seat.
If equipped, the controls are on the climate control panel. The engine must be running to operate the heated seats.
Press M or L to heat the driver or passenger seat cushion and seatback. Press the control once for the highest setting. With each press of the control, the heated seat will change to the next lower setting, and then the off setting. Three lights indicate the highest setting and one light the lowest.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (9,1)
Seats and Restraints
3-9
{ Warning
Things you put on this seatback can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. Remove or secure all items before driving.
To fold the seatback: 1. Lower the head restraint all the
way. See Head Restraints on page 3-2.
2. Move the seat as far back as
possible. See Seat Adjustment on page 3-3.
Folding Seatback The front passenger seatback folds flat.
{ Warning
If you fold the seatback forward to carry longer objects, such as skis, be sure any such cargo is not near an airbag. In a crash, an inflating airbag might force that object toward a person. This could cause severe injury or even death. Secure objects away from the area in which an airbag would inflate. For more information, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 3-25 and Vehicle Load Limits on page 9-10.
The passenger seat may take longer to heat up.
Remote Start Heated Seats When it is cold outside, the heated seats can be turned on automatically during a remote vehicle start. The heated seats will be canceled when the ignition is turned on. Press the heated seat controls to use the heated seats after the vehicle is started. The heated seat indicator lights on the control do not turn on during a remote start. The temperature performance of an unoccupied seat may be reduced. This is normal. The heated seats will not turn on during a remote start unless the heated seat feature is enabled in the vehicle personalization menu. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 2-5 and Vehicle Personalization on page 5-29.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (10,1)
3-10
Seats and Restraints
To raise the seatback: 1. Lift the lever fully to unlock the
seatback. Then, raise the seatback and push it rearward until it re-engages.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked in place.
Rear Seats
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.
{ Warning
{ Caution
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.
Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.
3. Lift the lever fully and fold the
seatback forward. If necessary, move the safety belt out of the way to access the lever.
4. Continue lowering the seatback until it is completely folded and locks in place.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (11,1)
Seats and Restraints
3-11
{ 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 on page 3-2.
3. Slide the front seats forward and place the front seatbacks in the upright position. See Seat Adjustment on page 3-3 and Reclining Seatbacks on page 3-5.
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 Seatback
5. Make sure the safety belt is in the retainer hook on top of the seatback, if equipped.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (12,1)
3-12
Seats and Restraints
7. Fold the seatback forward
and down.
Rear Seat with Retainer Hook on
the 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.
Safety Belt Clip on Side Trim
8. Place the outboard safety belt in the safety 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.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (13,1)
To return the rear seatback to the normal seating position:
Safety Belt Clip on Side Trim
1. Remove the outboard safety belt
from the safety belt clip (if equipped) on the side trim of the vehicle.
Seats and Restraints
3-13
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 safety belts are not pinched by the seatback locking mechanism. The center rear safety belt may lock when you raise the seatback. If this happens, let the belt go back all the way and start again. If the safety 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.
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 safety 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 safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted.
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
Black plate (14,1)
3-14
Seats and Restraints
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 safety belts and safety 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.
Safety Belts This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts.
{ Warning
Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, injuries can be much worse than if you are wearing safety 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
(Continued)
Buick Encore Owner Manual 6014813) - 2014 - crc - 10/22/13
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Warning (Continued)
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 safety belts. Always wear a safety belt, and check that all passenger(s) are restrained properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5-10.
Why Safety 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 safety belts! When you wear a safety 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
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safety belts. That is why wearing safety belts makes such good sense. Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?
A: You could be — whether you are
wearing a safety 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 safety belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection.
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Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. There are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 3-36 or Infants and Young Children on page 3-38. Follow those rules for everyone's protection. 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 safety belts. There are important things to know about wearing a safety belt properly.
. Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front of you.
. Always use the correct buckle
for your seating position.
. 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 safety belt properly. . Never allow the lap or
shoulder belt to become loose or twisted.
. Never wear the shoulder belt
under both arms or behind your back.
