Losing or needing to replace your key fob for your 2014 Buick Encore can be a hassle. Fortunately, programming a new key fob can often be done yourself, saving you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for programming your 2014 Buick Encore Key Fob, covering different scenarios based on your vehicle’s ignition type and whether you have a working key.
Programming for 2014 Buick Encore with Regular Ignition
If your 2014 Buick Encore uses a standard ignition where you insert and turn a key, and you have at least one already programmed and working key, follow these simple steps to program a new key fob. Remember, this procedure is for adding keys; it will not erase any previously programmed keys. Ensure the new key is properly cut before starting the programming process.
- Start with the Working Key: Insert your existing, programmed key into the ignition and start the engine. This step confirms the vehicle recognizes a valid key and prepares the system for programming.
- Turn Off and Remove: Once the engine is running, turn the ignition off and remove the working key from the ignition.
- Insert the New Key: Within 10 seconds of removing the working key, insert the new, uncut key you wish to program into the ignition. Turn the key to the “on” position, but do not start the engine.
- Wait for Security Light: Keep the key in the “on” position. The security light on your dashboard should turn off once the new key is successfully programmed. Due to the potentially quick programming process, you might not visibly see the security light activate and then deactivate. If your 2014 Buick Encore does not have a security light, wait for approximately 10 minutes and 45 seconds to ensure the key programming is complete. This waiting period guarantees the vehicle has sufficient time to recognize and program the new key.
- Repeat for Additional Keys: If you need to program more than one additional key fob for your 2014 Buick Encore, repeat steps 1 through 4 for each new key.
This image represents a generic key fob and is for illustrative purposes to complement the text about key programming procedures.
Programming for 2014 Buick Encore with Push Button Ignition
For 2014 Buick Encore models equipped with push-button ignition, the programming procedure varies depending on whether you have a working key fob.
If You Have At Least One Working Key Fob (Proximity Key)
If you currently have a working proximity key for your 2014 Buick Encore, you can program a new transmitter. Ensure all transmitters – both working and new ones – are with you during this process. Also, make sure the key blade for the new transmitter is cut before proceeding.
- Place Working Transmitter: Put the recognized, already programmed transmitter into the cupholder of your 2014 Buick Encore.
- Use New Key in Door Lock: Insert the new, uncut key into the mechanical lock cylinder located on the outside of the driver’s side door. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within ten seconds. This action signals the vehicle to enter key fob programming mode. After this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) should display the message “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4, or 5,” indicating it’s ready to program a new key fob.
- Place New Transmitter in Pocket: Locate the transmitter pocket inside the center console storage area, underneath the cupholder. You may need to pull out the cupholder to access this pocket. Place the new transmitter into this pocket.
- Press Ignition Button: Press the ignition button. When the new transmitter is successfully learned by the system, the DIC display will update to show it is ready for programming the next transmitter, if applicable.
- Verify and Repeat: Remove the transmitter from the pocket and press the unlock button on the newly programmed fob to verify it is working. To program additional transmitters for your 2014 Buick Encore, repeat Steps 3 through 5. Once you have programmed all desired transmitters, press and hold the ignition button for 5 seconds to exit the programming mode.
If You Don’t Have Any Working Transmitters
If you have lost all your key fobs for your 2014 Buick Encore, you can still program new ones, but the procedure is longer and will take approximately 30 minutes. It’s highly recommended to connect your vehicle to a power source using jumper cables during this process, as the vehicle’s battery voltage can drop significantly during the procedure. Ensure all new transmitters you wish to program are with you and that the key blades are cut.
- Initial Door Lock Sequence: Insert the new, uncut key into the key lock cylinder on the driver’s door. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within ten seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.”
- First 10-Minute Wait: Wait for ten minutes. After this duration, the DIC should change and display “Press Engine Start Button To Learn.” Once you see this message, press the ignition button. The DIC will revert to displaying “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.”
- Repeat Wait and Press Twice: Repeat Step 2 two more times. This means you will have three 10-minute waiting periods, each followed by pressing the ignition button. After the third cycle, all previously known transmitters will be erased from the vehicle’s memory.
- Ready for Programming: The DIC should now display “Ready For Remote #1,” indicating the system is ready to learn the new transmitter.
- Place Transmitter in Pocket: Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket located in the center console, under the cupholder, just as described in the previous push-button ignition procedure.
- Press Ignition to Program: Press the ignition button. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will show it is ready for the next transmitter.
- Verify and Finish: Remove the transmitter from the pocket and press the unlock button to confirm it’s programmed. To program additional transmitters, repeat Steps 5 and 6. After programming all desired transmitters, press and hold the ignition button for 5 seconds to exit the programming mode.
Important Note: Your 2014 Buick Encore can have up to five transmitters programmed to it in total. Following these instructions carefully will help you get back on the road with a functioning key fob.