2019 Buick Encore Key Fob Programming: Your DIY Guide

Lost or need an extra key fob for your 2019 Buick Encore? Programming a new key fob might seem daunting, but you can actually do it yourself at home, saving time and money. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for programming your 2019 Buick Encore key fob, covering different scenarios to ensure you get back on the road quickly.

Understanding Your 2019 Buick Encore Key Fob Programming

There are generally two main methods to program a key fob for your 2019 Buick Encore, depending on whether your vehicle uses a standard ignition or a push-button start system, and if you have existing working key fobs. Knowing which system your Encore has is the first step to successful programming.

This guide will walk you through the procedures for both types of ignition systems, outlining the steps whether you have two existing working key fobs or not. Remember to have your new, uncut key fob ready before you begin any programming process. It’s also important to note that for vehicles with a regular ignition, the key needs to be cut to match your vehicle’s ignition before programming can be initiated.

Programming for Regular Ignition 2019 Buick Encore (If Applicable)

While the 2019 Buick Encore typically features a push-button start, some models might have a regular ignition. If your Encore uses a turn-key ignition, follow these steps:

Programming with Two Working Keys

If you have two already programmed and working keys for your 2019 Buick Encore, this is the simpler programming method:

1. Insert one of your original, working keys into the ignition. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
2. Turn the key to the LOCK/OFF position and remove it from the ignition.
3. Within five seconds, insert your second original, working key into the ignition and turn it to the ON/RUN position.
4. Turn the key to the LOCK/OFF position and remove it.
5. Quickly, within five seconds, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition and turn it to the ON/RUN position.

At this point, the security light on your dashboard should turn off, indicating that the new key has been successfully programmed to your 2019 Buick Encore.

An example of a regular ignition key, similar to those used in some vehicles.

Programming Without Two Working Keys

If you don’t have two working keys, the programming process for a regular ignition system takes longer and requires a 30-minute waiting period:

1. Insert the new, uncut key into the ignition of your 2019 Buick Encore.
2. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position. The security light will illuminate.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 two more times.
6. After the third 10-minute cycle, turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position. Your new key should now be programmed. Note that previously programmed keys might no longer work and may need to be reprogrammed using the “Programming with Two Working Keys” procedure.

Programming for Push-Button Start 2019 Buick Encore (Smart Key)

Most 2019 Buick Encore models come equipped with a push-button start and use a smart key fob. Here’s how to program a new smart key for your vehicle:

Programming with Two Working Smart Keys

If you have two functioning smart key fobs, programming a new one is relatively straightforward:

1. Ensure your 2019 Buick Encore is turned off and you have all smart keys (both working and new) with you inside the vehicle.
2. Remove the emergency key blade from one of your working smart keys.
3. Place both working smart keys in the cupholder of your Encore.
4. Insert the emergency key blade into the driver’s side door lock cylinder.
5. Turn the key blade counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. You might need to remove the lock cylinder cap on the door handle to access the lock. The Driver Information Center (DIC) in your Buick Encore should display “READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc.”
6. Take the new smart key and place it into the transmitter pocket. For Buick Encore models, this is typically located in the front cupholder.
7. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will indicate when the new smart key is recognized and is ready to program the next one.
8. Remove the programmed smart key from the transmitter pocket and press the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the smart key to finalize the programming.
9. To program additional smart keys, repeat steps 6-8.

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

Examples of GM smart keys, commonly used for push-button start vehicles like the 2019 Buick Encore.

Programming Without Two Working Smart Keys

If you only have one or no working smart keys for your 2019 Buick Encore, you’ll need to follow a slightly longer 30-minute procedure:

1. Ensure your Buick Encore is off and all smart keys are with you.
2. Remove the emergency key blade from your existing or new smart key.
3. Insert the emergency key blade into the driver door lock cylinder and turn it counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The DIC should display “READY FOR REMOTE # 2, 3, 4, etc.”
4. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays “PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN”. Then, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will then show “REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.”
5. Repeat step 4 two more times.
6. After the third 10-minute wait, all previously programmed smart keys will be erased. The DIC should now display “READY FOR REMOTE # 1.”
7. Place the new smart key into the transmitter pocket (front cupholder for Buick Encore).
8. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the smart key is recognized, the DIC will display that it’s ready for the next smart key.
9. Remove the smart key from the pocket and press the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the smart key.
10. To program additional smart keys, repeat steps 7-9.

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

Conclusion

Programming a key fob for your 2019 Buick Encore can be done at home by following the appropriate steps for your vehicle’s ignition system and whether you have existing working keys. By carefully following these instructions, you can save yourself a trip to the dealership and the associated costs. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual for specific instructions and further details related to your 2019 Buick Encore Key Fob Programming.