How to Program a Buick Key Fob (DIY, Dealer, or Locksmith)

Buick shares General Motors’ key and immobilizer systems with Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac. That is useful for owners: GM is one of the few manufacturers that builds owner-level relearn procedures into many vehicles, including a way to add a key when you have none that work. The exact method depends on the Buick’s age and whether it has a turn-key ignition or push-button start.

This guide covers the LeSabre, Lucerne, LaCrosse, Enclave, Encore, Regal and Verano.

Buick key types and security systems

What you need

• A new fob with the correct FCC ID and part number. GM sometimes used different fobs on different trims of the same Buick.
• A fresh CR2032 for most Buick flip keys and smart keys. See our Buick key fob battery replacement guide.
• A cut key blade for flip keys, and the emergency blade from a smart key for the door lock method.
• Up to 30 minutes and a healthy 12V battery for timed relearns.

Buick key fob programming instructions: older separate remotes

LeSabre, Lucerne and first-generation LaCrosse owners usually have a separate keyless entry remote. GM used a few methods during that period:

• Driver Information Center menu: on many models with a DIC, turn the ignition on, scroll to a remote or “Relearn Remote Key” option, select it, and then press LOCK and UNLOCK together on each remote for about 15 seconds until a chime sounds.
• Button and door sequence: on some models without a DIC menu, the manual describes a sequence that uses the ignition or a door switch to enter learn mode.
• Scan tool: some years need a scan tool to put the body module into remote learn mode.

The owner’s manual section on “Remote Keyless Entry” or “Matching Transmitters to Your Vehicle” tells you which applies. Program every remote in one session, because learn mode usually erases the others.

Program a Buick Enclave or LaCrosse key with a working key

Turn-key Buicks with a PASS-Key III transponder (in the key head or a flip key) can often add a key using an existing key: switch a working key to ON, switch off, insert the new key within a few seconds and turn it to ON. The security light goes out after about 10 seconds when the key is learned. With no working key, the GM 30-minute relearn applies: the new key stays in ON for about 10 minutes until the security light changes, then off for a few seconds, repeated three times. Other keys are usually erased, so relearn them too.

These procedures are shared across GM brands; our Chevy key fob programming guide and Cadillac key fob programming guide walk through the same steps.

Push-button Buicks: door lock cylinder method

Many 2010s push-button Buicks include GM’s “Programming with Recognized Transmitters” procedure:

1. Close all doors. Remove the key blade from a working fob.
2. Insert the blade into the driver door lock cylinder and turn it to unlock five times within about 10 seconds.
3. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE followed by a number.
4. Place the new fob in the transmitter pocket (often inside the console or cupholder) and press ENGINE START/STOP.
5. When the display advances, repeat for other new fobs, then exit as the manual describes.

Without two working fobs, the display shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING and you wait through three 10-minute timers, about 30 minutes total.

Model notes: Encore, Enclave, LaCrosse, Lucerne, LeSabre

• Encore (2013-2022), including 2019: flip key on most trims, with a transponder that GM key relearns or a tool can add.
• Enclave: 2008-2017 mostly turn-key with a remote or flip key; 2014 Enclave owners can usually use the GM key relearn. 2018 and newer Enclaves use smart keys.
• LaCrosse: 2005-2009 separate remote; 2010-2016 flip key or smart key; 2011 LaCrosse is a common DIY case with a flip key.
• Lucerne (2006-2011) and LeSabre (to 2005): separate remotes; keys cut only on Passlock models.

Choosing the right Buick replacement fob

Buick used several GM fob families, and the safest way to buy is by the numbers printed on your current fob rather than by the picture in a listing. Look for the FCC ID on the back or inside the case, and the GM part number on a sticker or the circuit board. Then check these points:

• Button count: remote start and power liftgate buttons only work if the vehicle is equipped for them, and a fob without them cannot add those functions.
• Turn-key vs push-button: a flip key for a 2015 Encore will not work on a push-button Enclave, even if the frequency matches.
• Key blade: flip keys and smart key emergency blades must be cut. Locksmiths can cut by VIN code or by copying an existing key.
• New vs used: GM smart keys are often single-use; older separate remotes can sometimes be reused if the FCC ID matches.

If Buick key fob programming fails

• No READY message: confirm all doors are shut and the lock cylinder turns fully.
• Security light stays on: let each 10-minute timer finish. See how to fix an immobilizer problem.
• Remote not learned: wrong FCC ID or a used fob.
• Newer Buick ignores onboard steps: a GM-capable programmer, locksmith or dealer is needed.

Buick key fob programming cost

See the key fob programming cost guide for quote tips, and the main guide on how to program a key fob.

Frequently Asked Questions