Buick Encore Key Fob Programming: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Losing or needing an extra key fob for your Buick Encore can be a hassle, but programming a new one yourself can save you time and money. As a car repair expert at keyfobprog.com, I’ll walk you through the process of Buick Encore Key Fob Programming. This guide provides comprehensive instructions for both standard ignition and push-button start models, ensuring you can get back on the road quickly.

Programming Buick Encore Key Fobs for Regular Ignition

If your Buick Encore uses a traditional key ignition, and you have two already programmed keys, the process is straightforward. Before starting, ensure your new key is correctly cut to match your vehicle’s ignition. You can program up to eight keys to your Buick Encore.

Using Two Working Keys for Buick Encore Key Fob Programming:

1. Insert one of your existing, programmed keys into the ignition. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position, which is usually just before starting the engine.

2. Turn the ignition key back to the LOCK/OFF position and remove the key from the ignition.

3. Within five seconds of removing the first key, quickly insert your second, already programmed key into the ignition and turn it to the ON/RUN position.

4. Turn the key to the LOCK/OFF position again and remove the second key.

5. Now, within five seconds, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition. Turn it to the ON/RUN position. If the programming is successful, the security light on your Buick Encore dashboard should turn off. This indicates that your new key fob is now programmed.

6. If you need to program more key fobs, simply repeat steps 1 through 5.

Image: An ILCO B119-PT key fob, commonly used with Buick Encore regular ignition systems, highlighting the type of key you may be programming.

Buick Encore Key Fob Programming Without Two Working Keys:

If you don’t have two working keys, the Buick Encore key fob programming process becomes a bit longer, taking approximately 30 minutes. Please note that DIY programming for this method may not be available in Canada.

1. Insert the new, uncut vehicle key into the ignition of your Buick Encore.

2. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position. The security light will illuminate on your dashboard.

3. Wait for 10 minutes. The security light will turn off after this period.

4. Turn the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.

5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 two more times. This means you will go through the 10-minute wait period a total of three times. After the third time, turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position. Your new key should now be programmed, and any previously programmed keys will no longer function with your Buick Encore.

6. To program a second key fob, turn the ignition to OFF, insert the second new key to be programmed, and turn it to the ON/RUN position.

If you have additional keys to program after this initial process, you should be able to use the faster “Programming with Two Working Keys” procedure described earlier, assuming one of your newly programmed keys is now recognized as a working key.

Programming Buick Encore Smart Key Fobs for Push-Button Ignition

For Buick Encore models equipped with push-button ignition and smart keys, the programming procedure is different. Ensure your engine is off and you have all your smart keys—both working and new—with you before you begin.

Image: A selection of GM proximity smart keys, similar to those used with Buick Encore push-button start systems, showcasing the key fob design.

Buick Encore Smart Key Programming with Two Working Smart Keys:

1. Remove the emergency key blade from one of your working smart keys.

2. Place both of your working smart keys in the cupholder of your Buick Encore.

3. Insert the emergency key blade into the driver’s side door lock cylinder. Turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. On some Buick Encore models, you might need to remove a cap on the door handle to access the lock cylinder. After this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) in your vehicle should display a message like “READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc.”

4. Take the new smart key and place it into the transmitter pocket. For Buick Encore vehicles, this pocket is typically located in the front cupholder.

5. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When your Buick Encore recognizes the new smart key, the DIC display will update to indicate it’s ready for the next smart key to be programmed.

6. Remove the smart key from the transmitter pocket. Press either the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the smart key remote.

7. To program additional smart keys, repeat steps 4 through 6.

Once you have programmed all the smart keys you need, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

Buick Encore Smart Key Programming Without Two Working Smart Keys:

If you only have one or no working smart keys for your Buick Encore, this longer procedure is necessary. It also takes about 30 minutes and, like the regular ignition “no working keys” method, may not be available for DIY programming in Canada.

1. Remove the emergency key blade from your existing or new smart key. If you have no existing smart keys, ensure the emergency key blade for your new smart key is cut by a locksmith before proceeding.

2. Insert the emergency key blade into the driver door lock cylinder. Turn it counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The DIC should display “READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc.”

3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC display changes to “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN.” Then, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will then show “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.”

4. Repeat step 3 two more times. After the third cycle, all previously programmed smart keys will be erased. The DIC should then display “READY FOR REMOTE # 1.”

5. Place the new smart key into the transmitter pocket in the front cupholder of your Buick Encore.

6. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the system recognizes the smart key, the DIC will indicate it’s ready for the next key.

7. Remove the smart key from the transmitter pocket and press the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the smart key.

8. To program another smart key, repeat steps 6 through 8.

After programming all your desired smart keys, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for about 12 seconds to exit the programming mode.

Conclusion

Programming your Buick Encore key fob can be done at home with these straightforward steps. Whether you have a regular ignition or a push-button start, and whether you have working keys or not, these instructions should help you program your new key fob successfully. For more detailed guides and to purchase replacement key fobs, visit keyfobprog.com, your trusted source for automotive key programming solutions.