Open a Buick with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Buick with a Dead Key Fob

This page holds all of the emergency open or back-up open procedures needed for Buick vehicles if the battery in the key fob dies or if there are electrical signals interfering with the fob.

Getting into Your Buick

• But first, if you are already inside, click here for help getting started!
• Second, for video help, click here!
• Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.

Retrieving the mechanical key

Buick uses the last two of GM’s three key fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) styles. Style 2 is a flip key, shown to the right. Simply press the unmarked chrome button to extend the mechanical key. It remains attached to the key fob.

If a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle, use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door. If a key hole is not visible, see below.

With the Style 3 key fob the mechanical key must removed from the fob for use getting into the vehicle. To remove the mechanical key, press the button on the side of the transmitter near the key ring, as shown, and pull the key out.

Once again, if a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle, use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door. If a key hole is not visible, see below.

Getting Inside

In the majority of Buick models, a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle. So, simply insert the mechanical key and turn and you’re inside.

All models, except Envista, later Enclave

However,  in the 2016 model year, Buick joined other GM models, hiding the key hole behind a cap at the back of the handle. The first models affected include the Envision and Lacrosse. The remaining models have followed suit.

In these cases, the cap must be removed to reveal the key hole. To remove the cap, pull the door handle out to the open position. Insert the key into the slot on the bottom of the cap (3, right). Push it as far upwards as possible, then pry outward. And yes, you WILL feel like you are prying off a piece of your car! Move the cap rearward revealing the key cylinder. Now the mechanical key can be used in the cylinder. Look for a video here to help.

Envista

Then came the new Envista in 2024. The key hole or lock cylinder is hiding behind an oval cap seen towards the rear of the driver’s door handle (right). It will need to be removed to expose the cylinder.

To remove the cap, pull the door handle to the open position. Look for a spot behind the oval cap that can accept the key (right). Insert the key into the spot and press the key inward. This will allow the cap to move. Move it towards the rear and remove it. The key hole is now visible and the door can be unlocked.

To replace the first cap, insert the two tabs at the back of the cap between the black seal and the metal base. Pull the door handle out to the door open position and move the cap forward and press to snap it into place. You can then release the door handle.

To replace the oval cap, insert the tab found at the back of the cap into the edge of door handle. Press the cap into place.

2025 Enclave

Beginning with the 2025 model year, the Enclave introduces a new, removable cap (right). Look for a slot on the underside of the handle. Insert the key into the slot and turn counterclockwise to remove the cap, which must be moved to the rear.

The key cylinder is then exposed, so insert the key and turn and you’re in.

Models examined include Cascadia, Enclave, Encore, Envision, Envista, Lacrosse, Regal, and Verano. Model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Continue to Starting Instructions …

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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