Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

20-NA-032
February, 2020

INFORMATION
Subject:

Brand:

Buick

2020 Buick Encore GX New Model Features

Model:

Model Year:
From:

Encore GX

Involved Countries and Regions

VIN:

To:

From:

2020

—

Engine:

Transmission:

1.3L (L3T)
Turbocharged
Engine or
1.2L (LIH)
Turbocharged
Engine

Hydra-Matic
9T45 (M3F) or
VT40 (MRG)
Automatic

North America, Korea

Overview

5501083

2020 Buick Encore GX
Bulletin Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to introduce the 2020
Buick Encore GX. The bulletin will provide an overview
to help the Service Department Personnel become
familiar with the engine, transmission, brake system
and some of the other vehicle systems.
Overview
The 2020 Buick Encore GX is a crossover Sport Utility
Vehicle (SUV) that is designed, developed, and
manufactured globally and sold to a worldwide market.
The Buick Encore GX introduces a pair of new, fuel
Copyright 2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

To:

efficient, three-cylinder engines: a 1.2L and a 1.3L.
Both engines are turbocharged and incorporate
spark-ignited direct injection technology. An offset
crankshaft reduces noise, vibration, and harshness,
and meets worldwide emission standards.
The Encore GX also is more powerful and has a longer
wheelbase than the smaller Encore. In addition, the
Encore GX is packed with new technologies, such as
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and new active safety
features. The Buick Encore GX also includes keyless
access and push-button start. Some up-level trims also
offer a hands-free power liftgate as well.
The front-wheel drive models come equipped with a
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The
all-wheel drive models feature a Hydra-Matic 9-speed
automatic transmission with a selectable one-way
clutch.
Additional features and amenities include:
– Standard Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking,
Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking,
Following Distance Indicator, and Lane Keep Assist
with Lane Departure Warning
– 3.5-inch diagonal monochromatic display driver
information center in the gauge cluster (standard)
– 4.2-inch diagonal multi-color driver information
center in the gauge cluster (optional)
– Premium features including heated front seats and a
heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel
– 40/60 split-folding rear seat is standard on all models
– available dual-pane power sunroof on some models
that spans both seating rows, offering the feeling of
an open-air ride

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February, 2020

Brakes
Overview
The Buick Encore GX models feature four-wheel disc
brakes with vented front and rear rotors. All Buick
Encore GX models incorporate an electro-hydraulic
brake boost assist braking system, an Antilock Braking
System (ABS), a brake pad lining wear sensor system,
and an electronic parking brake.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-032

The brake system control module interprets and
converts driver input and then provides a
corresponding hydraulic pressure output to activate the
brake system according to the driver’s demand.
The brake pedal multiplies the driver input force and
transfers it by the pedal pushrod to the hydraulic brake
master cylinder. In an event of no electrical energy or a
failure condition, the driver’s input is mechanically
converted to a hydraulic pressure output.

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5501211

Brake System Components
• All Buick Encore GX vehicles are equipped with
front disc brakes with pad wear sensors. Floating
single-piston calipers mount in brackets with guide
pins. The front brake system also includes the
electric parking brake motors.
• The Buick Encore GX is equipped with rear disc
brakes also include pad wear sensors. The
calipers are floating single-piston design mount in
brackets with guide pins.
• Brake fluid transfers hydraulic pressure from the
master cylinder to the brake stopping components
at the vehicle’s wheels. It is important to use brake
fluid with the specific properties recommended by
GM. Always us DOT 4 brake fluid when servicing
the brake system on the Buick Encore GX.

Electro-Hydraulic Brake Booster Brake Lining Wear
Sensor System
All Buick Encore GX models feature a brake lining wear
sensor system that estimates the remaining life of the
front and rear brake pads. The brake pad life is
displayed in the driver information center, along with a
percentage and distance for each axle when the feature
is active.
When the brake control system determines the brake
pads need replacement, a message displays in the
driver information center, which may include the
remaining mileage, and actively reminds the driver to
take action on each ignition cycle. If the feature
malfunctions, the driver information center may display
a fault message.
The brake system control module has one analog input
for the left front brake pad wear sensor and one analog
input for the right rear brake pad wear sensor. It
supplies voltage to the brake pad wear sensors,
diagnoses any issues with the power supply, and
signals if a failure is detected in the supply voltage
system.
The lining wear sensor system can be disabled. This
may be necessary if aftermarket brake pads without
wear sensors are installed. Disable the wear sensor
system by accessing the driver information center
features with the right side control buttons on the
steering wheel, and selecting DISABLE. When the
system is turned off, the front and rear brake pad life
percentages will not display.

Electro-Hydraulic Brake Booster
The Buick Encore GX is equipped with an
electro-hydraulic brake booster, which provides a
lighter weight component that provides more
assistance to the driver. The brake booster unit
designed to operate together with an electronic stability
control module normally responsible for ABS, traction
control, and stability control. The master cylinder and
brake booster unit consists of a master cylinder
reservoir, an electronic brake system control module,
pedal coupling unit/pushrod, and the brake master
cylinder with integrated brake pressure modulator
valve.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-032

February, 2020

After replacing the brake pads, perform the brake pad
life monitor reset procedure. Reset the brake pad life
system and turn off the pad wear message as follows:
• Display the brake pad life on the driver information
center.
• Press and hold the check mark or use the
thumb-wheel to select front or rear pads.
• Select YES on the confirmation message, repeat
for pads on the other axle if replacement was
performed.

