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2017 Buick Encore Key Fob Programming

Updated 2026 Programming, battery & replacement fob

You can program a 2017 Buick Encore key fob yourself in a few minutes using a working key or remote, no dealer visit needed. Follow the steps below, then check the battery and the correct replacement fob (with FCC ID and part number) if you need a new one.

This GM vehicle comes in two ignition types — match yours: a regular key ignition (transponder or flip key) or push-button start (smart key). Each has a method for two working keys and one for when you have one or none.

Before you start

  • All your keys — working and new — with you
  • The new key cut beforehand

Regular ignition — with two working keys

  1. 1Insert an already-programmed key and turn to ON/RUN.
  2. 2Turn to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
  3. 3Within 5 seconds, insert the second programmed key and turn to ON/RUN.
  4. 4Turn to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
  5. 5Within 5 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON/RUN. The security light goes out once it's programmed.
  6. 6Repeat from step 1 for additional keys (up to 8 total).

Regular ignition — with one or no working key

Takes about 30 minutes. Not available in Canada.

  1. 1Insert the new key and turn to ON/RUN — the security light comes on.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until the security light goes out.
  3. 3Turn to LOCK/OFF.
  4. 4Repeat the ON/RUN, 10-minute wait, and OFF two more times. After the third, turn to ON/RUN — the new key is programmed and all previous keys stop working.
  5. 5To program a second key, turn OFF, insert it, and turn to ON/RUN. For more, use the two-working-keys method above.

Push-button start — with two working smart keys

  1. 1Remove the emergency key blade from one of the working smart keys.
  2. 2Place both working smart keys in the cupholder.
  3. 3Insert the emergency key blade into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket — center console for Cadillac, front cupholder for Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick.
  5. 5Press ENGINE START/STOP. When recognized, the display is ready for the next key.
  6. 6Take the key out and press Lock or Unlock on it. To add more, repeat the last three steps, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Push-button start — with one or no smart key

About 30 minutes; not available in Canada. With no working key, have the new blade cut by a locksmith first.

  1. 1Remove the key blade from your existing or new smart key and insert it into the driver's-door lock cylinder. Turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE.
  2. 2Wait about 10 minutes until it reads PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP (it shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING).
  3. 3Repeat that sequence two more times. After the third, all previous keys stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket, press ENGINE START/STOP, then take it out and press Lock or Unlock.
  5. 5To add another key, repeat the last step's actions, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Proximity Key

Stays in your pocket — the car unlocks and starts without inserting a key.

2017 Buick Encore 3/4-button Proximity Key, FCC ID HYQ4AA

3/4-button Proximity Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
HYQ4AA
OE part #
13506665, 13508417, 13532383, 13532390, 5944125, 5947338
Frequency
315 MHz
Chip
PHILIPS ID 46 GM EXT

Remote Head Key

2 versions

One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.

2017 Buick Encore 4/5-button Remote Head Key, FCC ID OHT05918179

4/5-button Remote Head Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
OHT05918179, P4O9MK74946931
OE part #
13500224, 13500225, 13500318, 13500319, 13504202, 13504203 +19 more
Frequency
315 MHz
Chip
PHILIPS ID 46
2017 Buick Encore 3/4/5-button Remote Head Key, FCC ID AVL-B01T1AC

3/4/5-button Remote Head Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC, KR55WK50073, OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514
OE part #
13500221, 13500222, 13500226, 13500227, 13501513, 13501514 +56 more
Frequency
315 MHz
Chip
PHILIPS ID 46 GM EXT

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

2017 Buick Encore key fob battery

Your 2017 Buick Encore key fob uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin cell. A fresh one typically lasts 3–5 years.

Find CR2032 batteries on Amazon

How to replace the battery

  1. 1 Slide the release latch and pull the metal emergency key out of the fob.
  2. 2 Use that key (or a coin) to pry the two halves apart at the seam.
  3. 3 Lift out the old coin cell — note which side faces up.
  4. 4 Drop in the new battery the same way (printed + side usually faces the back cover).
  5. 5 Press the case back together until it clicks, then test lock/unlock and push-to-start.

Battery tips

  • Use a fresh, name-brand 3V lithium cell — bargain cells drain quickly.
  • Even with a dead fob battery you can usually still start the car by holding the fob against the start button — check your owner's manual.
  • If the fob still won't work after a new battery, it may need re-syncing or programming.

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