How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Buick Vehicles
We now have nine videos offering help to Buick drivers who’s key fob or remote control batteries have gone dead.
Battery replacement videos are at the end of the list.
This video updates Envision models, which were changed in 2021.
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This video consolidates getting into and starting all models.
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The video below is for owners of newer Buick Regals.
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This video features the Buick Envision and its hidden key hole.
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Video help with a 2014 and later Buick LaCrosse.
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Video help with the Buick Encore.
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Replacing the battery in a Buick fob in use since 2021.
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This is a video replacing the battery in a Buick flip key.
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And a second Buick key fob style battery replacement.
Models covered include the LaCrosse, Envision, Encore, Regal, Enclave, and Verano.
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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.
These posts are 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.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
(IA) (remote control or ‘clicker’) key styles. Two of the key fobs use a sliding release on the back side to release the key. Two new key fobs use a push button to release the mechanical key, and one is much easier than the other to use. Another holds the key inside the fob itself and is really difficult to remove.
To release the mechanical key blade in your IA key fob, slide the release on the back of the transmitter and pull the blade out. You can now use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door.
(pull is straight up and off) to access the key blade. Its awkward and may need a little practice. That mechanical key can now be used to unlock the driver’s door.
To remove it, push the buttons on either side of the key fob.
It has a push button on the front of the mechanical key itself near the key ring space. Simply push the button and pull the mechanical key away from the IA key.
However, the 2017 Continental and 2020 Aviator bring a very new wrinkle into the mix. The key hole is hidden by a spring-loaded cover and is in a very different location. The key hole has been placed in the chrome molding beneath the driver’s door mirror and behind the imprinted words ‘Continental’ or ‘Aviator’. Simply insert the key and turn to unlock the car. The door will spring open. No word on how well the key hole cover will behave in icy weather.
In addition, the Navigator, updated in 2018, hides the keyhole in plain sight. The door handle is a single piece. The key hole is exposed by simply pulling the driver’s door handle away from the body of the car. It is seen angled outward at the back end of the handle. Insert the mechanical key and turn clockwise. Remove the key and release the handle. The door will open on the next pull. Note that the alarm will sound in a minute or so if the car is not started in time.
Finally, the new Nautilus model hides the key hole under a cap at the back of the driver’s door handle, which must be removed. To do this, insert the key blade into the slot on the bottom of the handle (right image, bottom arrow) and press up. While holding that upward pressure, move the cap rearward to release it. Gently remove the key while doing so. Yes, the effect is that of prying off a piece of your car but its OK and necessary!
You see, no matter what the start button in your push button start car looks like, or even if its a lever, a single press is a command to start the car and is all that’s needed. Yet we have seen automotive professionals at all levels from service writers to technicians and from sales people to automotive journalists repeat the same mistake — holding the button down until the vehicle starts! It is a habit left over from key start cars, where the key needs to held in the start position until the engine starts, and is simply not necessary.
GM Now Uses 17 Differing Back-up Pockets
Too Many Back Up Start Locations
GM Now Uses 17 Differing Back-up Pockets! While putting together a review of 2018 push button start models, we discovered that the new GMC Terrain and Acadia had been added, and that this was introduced in the Acadia in 2017.
In addition, these two models have hidden key holes, like those used by Chevrolet. But what struck us was that the cars did not use the same back up start process, and that the spots are only similar to other General Motors made cars and SUVs.
The result is we now have 17 distinct images of back up start key fob pockets. We keep asking and hoping for standardization, but instead…
Similar, Not the Same
The Terrain uses a cup holder.
But because they are side by side, it is the first to use a left side cup holder. The Chevrolet Camaro uses the back one while the Buick Encore and Envision use the front. The Verano, Regal and Lacrosse also use the front, but the cup holder itself needs to be removed! And so on.
Standardize!
The point is, there is no standardization and unfortunately the company does not seem to be headed anywhere near selecting a single back up location.
Why not? Seriously, why not??? Following the key cylinder debacle GM announced it would move all their vehicles to push button or keyless start, eventually, and we suggested then that they use the opportunity to standardize the process. They didn’t, not that they were listening to us.
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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.
These posts are 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.
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.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY