How to Program a 2018 Buick Encore Ignition Smart Chip Key Transponder

Step by Step How to Programming Instructions:

For vehicles with separate ignition keys and remotes, follow these steps to program the ignition key. You’ll need two working programmed ignition keys to add a new key to the system:

1. Insert the first already programmed key into the ignition and turn it on.
2. Turn the ignition off and remove the key.
3. Quickly, within five seconds, insert the second already programmed key into the ignition and turn it on.
4. Turn the ignition off and remove the key.
5. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn the ignition on within five seconds. The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1–5 if additional keys are to be programmed.

If all keys are lost and no programmed keys are available, follow these steps to program the first key. Note: Canadian regulations may require owners to see their dealer in such cases. This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes to complete for the first key. Ensure the vehicle is off and all keys you wish to program are with you:

1. Insert the new vehicle key into the ignition.
2. Turn the ignition on. The security light will come on.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the security light turns off.
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more times. After the third time, turn the ignition on; the key is programmed, and all previously programmed keys will no longer work with the vehicle.
6. To program the second key, turn the ignition off. Insert the second key to be programmed and turn the ignition on. After two keys are programmed, the remaining keys can be programmed by following the procedure in “Programming with Two Recognized Keys.”

For vehicles with a Smart Key System and Keyless Access Vehicles:

To program a new transmitter to the vehicle when there are two recognized transmitters, follow these steps:

1. Remove the key from a recognized transmitter.
2. Place the recognized transmitters in the cup holder or passenger seat.
3. Insert the vehicle key into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle. Then turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, etc.
4. Place the new transmitter in the transmitter pocket/insert. Open the center console storage area and the storage tray. The transmitter pocket/insert is in front of the storage area next to the center console storage area between the driver and front passenger seats.
5. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC display will show that it is ready to program the next transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press unlock or lock on the transmitter. To program additional transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6. When all additional transmitters are programmed, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
7. Return the key back into the transmitter.

For vehicles with Keyless Access:

If there are no currently recognized transmitters available, follow these steps to program up to eight transmitters:

1. Remove the vehicle key from the transmitter.
2. Insert the vehicle key into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle; then turn the key counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC display will again show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
4. Repeat Step 3 two additional times. After the third time, all previously known transmitters will no longer work with the vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be relearned during the next steps. The DIC display should now show READY FOR REMOTE #1.
5. Place the new transmitter in the transmitter pocket/insert. Open the center console storage area and the storage tray. The transmitter pocket/insert is in front of the storage area next to the center console storage area between the driver and front passenger seats.
6. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC display will show that it is ready to program the next transmitter.
7. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket/insert and press unlock or lock on the transmitter. To program additional transmitters, repeat Steps 5–7. When all additional transmitters are programmed, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
8. Return the key back into the transmitter.