🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: Encore Model Years Covered: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Codes Platform: GM Gamma II 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Subcompact Crossover SUV / Luxury Small SUV Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Chevrolet Trax (shares platform), Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Kicks, Ford EcoSport, Jeep Renegade Key Features Target Demographic: Urban dwellers, small families, individuals seeking a versatile and premium-feeling compact vehicle. Value Proposition: Offers a more upscale interior and refined driving experience compared to many mainstream competitors in its class. Manual Value: Provides in-depth, vehicle-specific technical information essential for accurate diagnosis and repair, mirroring dealership-level expertise. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: All Models & All Repairs A-Z Information Source: Vehicle Specific (Dealership Technician Level) Page Count Page Count: Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (Likely PDF, designed for easy navigation and searchability) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine Mechanical, Engine Control Systems (ECM/PCM), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Turbocharger System (where applicable) Transmission Systems: Automatic Transmission (6-speed 6T40/6T45), Clutch System (if applicable), Drivetrain Components (axles, CV joints) Braking Systems: Hydraulic Brake System, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Parking Brake Suspension Steering: Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Torsion Beam Axle), Power Steering System (Electric Power Steering - EPS), Wheel Alignment Electrical Electronic Systems: Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting Systems (Headlamps, Taillamps, Interior), Instrument Panel, Body Control Module (BCM), Infotainment System, Power Windows, Power Locks, Wiper/Washer System, HVAC Controls, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System - Airbags) Body Chassis: Body Exterior (Panels, Bumpers, Doors), Body Interior (Trim, Seats), Glass and Mirrors, Frame and Structure, Corrosion Protection HVAC Systems: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) System Components, Refrigerant Handling, Climate Control Fuel Emissions: Fuel Delivery, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishment, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Component Testing, Electrical Circuit Diagnosis Repair Procedures: Step-by-step guides for component removal and installation, Overhaul procedures for major components (engine, transmission), Body panel repair and replacement, Electrical component repair Technical Specifications: Torque Specifications, Component Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Data Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, complex repairs, and full system overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution, clear text and diagrams suitable for printing Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) Searchability Searchability: Fully searchable text content for quick information retrieval ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code And Description: 1.4L LUV Turbocharged I4 (Ecotec) Performance Horsepower: 138 hp @ 4900 rpm Torque: 148 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended) Engine Management Engine Control Module: ECM (Engine Control Module) - Specific GM part numbers detailed in manual Cooling System Coolant Type: Dex-Cool® (GM P/N 12346324 or equivalent silicate-free, orange) Lubrication System Oil Type: SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (GM P/N 10-9019 or equivalent) Oil Capacity: 4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change Turbocharger Turbocharger Details: Integrated turbocharger system, intercooled 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Transmission Type: 6-Speed Automatic (6T40/6T45) Optional Transmission Optional Transmission Type: N/A (Manual transmission not offered) Features Drivetrain: Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron-VI (GM P/N 88864351 or equivalent) Fluid Capacities Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) for refill 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 168.4 inches (4277 mm) Width: 69.9 inches (1775 mm) Height: 65.1 inches (1654 mm) Wheelbase: 100.6 inches (2555 mm) Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 94.5 cu ft (2676 L) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: Approx. 19.2 cu ft (545 L) Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded: Approx. 48.4 cu ft (1371 L) Weights Curb Weight FWD: Approx. 3100 - 3300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg) Curb Weight AWD: Approx. 3300 - 3500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw: Approx. 4400 - 4600 lbs (1996 - 2087 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Overall Rating: 5-Star Overall Safety Rating (for models tested) IIHS Top Safety Pick: Top Safety Pick status achieved by some model years Active Features Active Safety Features: ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Available Forward Collision Alert, Available Lane Departure Warning Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Ten Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain, Knee), High-Strength Steel Frame Child Safety Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) System 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment...
Step-by-step guides for component removal and installation, Overhaul procedures for major components (engine, transmission), Body panel repair and replacement, Electrical component repair
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, complex repairs, and full system overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution, clear text and diagrams suitable for printing
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Searchability
Searchability:
Fully searchable text content for quick information retrieval
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code And Description:
1.4L LUV Turbocharged I4 (Ecotec)
Performance
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque:
148 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Engine Management
Engine Control Module:
ECM (Engine Control Module) - Specific GM part numbers detailed in manual
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool® (GM P/N 12346324 or equivalent silicate-free, orange)
Lubrication System
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (GM P/N 10-9019 or equivalent)
Oil Capacity:
4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change
Turbocharger
Turbocharger Details:
Integrated turbocharger system, intercooled
🔧 Transmission
Standard Transmission
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Automatic (6T40/6T45)
Optional Transmission
Optional Transmission Type:
N/A (Manual transmission not offered)
Features
Drivetrain:
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI (GM P/N 88864351 or equivalent)
Fluid Capacities
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) for refill
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
168.4 inches (4277 mm)
Width:
69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
65.1 inches (1654 mm)
Wheelbase:
100.6 inches (2555 mm)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 94.5 cu ft (2676 L)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 19.2 cu ft (545 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 48.4 cu ft (1371 L)
Weights
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 3100 - 3300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 3300 - 3500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 4400 - 4600 lbs (1996 - 2087 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star Overall Safety Rating (for models tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Top Safety Pick status achieved by some model years
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Available Forward Collision Alert, Available Lane Departure Warning
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Ten Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain, Knee), High-Strength Steel Frame
Child Safety
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) System
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Buick IntelliLink infotainment system with touchscreen display (e.g., 7-inch)
Smartphone Integration:
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (on later models within the range, check specific year).
Audio Options:
Available Bose premium audio system
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Rear Vision Camera, Available Rear Park Assist, Available Side Blind Zone Alert, Available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Available Forward Collision Alert, Available Lane Departure Warning.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth connectivity, Available OnStar system with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (depending on trim and subscription).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or as needed based on wear.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 96,000 miles (154,000 km) (Iridium-tipped spark plugs).
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (GM P/N 19299569 or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (for Electric Power Steering system)
Known Issues
Common Issue 1:
Turbocharger oil consumption/leaks (potential early wear).
Common Issue 2:
Engine oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gaskets.
Common Issue 3:
Transmission shifting issues or shuddering (related to 6T40/6T45 transmission).
Common Issue 4:
Water pump leaks (engine).
Common Issue 5:
Minor electrical glitches or sensor issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Buick Legacy:
Buick, a long-standing American automotive brand, is known for its focus on comfort, quietness, and premium features, often positioned as an entry-level luxury marque.
Model Evolution
First Generation Launch:
The Buick Encore was introduced for the 2013 model year as a 2013 model, marking Buick's entry into the burgeoning small crossover segment.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the GM Gamma II platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Trax.
Production
Production Location:
South Korea (Bupyeong-gu, Incheon)
Market Reception:
Initially met with mixed reviews regarding its small size and engine power, but found a niche with buyers appreciating its premium features and comfortable ride.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Kbb Best Buy Award:
The Buick Encore has received 'Best Buy' awards from Kelley Blue Book in the subcompact SUV segment for various model years.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Variable ratings from Consumer Reports; often praised for ride quality and interior refinement, but criticized for powertrain and fuel economy by some reviewers.
Certifications
Safety Certifications:
Achieved high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, contributing to its appeal as a safe choice.
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