Losing or needing an extra key fob for your 2005 Buick LaCrosse can be a common issue. Fortunately, programming a new key fob yourself is often possible and can save you a trip to the dealership. This guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to program a car fob for your 2005 Buick LaCrosse, covering different scenarios to ensure you can get back on the road quickly and easily.
This article will walk you through the process for vehicles with a standard ignition system when you have an existing programmed key, and for vehicles equipped with a push-button ignition, addressing situations where you have a working transmitter and when you don’t. Follow these instructions carefully to successfully program your new car fob.
Programming a 2005 Buick LaCrosse Car Fob with a Working Key (Standard Ignition)
If you already have a programmed and working key for your 2005 Buick LaCrosse, you can easily program an additional key fob. This procedure is designed to add new keys without erasing any previously programmed ones. Before starting, ensure that the new key is properly cut to match your vehicle’s ignition.
Here’s how to program your car fob when you have a working key:
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Start the Vehicle with the Existing Key: Insert your original, already programmed key into the ignition. Turn the key to the “start” position and start the engine. Let the engine run for a few seconds to ensure it has properly started.
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Turn Off and Remove the Key: After the engine is running, turn the ignition key back to the “off” position. Remove the original key from the ignition cylinder.
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Insert and Turn the New Key: Within 10 seconds of removing the original key, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition. Turn this new key to the “on” position. Do not start the engine at this point. Simply turn the key to the position just before starting the engine, where the dashboard lights illuminate.
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Wait for Security Light (or 10 Minutes 45 Seconds): Keep the key in the “on” position. In most cases, the security light on your dashboard should turn off once the new key is successfully programmed. However, due to the rapid programming process, you might not clearly see the security light illuminate and then turn off. If your 2005 Buick LaCrosse does not have a visible security light, or if you are unsure, wait for a duration of 10 minutes and 45 seconds. This extended waiting period ensures that the key programming process is completed.
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Test the New Key: After the security light turns off (or after waiting 10 minutes and 45 seconds), turn the key to the “off” position and remove it from the ignition. Test the newly programmed key to ensure it starts your 2005 Buick LaCrosse and operates the door locks correctly.
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Program Additional Keys (If Needed): If you need to program more than one new key fob, repeat steps 1 through 5 for each additional key.
Programming a 2005 Buick LaCrosse Car Fob with Push Button Ignition
For 2005 Buick LaCrosse models equipped with push-button ignition, the programming procedure varies depending on whether you have a working transmitter (proximity key) or not.
Scenario 1: Programming with at Least One Working Transmitter
If you have at least one functional transmitter for your 2005 Buick LaCrosse, you can program additional transmitters. Ensure all transmitters you wish to program, both working and new, are with you and that the new key blade (if applicable) is cut.
Follow these steps when you have a working transmitter:
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Place Working Transmitter in Cupholder: Turn your vehicle off completely. Place the recognized, already programmed transmitter into the cupholder of your 2005 Buick LaCrosse.
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Use New Key in Driver Door Lock: Insert the new, unprogrammed key into the physical lock cylinder located on the outside of the driver’s side door. Turn the key to the “unlock” position five times in rapid succession within a 10-second timeframe. After this step, the Driver Information Center (DIC) in your vehicle should display the message “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4, or 5.” This message indicates that your vehicle has entered the key fob programming mode and is ready to learn a new transmitter.
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Place New Transmitter in Transmitter Pocket: Locate the transmitter pocket inside your 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 designated pocket.
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Press the Ignition Button: Once the new transmitter is placed in the pocket, press the ignition button. When the transmitter is successfully learned by the vehicle’s system, the DIC display will update to show that it is ready to program the next transmitter, if you have more to program.
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Remove and Test: Remove the newly programmed transmitter from the transmitter pocket. Press the “unlock” button on the new transmitter to test if it is working correctly with your 2005 Buick LaCrosse.
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Program Additional Transmitters (If Needed): To program additional transmitters, repeat steps 3 through 5.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired transmitters, press and hold the ignition button for approximately 5 seconds to exit the key fob programming mode.
Scenario 2: Programming with No Working Transmitters
If you have lost all your working transmitters for your 2005 Buick LaCrosse, you will need to follow a more extended 30-minute programming procedure. Ensure all new transmitters you wish to program are with you and the key blades are cut. It is strongly recommended to connect your vehicle to a power source using jumper cables or a battery maintainer during this process, as the vehicle’s battery voltage can drop significantly during the 30-minute procedure.
Here’s how to program a car fob when you don’t have any working transmitters:
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Enter Remote Learning Mode: Insert the new, unprogrammed key into the key lock cylinder on the outside of the driver’s door. Turn the key to the “unlock” position five times within 10 seconds. The DIC will display “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.”
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Wait 10 Minutes – First Interval: Wait for a full ten minutes. After this initial ten-minute period, the DIC display will change to “Press Engine Start Button To Learn.” Press the ignition button once. The DIC will then revert back to displaying “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.”
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Repeat Wait and Press – Second and Third Intervals: Repeat step 2 two more times. Each time, you will wait for ten minutes until the DIC prompts you to press the start button, and then press the ignition button, after which the “Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait” message will reappear. This three-cycle process is crucial for erasing any previous transmitter information and preparing the system to learn new transmitters. After the third cycle, all previously known transmitters will no longer work with the vehicle.
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Vehicle Ready to Learn New Transmitter: After the third 10-minute cycle and pressing the ignition button, the DIC should display “Ready For Remote #1.” This indicates the system is now ready to program the first new transmitter.
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Place New Transmitter in Transmitter Pocket: Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket located in the center console, under the cupholder.
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Press the Ignition Button: Press the ignition button. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC display will show that it is ready to program the next transmitter.
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Remove and Test: Remove the newly programmed transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press the “unlock” button to test its functionality.
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Program Additional Transmitters (If Needed): To program additional transmitters, repeat steps 5 through 7.
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Exit Programming Mode: Once all transmitters are programmed, press and hold the ignition button for 5 seconds to exit the programming mode.
Important Note: Your 2005 Buick LaCrosse can have a maximum of five transmitters programmed to it. Ensure you do not exceed this limit when programming new key fobs. If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any step, it is always recommended to consult a certified mechanic or your local Buick dealership for professional assistance.
