Buick Encore: Starting and Operating / Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with a shift lock
control. The shift lock control is designed to
prevent movement of the shift lever out of
P (Park) unless the ignition is on 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
- North America.
To shift out of P (Park):
- Apply the brake pedal.
- Turn the ignition on.
- Press the shift lever button.
- Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park):
- Fully release the shift lever button.
- Hold the brake pedal down and press the
shift lever button again.
- Move the shift lever to the desired
position.
If the shift lever still cannot be moved from
P (Park), see “Shift Lock Manual Release”
following.
Shift Lock Manual Release
The automatic transmission has an electric
park lock. The ignition must be on and the
brake pedal must be 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:
- Turn the ignition off.
- Hold the brake pedal down. Apply the
parking brake.

- Remove the cover on the console.

- Insert and push the key into the slot.
- Move the shift lever out of P (Park).
If P (Park) is selected again after the key
is removed from the slot, the shift lever
will be locked again.
- Remove the key from the slot.
- Replace the cover.
- Have the cause of the problem fixed by
your dealer.
Parking over Things That Burn
Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Hold the brake pedal down and set the
parking brake. See Parking Brake.
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...
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See Shifting Into Park and
Engine Exhaust...
Other information:
Warning
If something is carried on top of the
vehicle that is longer or wider than the
roof rack — like paneling, plywood, or a
mattress — the wind can catch it while
the vehicle is being driven. The item
being carried could be violently torn off, and this could cause a collision and
damage the vehicle...
This warning light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If the light
does not come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving, safely
stop as soon as it is possible and turn off
the vehicle...