Buick Encore: Automatic Transmission

The selected gear is also shown in the instrument cluster.

P : This position locks the drive wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.

Warning

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.

See Shifting Into Park

Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine.

The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. The regular brake must be fully applied first and then the shift lever button must be pressed before shifting from P (Park) when the ignition is on. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever, then push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park

R : Use this gear to back up.

Caution

Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck

N : In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.

Warning

Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly.

You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Caution

Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.

Caution

A transmission hot message may display if the automatic transmission fluid is too hot.

Driving under this condition can damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the engine to cool the automatic transmission fluid. This message clears when the transmission fluid has cooled sufficiently.

D : This position is for normal driving. If more power is needed for passing, press the accelerator pedal down.

M : This position allows shifting similar to a manual transmission.

See Manual Mode

Caution

If the vehicle does not shift gears, the transmission could be damaged. Have the vehicle serviced right away.

Automatic Transmission Adaptation Feature : While the vehicle is being driven and gear shifting takes place, the transmission will learn and adapt.

This increases durability and maintains the best shift quality of the life of the vehicle.

During vehicle break-in (initial driving), it is normal to experience some shift bumps. Shift quality will improve with the normal gear shifting as the transmission learns and adapts.

Operating Modes

The transmission may operate in a lower gear than normal to improve vehicle performance. The engine speed may be higher and there may be an increase in noise during the following conditions:

• When climbing a grade
• When driving downhill
• When driving in hot temperatures or at high altitude

Manual Mode

Driver Shift Control (DSC)

DSC allows you to shift an automatic transmission similar to a manual transmission. To use the DSC feature:

1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) rearward to M(Manual Mode). While driving in manual mode, the transmission will remain in the driver selected gear. When coming to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will automatically shift into 1 (First) gear
2. Press the + (plus) end of the button on the top of the shift lever to upshift, or press the − (minus) end of the button to downshift.

The instrument cluster will change from the currently displayed message to the letter "M," for Manual position, and a number indicating the requested gear.

While using the DSC feature, the transmission will have firmer shifting and sportier performance. This can be used for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.

The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (rpm):

• The transmission will not allow shifting to the next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too low.
• The transmission will not allow shifting to the next lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too high

Drive Systems

All-Wheel Drive

If equipped, this feature transfers engine power, as required, to all four wheels. It is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for road conditions.

When using a compact spare tire on an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system automatically detects the compact spare and disables AWD to protect the system. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message will display on the instrument cluster. See Vehicle Messages. To restore AWD operation and prevent excessive wear on the system, replace the compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible. See Compact Spare Tire

AWD will be disabled and the message will display if there is excessive wheel spin. When the system cools down, AWD will be restored.

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