Page 3

Engine

Brake System Control Module Features
The Buick Encore GX includes the following features:
• engine torque steer control
• brake drying/cleaning
• hill start assist
• driveline damping
• extended hold hill start assist
Brake Assist Features
The electro-hydraulic brake booster in the Buick Encore
GX enables additional brake pressure and brake
system features over conventional brake apply
systems. They include but not limited to the features
listed below.
Panic Brake Assist
This feature enhances braking performance when a
panic brake situation is determined. Panic brake assist
detects the driver’s intent is to stop the vehicle as
quickly as possible, and determines that the driver has
not applied sufficient brake pressure to do so. The
panic brake assist feature will then actively apply brake
pressure to maximum pressure, thus activating the
ABS system and stopping the vehicle as quickly as
possible.
Hydraulic Fade Compensation
Hydraulic faded compensation is based on a calculated
temperature estimate of the brake rotor and disc brake
pad, in addition to driver applied master cylinder
pressure, and vehicle deceleration rate. The Hydraulic
fade compensation will increase brake system pressure
above the driver applied brake pressure when the
brake system determines a severe brake fade
condition.
The goal of providing additional brake system pressure
is to reduce stopping distance during a high
deceleration event. In addition, the driver may also
experience fading brakes while using low or medium
brake pedal force application. However, hydraulic fade
compensation only activates during high brake pedal
force applications.
Rear Brake Boost
The rear brake boost function provides rear hydraulic
brake assist to ensure all four wheels achieve
maximum braking during an ABS event. When vehicle
load is heavily rear axle biased, the rear brakes may
not utilize all of the available road adhesion. The
hydraulic rear brake boost then provides additional
pressure to the rear brakes when the front brake’s ABS
is activated and the rear wheels have low slip.

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1.3L (L3T) Engine Overview
The 2020 Buick Encore GX will feature the
turbocharged 1.3L (L3T) engine as standard equipment
on all-wheel-drive versions and available on
front-wheel-drive vehicles in some markets.
It is an advanced, power-dense, inline three-cylinder,
86 kW (115 HP) per liter engine. It is the built off the
new cylinder set strategy engine architecture,
optimizing efficiency and performance.
Engine Specifications
Some of the mechanical features of the 1.3L (L3T),
inline 3-cylinder engine include torque of 236 Nm
(174 lb·ft) and 115 kW (155 HP). Refer to below for all
specifications.
• Engine Type: Inline three-cylinder
• Displacement: 1.35L (82 CID)
• Bore x Stroke: 79 mm x 91.2 mm
(3.11 in x 3.59 in)
• Block Material: Aluminum
• Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
• Compression Ratio: 10:1
• Firing Order: 1–2–3
• Horsepower (@5000 RPM): 115 kW (155 HP)
• Torque (@4000 RPM): 236 Nm (174 lb ft)

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February, 2020

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-032

as an assembly. The powdered metal connecting rods
are fractured at the connecting rod journal and
machined for proper clearance.

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Engine Block
The aluminum alloy engine cylinder block is made by
high pressure die casting with three cast-in-place iron
cylinder liners. There are four crankshaft bearings. A
lower structural extension forms the lower portion of the
crankcase to promote cylinder block rigidity and reduce
engine noise and vibration.
Cylinder Head
The cylinder head is a dual overhead camshaft design
made of cast aluminum alloy. Each combustion
chamber contains four valves and is designed for
increased swirl efficiency of the incoming air charge to
maximize gasoline combustion efficiency. The exhaust
manifold is integrated into the cylinder head. The fuel
injectors are located under the intake ports.

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Lower Oil Pan
The lower oil pan is made of plastic and is attached at
the engine block lower structural extension. The oil pan
must not be used for lifting the engine as noted by the
icon on the pan. These oil pans are equipped with M5
jackscrews for easy removal. Once properly cleaned,
the oil pan is reusable.

Balance Shaft Assembly
The single balance shaft is internal to the engine block.
The oil pump is attached to the lower structural
extension of the engine block. The balance shaft and oil
pump are driven by the balance shaft chain. The engine
oil pump supplies pressure to the hydraulic tensioner,
which provides the chain's tension. This design
promotes the maximum effectiveness of the balance
shaft system and further reduces engine noise and
vibration.
Crankshaft
The crankshaft is made of forged micro alloy steel. Six
counterweights have been scalloped for mass
reduction and precision engine balance. A harmonic
balancer controls torsional vibration.
Pistons and Connecting Rods
The cast aluminum pistons in the new 1.3L (L3T)
engine are a lightweight and low-friction design with a
recessed top and a barrel-shaped, graphite-coated
skirt. Its cast iron top ring provides added strength. The
pistons use two compression rings and one oil control
ring assembly. The chromium steel pins are designed
to be full-floating and must be serviced with the pistons

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Lubrication System
The lubrication system includes a continuously variable
oil pump, an oil filter bypass valve, and an oil heat
exchanger.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-032

February, 2020

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Oil Pump and Oil Control Valve
The continuously variable oil pump has an oil control
valve that controls the oil flow to the oil pump, thereby
controlling the oil pressure in the main gallery. The oil
control valve is controlled by the engine control module.

