Buick Key Fob Programming
Almost every Buick we cover can be programmed at home, 101 of 102 model years. The catch is that Buick uses nine different GM procedures, so match yours by model and ignition type. Older cars like the Century and Regal program remotes by holding the door's Unlock switch while cycling the key. Push-button models like the Enclave and Envision use GM's smart key routine. Every Buick fob we cover takes a CR2032.
Choose your Buick model for programming steps, the battery it uses, and the correct replacement fob with FCC ID and part number — 102 model years across 14 models.
- Allure 2010–2012
- Century 2001–2005
- Enclave 2008–2020
- Encore 2014–2020
- Envision 2017–2020
- Lacrosse 2005–2020
- Lesabre 2000–2005
- Lucerne 2006–2011
- Park Avenue 1997–2005
- Rainier 2004–2007
- Regal 2001–2020
- Rendezvous 2002–2007
- Terraza 2005–2007
- Verano 2012–2017
A brass dot marks models with verified replacement-fob data (FCC ID + part number).
Can you program a Buick key fob yourself?
On 101 of the 102 model years we cover (99%). The rest need a locksmith or dealer. Buick uses 9 different onboard procedures:
- GM Transponder Key Programming With a Working Key
45 model years · Enclave (2008–2013); Lacrosse (2005–2009); Lesabre (2000–2005); Lucerne (2006–2011); Park Avenue (1997–2005); Rainier (2004–2007); Rendezvous (2002–2007); Terraza (2005–2007)
- GM Key and Transmitter Programming by Ignition Type
24 model years · Allure (2010–2012); Encore (2014–2016); Lacrosse (2010–2016); Regal (2011–2016); Verano (2012–2016)
- GM Smart Key Programming for Push-Button Start
17 model years · Enclave (2015–2020); Envision (2017–2020); Lacrosse (2017–2020); Regal (2018–2020)
- Buick Century and Regal Remote Programming
9 model years · Century (2001–2005); Regal (2001–2004)
- GM Remote Programming With and Without a Driver Information Center
8 model years · Enclave (2008–2010); Lucerne (2006–2010)
- Buick Rendezvous, Intrigue and Aztek Remote Programming
6 model years · Rendezvous (2002–2007)
- GM Key and Smart Key Programming With or Without a Working Key
5 model years · Encore (2017–2020); Regal (2017)
- GM Remote Programming by Holding the Unlock Switch
4 model years · Rainier (2004–2007)
- GM Key Programming: Regular Ignition and Push-Button Start
1 model year · Verano (2017)
What battery does a Buick key fob take?
Every Buick fob we cover takes a CR2032.
| Battery | Model years | Models |
|---|---|---|
| CR2032 battery on Amazon | 102 | Allure (2010–2012); Century (2001–2005); Enclave (2008–2020); Encore (2014–2020); Envision (2017–2020); Lacrosse (2005–2020); Lesabre (2000–2005); Lucerne (2006–2011); Park Avenue (1997–2005); Rainier (2004–2007); Regal (2001–2004, 2011–2020); Rendezvous (2002–2007); Terraza (2005–2007); Verano (2012–2017) |
Buick key types
The replacement keys we've matched to Buick models fall into 4 types. A model year can take more than one, which is why the model pages list each option with its FCC ID.
- Transponder Key 1997–2016
- A cut metal key with a chip in the head. No buttons.
- Remote 1997–2017
- A separate key fob that only handles locking and unlocking.
- Remote Head Key 2010–2020
- One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.
- Proximity Key 2017–2020
- Stays in your pocket — the car unlocks and starts without inserting a key.
What Buick key programming costs
US price ranges for the key types above, with a working key on hand. Losing every key costs more, $200–$500 at a locksmith for a basic fob or transponder key.
| Key | Locksmith | Dealer |
|---|---|---|
| Basic remote, working key on hand | $50–$150 | $100–$250 |
| Transponder or remote-head key | $75–$200 | $150–$350 |
| Smart / push-to-start key | $150–$400 | $250–$600 |
Full breakdown and sources: key fob programming cost .
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