Is your 1999 Buick Century Key Fob not working, or did you recently purchase a replacement remote? Programming your key fob for your 1999 Buick Century can often be done easily at home without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides you with straightforward, step-by-step instructions to program your 1999 Buick Century key fob, ensuring you regain convenient access to your vehicle’s features.
Understanding Your 1999 Buick Century Key Fob
Key fobs offer convenient access to your vehicle, allowing you to lock and unlock doors, and sometimes activate the panic alarm or trunk release, all at the press of a button. For a 1999 Buick Century, having a properly programmed key fob enhances your vehicle’s security and ease of use. Whether you’re replacing a lost fob or adding an extra one, knowing how to program it yourself can save you time and money.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions for Your 1999 Buick Century Key Fob (Method 1)
This first method is a common approach for programming key fobs on many General Motors vehicles of this era, including the 1999 Buick Century. Ensure you have all key fobs you intend to use with the vehicle present before starting, as programming will erase previous codes.
- Ensure all doors are closed. This is crucial for the system to enter programming mode correctly.
- Insert the ignition key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the ON position. This is the position right before you would start the engine.
- Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key from the ignition.
- Press and HOLD the driver’s side door lock switch in the UNLOCK position. Keep holding it throughout the next steps.
- Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and remove it. Do this once. (Do not turn the key).
- Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and remove it again. Do this a second time. (Do not turn the key).
- Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder for a third time and leave it in the ignition cylinder. (Do not turn the key).
- Release the door lock switch. Listen for three beeps. These beeps indicate that the vehicle has successfully entered the key fob programming mode.
- Press and hold both the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously on the keyless entry remote you wish to program. Hold the buttons until the vehicle beeps twice. This may take approximately 15 seconds. The two beeps confirm that the transmitter has been successfully programmed.
- Repeat step 9 for any additional key fobs you need to program, including your original fobs. You can program up to four transmitters using this method.
- Remove the ignition key from the ignition cylinder to exit the programming mode. Test each key fob to ensure it’s working correctly by locking and unlocking the doors.
Alternative Programming Method for Your 1999 Buick Century Key Fob (Method 2)
If the first method doesn’t work, here’s an alternative set of instructions that some 1999 Buick Century owners have found successful.
- Sit in the driver’s seat and ensure you have easy access to the door lock switch and ignition.
- Remove the ignition key completely from the ignition lock cylinder.
- Close all vehicle doors.
- Press and HOLD the unlock button on the door lock switch located on the driver’s side door panel.
- While holding the door lock switch in the UNLOCK position, insert the ignition key into the ignition cylinder and remove it twice. Do not turn the key at any point; just slide it in and back out.
- Insert the ignition key a third time, leaving the key in the ignition cylinder. Do not turn the key.
- Release the door lock switch. Listen for three chimes. These chimes signal that the transmitter programming mode is now active.
- Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the keyless entry remote at the same time for approximately 12 seconds. You should hear two chimes. These two chimes confirm that the transmitter has been programmed successfully.
- Repeat step 8 for each additional transmitter you wish to program.
- Exit programming mode by removing the key from the ignition cylinder. Test all programmed key fobs to verify they are functioning as expected.
Troubleshooting Common Key Fob Programming Issues
If you encounter problems while programming your 1999 Buick Century key fob, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Timing is crucial: Ensure you follow the timing precisely, especially when inserting and removing the key and holding down the lock/unlock buttons.
- Door lock switch: Make sure you are using the driver’s side door lock switch and holding it in the correct (UNLOCK) position firmly.
- Battery condition: Weak batteries in your key fob can sometimes interfere with programming. Try replacing the batteries in your key fob with fresh ones before attempting to program.
- Vehicle battery: A low vehicle battery can also cause issues with electronic systems. Ensure your car battery is in good condition.
- Incorrect Fob: Verify that the key fob you are trying to program is the correct type for your 1999 Buick Century. Check the part number if possible.
- Programmed Fobs Limit: Remember that the system might have a limit on the number of programmed fobs. If you’ve already programmed the maximum number, you might need to clear the memory (which usually happens when you start the programming process again) or consult a professional.
Need a Replacement 1999 Buick Century Key Fob?
If you need a replacement key fob for your 1999 Buick Century, you can find a wide selection online at Keylessentryremotefob.com. Look for the part number 10246215 for a compatible replacement.
Conclusion
Programming your 1999 Buick Century key fob yourself is usually a straightforward process using one of the methods described above. By following these steps carefully, you can quickly regain the convenience of your remote keyless entry system. If you continue to experience difficulties, consider seeking assistance from a professional key fob installer in your area. You can find a local professional by entering your city or zip code in the search tool available at Keylessentryremotefob.com.
(Note: The image URLs used above are placeholders. You would need to replace these with actual image URLs relevant to key fob programming and Buick Century vehicles. Also, ensure the ALT text for images is descriptive and SEO-friendly.)