. Never route the lap or shoulder belt over an armrest.
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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. If the shoulder portion of a passenger belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature may be engaged. If this happens, let the belt go back all the way and start again. The rear center safety 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.
4. Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 3-22. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.
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5.
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.
To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position. Slide the latch plate up the safety belt webbing when the safety belt is not in use. Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the safety belt and the vehicle.
6. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt. It may be necessary to pull the stitching on the safety belt through the latch plate to fully tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger seating positions. Adjust the height so the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder but 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 safety belt in a crash. See How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 3-16.
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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides Rear safety belt comfort guides may provide added safety 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 shoulder belt away from the neck and head. Safety belt comfort guides are available through your dealer.
Safety Belt Pretensioners This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety 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. And, for vehicles with side impact airbags, safety belt pretensioners can help tighten the safety 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 safety belt system will need to be replaced. See Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash on page 3-22.
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.
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To install the adjustable comfort guide to the seatback and the safety belt:
1. Locate the anchorage loop on
the rear outboard seatback, near the top.
2. Attach the adjustable comfort
guide to the anchor loop by threading the hook through the loop.
3. Place the guide over the belt,
and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
4. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.
5. The elastic cord on the comfort
guide is adjustable. You can make it longer or shorter by squeezing both ends of the plastic adjuster and pulling on the elastic cord or the guide.
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6. Adjust the guide 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 comfort guide adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.
{ Warning
A safety belt that is not properly worn may not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.
7. Buckle and position the safety belt as described previously in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.
To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Un-hook the guide from the loop on the seat. Store the guide in a convenient place like the glove box for the next time it is needed.
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.
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The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety 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 safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. 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 seats. To wear it, attach it to the regular safety belt. See the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.
Safety System Check Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are all working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job. See your dealer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 5-10. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Safety Belt Care on page 3-22.
Safety Belt Care Keep belts clean and dry.
{ Warning
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
{ Warning
A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle. A damaged safety 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 safety belt systems are working properly after a crash, have them (Continued)
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inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of safety belts may not be necessary. But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer to have the safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt system was not being used at the time of the crash. Have the safety 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 on page 5-11.
Airbag System The vehicle has the following airbags: . A frontal airbag for the driver. . A frontal airbag for the front
outboard passenger.
. A knee airbag for the driver. . A knee 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.
. Seat-mounted side impact airbags for the second row outboard passengers.
. A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and the passenger seated directly behind the driver.
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. A roof-rail airbag for the front outboard passenger and the passenger seated directly behind the front outboard passenger.
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 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 safety belts. Even though today's airbags are also designed to help reduce
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the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job. 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 safety belt, even with airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to inflate in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are the only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 3-27. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce the chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. Everyone in the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
{ 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 on page 3-36 or Infants and Young Children on page 3-38.
vehicle should wear a safety 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. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear a safety belt, even with airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
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Where Are the Airbags?
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 on page 5-11 for more information.
The driver knee airbag is below the steering column. The front outboard passenger knee airbag is below the glove box.
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.
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Warning (Continued)
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.
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Rear Seat Driver Side Shown,
Side Similar
Passenger Side Similar
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, right front passenger, and second row outboard passengers are in the ceiling above the side windows.
The second row seat-mounted side impact airbags are in the sides of the rear seatback closest to the door.
{ 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 (Continued)
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When Should an Airbag Inflate? This vehicle is equipped with airbags. See Airbag System on page 3-23. 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. In addition, the vehicle has advanced technology frontal airbags. Advanced technology frontal airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Knee airbags 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.
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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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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? on page 3-25.
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 safety 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? on page 3-27. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? After the frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag 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? on page 3-25. 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.
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{ 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, turn on the hazard warning flashers, and shut off the fuel system after the airbags inflate. You can lock the doors, turn off the interior lamps, and turn off
the hazard warning flashers by using the controls for those features.
{ 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.
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. 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 on page 13-13 and Event Data Recorders on page 13-14. 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.
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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.
