Buick Enclave: Engine Heater. Retained Accessory Power (RAP). Shifting Into Park

Engine Heater

The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). By warming the engine coolant before startup, the heater can help the engine reach a more favorable operating condition sooner, reduce cold-start strain, and improve cabin warm-up comfort.

Vehicles with an engine coolant heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting. Some models may have an internal thermostat in the cord which will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C). This helps the heater operate only when conditions are cold enough for it to be useful.

Using the engine coolant heater properly can be especially helpful when the Buick Enclave is parked outside overnight, during severe winter weather, or in regions where very low temperatures are common. It can make starting smoother and reduce the time needed for the engine and heater system to begin working effectively.

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located on the driver side of the engine compartment. It is routed around the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

WARNING
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.

Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

Use only a properly grounded outlet and a suitable extension cord when necessary. Do not use damaged cords, loose connections, lightweight household extension cords, or adapters that remove the grounding protection. Inspect the cord before use, especially after storage or after driving in harsh weather.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged.

After unplugging the cord, route it back to its proper storage position. The cord should not hang near belts, fans, pulleys, hot engine components, or sharp edges. A damaged heater cord can create an electrical hazard or prevent the heater from working correctly the next time it is needed.

The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors, including outside temperature, wind exposure, parking location, and how cold the engine is. Ask a dealer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this.

In very cold climates, planning ahead is important. Plugging in the heater before the vehicle is needed can make the next start easier and more comfortable, while also helping the engine warm more efficiently.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

Retained Accessory Power, or RAP, allows certain vehicle accessories to continue operating for a limited time after the ignition key is turned off. This feature adds convenience by allowing occupants to finish listening to the radio, close the windows, or operate other supported accessories without immediately turning the ignition back on.

These vehicle accessories can be used for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off:

The radio continues to work for 10 minutes or until the driver door is opened. Opening the driver door normally ends the retained accessory power period for the radio.

For an additional 10 minutes of operation, close all the doors and turn the key to ON/RUN and then back to LOCK/OFF. This restarts the accessory power period without requiring the engine to remain running.

All these features will work when the key is in the ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY positions. However, using accessories for too long while the engine is off can drain the battery, especially in cold weather or if the battery is weak.

RAP is useful for short convenience tasks, but it should not be treated as a substitute for normal engine operation when extended electrical use is needed. In the Buick Enclave, use retained accessory power carefully to preserve battery charge and avoid a no-start condition.

If the audio system, windows, or sunroof stop operating after the ignition is turned off, check whether a door has been opened or the RAP time limit has expired. Turn the key to the proper position only when continued accessory operation is necessary.

Shifting Into Park

WARNING
It can be 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. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips .

Before leaving the driver seat, always make sure the vehicle is fully secured. A vehicle that is not correctly shifted into P (Park) can move unexpectedly, especially on a slope, uneven pavement, a driveway, or while carrying passengers and cargo. The parking procedure should be followed carefully every time, even if the stop seems brief.

1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.

See Parking Brake  for more information. Keeping your foot on the regular brake while applying the parking brake helps prevent the vehicle from moving while you complete the shift into Park.

2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the button on the shift lever and pushing the shift lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).

After shifting into Park, take a moment to confirm the lever is fully seated in the P position. This is especially important when parking on a hill or when the Buick Enclave is loaded with passengers, luggage, or towing-related weight. A complete and deliberate parking routine helps protect the transmission and helps prevent unintended movement.

Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running

WARNING
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running.

The vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running.

Leaving the vehicle with the engine running should be avoided whenever possible. If the engine is running and the shift lever is not fully locked in P (Park), the vehicle may move without warning. This can create a serious risk for the driver, passengers, pedestrians, or nearby vehicles.

If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal down.

Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from P (Park) without first pushing the button.

If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked in P (Park).

This check helps confirm that the shift mechanism is properly engaged. If the lever can move without pressing the button, do not leave the vehicle. Reposition the lever fully into P (Park), keep the brake pedal applied, and make sure the parking brake is firmly set before attempting to exit.

Torque Lock

Torque lock occurs when the weight of the vehicle places too much force on the parking pawl inside the transmission. This usually happens when parking on a hill and shifting into P (Park) before properly setting the parking brake. When the vehicle rolls slightly against the transmission parking mechanism, it can become difficult to shift out of P (Park) later.

To help prevent torque lock, set the parking brake first and then shift into P (Park). This allows the parking brake to hold the vehicle's weight instead of placing the full load on the transmission parking pawl. To find out how, see “Shifting Into Park” listed previously.

If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).

When parking the Buick Enclave on an incline, use a careful sequence: hold the brake pedal, set the parking brake firmly, shift into P (Park), turn the ignition off, and remove the key. This method helps reduce strain on the transmission and makes it easier to shift out of Park when you return.