Page 5

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Oil Heat Exchanger
The oil cooler heat exchanger is mounted to the lower
right side of the engine and is used to heat or cool
engine oil.
Camshafts Actuator System
The camshaft actuator system on the cylinder set
strategy engine is much like the camshaft actuator
systems found on other GM engines. This system
enables the engine control module to change camshaft
timing while the engine is running. The intake and
exhaust camshaft position actuator assemblies vary the
camshaft position in response to directional changes in
oil pressure. Modifying camshaft timing under varying
engine load provides better power, fuel economy, and
lower emissions.
Camshaft Position Sensors
There are two camshaft position sensors, providing
feedback to the engine control module. These sensors
are integrated into the camshaft cover.

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Oil Filter Bypass Valve
The lubrication system also includes an oil filter bypass
valve located inside the filter thread nipple. This bypass
valve is used to continue providing oil to the engine in
the event the oil filter becomes plugged.

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February, 2020

Active Thermal Management Cooling System
The cooling system on the cylinder set strategy engine
is completely new and different. A new system called
active thermal management is now used to control the
coolant temperature. This system helps the engine and
transmission warm up faster and achieve its optimal
temperature, improving performance and efficiency.
Active thermal management sends heat where it is
needed to reduce friction and heat the passenger
compartment. Likewise, this system cools the engine
and transmission when necessary for high power
operation.
Crankcase Ventilation System
The crankcase ventilation system incorporates a
pre-separator in the left side of the engine block below
the coolant control valve. As crankcase gasses enter
the pre-separator, oil separates and drains back to the
oil pan through two oil drain channels in the block. The
blow by flows internally from the pre-separator through
block and head into the fine separator.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-032

The high pressure fuel pump mounts to the rear of the
cylinder head and is driven by a hydraulic roller lifter,
which is in turn driven by the intake camshaft. The fuel
system is capable of producing 35 MPa (5076 PSI).
Evaporative Emission Purge Pump
The 2020 Buick Encore GX is equipped with an
evaporative emission purge pump located on the left
rear of the engine. This pump is necessary because the
purge capacity is reduced by technologies that improve
fuel economy. The purge pump is required to increase
the purge volumes to meet Low Emission Vehicle 3
Evaporative Emission requirements. This pump has an
integral pressure sensor and is controlled by the engine
control module.
Turbocharger
The L3T engine uses a turbocharger which has been
optimized to reduce turbo lag and give the engine more
immediate throttle response, capable of a maximum
boost of 1.5 bar (22 PSI). The engine control module
controls the turbocharger wastegate and bypass
valves.

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Ignition System
The ignition system of the 1.3L (L3T) engine is a coil
per plug system featuring 14 mm spark plugs that are
installed seven degrees offset in the cylinder head.
During installation, it is important to take care to avoid
damaging the spark plug and cylinder head threads.
The camshaft position sensors are located on the
camshaft cover, and the crankshaft position sensor is
located on the left rear of the engine with the target
wheel attached to the rear of the crankshaft. Two knock
sensors are located on the intake side of the engine.
Fuel Injection System
The 1.3L (L3T) engine is equipped with a direct
injection system and consists of three direct injection
fuel injectors that mount in the side of the cylinder head
below the intake ports. The injector tip size is now
6 mm, so it requires a new seal installer and sizer.

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1.2L (LIH) Engine Overview
The 2020 Buick Encore GX front wheel drive will
feature the turbocharged 1.2L (LIH) engine paired with
the continuously variable transmission. It features a
turbo sized for the engine that produces good low-end
torque and high engine performance. An oil lubricated
wet timing belt reduces friction versus a timing chain or
dry belt.
Engine Specifications
Some of the mechanical features of the 1.2L (LIH),
inline 3-cylinder engine include torque of 225 Nm
(166 lb·ft) and 102 kW (137 HP). Refer to the table
below for all specifications.
• Engine Type: Inline three-cylinder
• Displacement: 1.2L (73 CID)
• Bore x Stroke: 75 mm x 90.5 mm
(2.953 in x 3.563 in)
• Block Material: Aluminum

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-032
•
•
•
•
•

February, 2020

Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
Compression Ratio: 10:1
Firing Order: 1–2–3
Horsepower (@5000 RPM): 102 kW (137 HP)
Torque (@4000 RPM): 225 Nm (166 lb ft)

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maximize gasoline combustion efficiency. The exhaust
manifold is integrated into the cylinder head. The fuel
injectors are located between the camshafts, near the