Programming a new key fob for your 2012 Buick Regal might seem daunting, but it’s a process you can accomplish at home with patience and the right instructions. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough to help you program your 2012 Buick Regal Key Fob, ensuring you regain full access and control of your vehicle. This procedure will unlearn all previously programmed keys, so ensure you have all key fobs you intend to use with the vehicle present before beginning. The entire process will take approximately 30 minutes and can accommodate up to 8 key fobs for a single vehicle. It’s important to note that this procedure only programs the key fob functions and not the immobilizer information between the Body Control Module (BCM) and Engine Control Module (ECM). This method works whether you have existing programmed keys or not. If you do have existing keys, keep them far away from the vehicle to prevent accidentally initiating the “Adding Keys” procedure instead. Ensure any new keys have the correct mechanical cut to match your current key.
To begin the programming sequence, insert the mechanical key of your new key fob into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within ten seconds.
Alt text: Close-up of the driver’s side door lock cylinder on a 2012 Buick Regal, highlighting the key insertion point.
After completing this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) display will show “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait”. You must now wait for ten minutes. After the ten-minute interval, the DIC will change to display “Press Engine Start Button To Learn”. Press the ignition mode switch. The DIC will once again display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait”. Repeat this ten-minute waiting process and ignition mode switch press two additional times, for a total of thirty minutes of waiting. This extended process is crucial as it unlearns all previously programmed keys, clearing the system for your new key fobs.
Once the thirty minutes have elapsed, all old keys will be unlearned, and the DIC display will change to “Ready For Remote # 1”. This indicates the system is now ready to learn your new key fob.
Now, locate the key pocket within your 2012 Buick Regal. The key pocket is situated inside the center console storage area, beneath the cup holder. To access it, simply remove the rubber cup holder liner.
Alt text: Location of the key pocket inside the center console of a 2012 Buick Regal, with the cup holder liner removed to show the pocket.
Place your new key fob into this key pocket with the buttons facing upwards. Press the ignition mode switch. When the key fob is successfully learned, the DIC will indicate that it is ready to program the next key. Remove the key fob from the key pocket and press the unlock button to confirm programming.
If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat Steps 4 through 6 for each additional key. Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ignition mode switch for 5 seconds to exit the programming mode. Your 2012 Buick Regal key fob programming is now complete.
This detailed guide should help you successfully program your 2012 Buick Regal key fob. By following these steps carefully, you can save time and money by avoiding a trip to the dealership.
