Losing or needing to replace a key fob for your 2012 Buick Regal can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, programming a new key fob isn’t always complicated and can sometimes be done at home, depending on your situation. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for programming your 2012 Buick Regal key fob, ensuring you regain access and control of your vehicle quickly.
When Do You Need to Program a 2012 Buick Regal Key Fob?
You might need to program your key fob in several scenarios:
- Replacement: If you’ve lost your original key fob or it’s no longer functioning.
- Adding a Spare: It’s always wise to have a backup key fob for emergencies.
- New Key Fob Purchase: After buying a new or used key fob online or from a dealership.
The programming method varies depending on whether you have an existing, programmed key and the type of key you have (flip key/standard key or smart key/keyless access). Let’s break down the different scenarios.
Lost All Keys? Locksmith Programming is Required (Flip Key or Standard Key)
If you have a standard ignition key or a flip key and have unfortunately lost all of your keys, you will need professional help. Due to security measures, programming a new key when all keys are lost requires specialized equipment.
- Find a Qualified Automotive Locksmith: Search online for “automotive locksmith near me” or use a directory to locate a locksmith specializing in car key programming.
- Consider Driving to the Locksmith: If your Buick Regal is still drivable, taking it to the locksmith’s location can often be more cost-effective than requesting a mobile service.
- Locksmith Programming Process: The locksmith will use specialized computer diagnostic tools to connect to your vehicle’s onboard system. This equipment allows them to bypass the security measures and program a new key fob specifically for your 2012 Buick Regal.
Adding a Key When You Have One Programmed Key (Flip Key or Standard Key)
If you already possess one working, programmed flip key or standard key for your 2012 Buick Regal, you can program an additional key yourself using the following procedure:
- Insert and Turn the Existing Key: Place your currently programmed key into the ignition. Turn the key to the “ON/RUN” position. This is the position just before you would start the engine.
- Turn Off and Remove the Key: Turn the ignition key back to the “LOCK/OFF” position and then remove the key from the ignition.
- Insert the New Key and Turn On: Within five seconds of removing the original key, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition. Turn this new key to the “ON/RUN” position.
- Wait for Security Light: Keep the key in the “ON/RUN” position. The security indicator light on your dashboard will turn off once the new key has been successfully programmed to your vehicle.
- Repeat for More Keys (If Needed): If you need to program additional keys, simply repeat steps 1 through 3 for each new key you want to add.
Lost All Keys? Smart Key Programming (Keyless Access Vehicles Only)
For 2012 Buick Regal models equipped with keyless access (smart key), the programming procedure when all keys are lost is different and involves using the door lock cylinder.
- Use Key in Door Lock Cylinder: Take the physical key portion from your new smart key fob and insert it into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Cycle the key to the “unlock” position five times in rapid succession within 10 seconds.
- Wait for “Remote Learn Pending” Message: After performing the door lock cycling, the Driver Information Center (DIC) display in your instrument cluster will show the message “Remote Learn Pending. Please Wait.”
- Wait 10 Minutes and Press Ignition: You must now wait for approximately 10 minutes. After this period, the DIC will change to display “Press Engine Start Button Learn.” Once you see this message, press the engine start button. The DIC will revert back to “Remote Learn Pending. Please Wait.”
- Repeat Wait and Press Twice: Repeat step 2 and step 3 two more times. This means you will go through the 10-minute waiting period and ignition button press a total of three times. After the third repetition, all previously programmed key fobs will be deactivated, and the DIC will display “Ready For Remote #1.”
- Place Transmitter in Transmitter Pocket: Locate the transmitter pocket. In the 2012 Buick Regal, this pocket is situated inside the center console, underneath the cupholder. You will need to pull out the cupholder to access the pocket. Place the new smart key fob into this transmitter pocket.
- Press Ignition Button to Program: Press the ignition button again. When the vehicle successfully recognizes and programs the key fob, the DIC will change to show “Ready For Remote #2.” This indicates that the first key fob has been programmed, and the system is ready for the next.
- Remove and Test: Take the programmed key fob out of the transmitter pocket. Press the “unlock” button on the fob to confirm it is now working correctly with your Buick Regal.
- Program Additional Fobs (If Desired): If you have more key fobs to program, repeat steps 4 through 6 for each additional fob.
- Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, press and hold the ignition button for approximately 5 seconds to exit the key fob programming mode.
Adding a Key When You Have One Programmed Smart Key (Keyless Access Vehicles Only)
If you have a working smart key and wish to program an additional smart key for your keyless access 2012 Buick Regal, follow these steps:
- Place Original Transmitter in Cupholder: Put your existing, programmed smart key fob into the cupholder of your center console.
- Cycle Door Lock with New Key: Take the physical key from your new smart key fob and insert it into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Cycle the key to the “unlock” position five times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a message indicating it is ready to program the next remote, such as “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4 or 5.”
- Place New Transmitter in Pocket: Place the new smart key fob that you want to program into the transmitter pocket located in the center console, under the cupholder.
- Press Ignition Button: Press the ignition button. When the new transmitter is successfully programmed, the DIC will update to show a message like “Ready For Remote # (next transmitter),” indicating it is prepared for programming the subsequent key fob if needed.
- Remove and Test New Key: Take the newly programmed key fob out of the transmitter pocket. Press the “unlock” button on the fob to ensure it is now functioning correctly with your vehicle.
- Repeat for More Keys: If you have more smart key fobs to program, repeat steps 3 to 5 for each additional key.
- Exit Programming Mode: To finish the programming process, press and hold the ignition button for about 5 seconds. This will exit the key fob programming mode.
By following these instructions, you should be able to successfully program a 2012 Buick Regal key fob. Remember to always double-check the steps and ensure you are performing the correct procedure for your specific type of key and situation. If you encounter any difficulties, consulting a professional automotive locksmith is always a reliable option.
