Buick Enclave: Manual Mode. Tow/Haul Mode

Manual Mode

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode

ERS mode allows the driver to choose the top-gear limit of the transmission and better manage vehicle speed while driving downhill, carrying a heavier load, or towing a trailer. Instead of manually selecting one fixed gear, this feature limits the highest gear the transmission can use, while still allowing automatic shifting through the lower gears. This gives the driver more control without requiring full manual gear operation.

In the Buick Enclave, ERS mode can be especially useful when more controlled speed management is needed. For example, it may help when descending a long grade, driving through rolling terrain, or towing where frequent upshifts and downshifts could make the vehicle feel less settled.

The vehicle has an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument panel cluster. When using the ERS mode, a number will display next to the L, indicating the current gear range that has been selected. This number is important because it tells the driver the highest gear the transmission is allowed to use.

To use this feature:

1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press the plus/minus button located on the shift lever, to increase or decrease the gear range available.

When you shift from D (Drive) to L (Low), the transmission will shift to a pre-determined lower gear range. This helps prepare the vehicle for stronger engine braking, improved low-speed control, or better response in demanding driving conditions.

The highest gear available for this pre-determined range is displayed next to the L in the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)  for more information.

The number displayed in the DIC is the highest gear that the transmission will be allowed to operate in. This means that all gears below that number are available. For example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are automatically shifted by the vehicle.

The transmission will not shift into 5 (Fifth) until the + (Plus) button is used or you shift back into D (Drive). This lets the driver hold the transmission within a lower range when higher gears are not desired.

While in L (Low), the transmission will prevent shifting to a lower gear range if the engine speed is too high. This protection helps prevent engine overspeed and drivetrain stress. You have a brief period of time to slow the vehicle. If vehicle speed is not reduced within the time allowed, the lower gear range shift will not be completed. You must further slow the vehicle, then press the − (Minus) button to the desired lower gear range.

Automatic Engine Grade Braking is not available when the ERS is active. It is available in D (Drive) for both normal and Tow/Haul mode. Because ERS gives the driver direct control over the available gear range, the vehicle does not use the same automatic grade braking strategy while ERS is selected.

While using the ERS, cruise control and the Tow/Haul mode can be used. See Tow/Haul Mode following.

Use ERS thoughtfully. Selecting too low of a range at higher speeds may not be accepted by the system, and selecting a range that is too restrictive for normal driving can reduce fuel economy or make the engine run at higher speeds than necessary. For everyday driving, D (Drive) remains the best choice, while ERS is helpful when added control is needed.

Tow/Haul Mode

(Tow/Haul): The vehicle may have a Tow/Haul mode.

The button is located on the instrument panel under the climate controls. Its location allows the driver to activate the feature when preparing to tow, carry a heavy load, or drive in conditions where the transmission may benefit from a different shift pattern.

Push the button to activate the system. Push it again to deactivate the system. You can use this feature to assist when towing or hauling a heavy load. Tow/Haul mode changes transmission operation to better support heavier demands, helping reduce unnecessary shifting and improve control when the vehicle is working harder than usual.

When Tow/Haul is activated, the Tow/Haul symbol will come on the instrument panel cluster. This indicator confirms that the system is active and that the transmission is using the Tow/Haul shift strategy.

See “Tow/Haul Mode” under Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips  for more information.

In the Buick Enclave, Tow/Haul mode should be considered when pulling a trailer, carrying a heavy cargo load, or driving on hilly routes with added weight. It does not increase the vehicle's maximum towing rating or payload capacity, but it can help the transmission respond more appropriately to the added load.

Automatic Engine Grade Braking

Automatic Engine Grade Braking assists when driving on a downhill grade. It maintains vehicle speed by automatically implementing a shift schedule that uses the engine and the transmission to slow the vehicle. The system will automatically command downshifts to reduce vehicle speed, until the brake pedal is no longer being pressed.

This feature can reduce the amount of brake pedal use needed on long descents. By allowing the engine and transmission to help manage speed, the system can help limit brake heat and improve driver confidence on downhill roads.

While in the Electronic Range Select (ERS) mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing the driver to select a range and limit the highest gear available. Grade braking is available for normal driving and in Tow/Haul mode.

See Automatic Transmission .

When driving downhill with a trailer or heavy load, remain attentive even when grade braking is active. The system can assist with speed control, but the driver is still responsible for using the brake pedal when needed, maintaining safe following distance, and choosing a proper speed for the road conditions.