Is your 1998 Buick LeSabre key fob no longer working, or did you get a replacement and need to program it? You can easily program your key fob yourself with a simple procedure, saving you time and money compared to going to a dealership. This guide will walk you through the steps to program your 1998 Buick LeSabre key fob quickly and efficiently.
Before you begin, make sure you have all the key fobs you wish to program for your vehicle. This procedure will program all remotes at once, and any previously programmed remotes not included in this session will no longer work.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
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Locate the Data Link Port: The Data Link Port, or DLC, is essential for initiating the programming sequence. For your 1998 Buick LeSabre, you’ll need to get down to the driver’s side floor. Look under the dashboard, near the steering column. You might need a flashlight to clearly see up under the dash. The port is usually trapezoidal in shape. It’s important to identify pins 4 and 8 on this port. Orient yourself by noticing the wider row at the top of the port. If the wider row is on top and the narrower row is at the bottom, pin 1 will be at the upper left corner, and pin 8 will be at the upper right corner. Verify that both pins 4 and 8 have metal pins inside them.
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Prepare to Jump Pins 4 and 8: Now you’ll need to create a jumper wire to connect pins 4 and 8 of the DLC. A simple piece of wire, or even a U-shaped paper clip, will work perfectly for this. Keep this jumper wire connected throughout the entire programming process.
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Enter Programming Mode: Insert your key into the ignition switch and turn the ignition to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine. When the connection between pin 8 and pin 4 is successfully made and the ignition is turned ON, your Buick LeSabre will signal that it has entered programming mode. It does this by automatically locking and then unlocking all the doors. This lock and unlock cycle confirms you are ready to program your key fobs.
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Program the First Key Fob: Take your first key fob that you want to program. Simultaneously press and hold down both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the fob. Continue holding both buttons for approximately 15 seconds. After about 15 seconds, the vehicle will respond again by locking and unlocking the doors. This lock/unlock sequence indicates that the first key fob has been successfully programmed. Release both buttons on the key fob after this confirmation.
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Program Additional Key Fobs (Within One Minute): If you have more key fobs to program, including any existing working fobs, you must program them within one minute of programming the first one. Repeat step 4 for each additional key fob you want to program. Remember, you need to include all remotes you want to work, as this process erases previous programming.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, remove the jumper wire from the Data Link Port. Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition.
Congratulations! You have now successfully programmed your 1998 Buick LeSabre key fobs. Test each fob to ensure they are working correctly by pressing the lock and unlock buttons and verifying the vehicle responds.
If you encounter any difficulties during this programming procedure, or if you prefer to have a professional handle it, you can always search for a local key fob programming service in your area. Enter your city or zip code online to find a qualified technician near you who can assist with your 1998 Buick Lesabre Key Fob Programming needs.
