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2016 Buick Encore Key Fob Programming

Updated 2026 Programming, battery & replacement fob

You can program a 2016 Buick Encore key fob yourself in a few minutes using a working key or remote, no dealer visit needed. Follow the steps below, then check the battery and the correct replacement fob (with FCC ID and part number) if you need a new one.

This GM vehicle comes in two ignition types. On a regular key ignition you add a key with one working key. On push-button start you program transmitters — use the method matching whether you have a working transmitter.

Before you start

  • Your new key/transmitter, cut beforehand

Regular key ignition (adds a key, keeps existing keys)

  1. 1Insert the original, already-programmed key and start the engine.
  2. 2Turn the key off and remove it.
  3. 3Within 10 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON (don't start).
  4. 4The security light goes out once the key is programmed (it may be too quick to see). No security light? Wait 10 minutes and 45 seconds.
  5. 5Repeat from step 1 for additional keys.

Push-button start — with at least one working transmitter

  1. 1Place the recognized (working) transmitter in the cupholder.
  2. 2Insert the new key into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows Ready For Remote #2–5.
  3. 3Pull out the cupholder and place the new transmitter in the transmitter pocket beneath it.
  4. 4Press the ignition. When learned, the display is ready for the next transmitter.
  5. 5Remove the transmitter and press Unlock. To add more, repeat the last three steps, then press and hold the ignition 5 seconds to exit.

Push-button start — with no working transmitter

About 30 minutes; up to 5 transmitters. Connect jumper cables or a charger — battery voltage drops during this procedure.

  1. 1Insert the new key into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows Remote Learn Pending, Please Wait.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until it shows Press Engine Start Button To Learn, then press the ignition (it shows Remote Learn Pending again).
  3. 3Repeat the previous step two more times. After the third, all previous transmitters stop working and the display shows Ready For Remote #1.
  4. 4Pull out the cupholder and place the new transmitter in the transmitter pocket beneath it.
  5. 5Press the ignition. When learned, the display is ready for the next transmitter.
  6. 6Remove the transmitter and press Unlock. To add more, repeat the last three steps, then press and hold the ignition 5 seconds to exit.

Replacement key fobs

Find your key type below, then match the FCC ID printed on the back of your existing fob — or, for a plain transponder key, the blank code — to be sure of the right part.

Remote Head Key

2 versions

One piece: a cut metal blade with the lock/unlock buttons built into the head.

2016 Buick Encore 4/5-button Remote Head Key, FCC ID OHT05918179

4/5-button Remote Head Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
OHT05918179, P4O9MK74946931
OE part #
13500224, 13500225, 13500318, 13500319, 13504202, 13504203 +19 more
Frequency
315 MHz
Chip
PHILIPS ID 46
2016 Buick Encore 3/4/5-button Remote Head Key, FCC ID AVL-B01T1AC

3/4/5-button Remote Head Key

Find on Amazon
FCC ID
AVL-B01T1AC, AVL-B01T2AC, KR55WK50073, OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514
OE part #
13500221, 13500222, 13500226, 13500227, 13501513, 13501514 +60 more
Frequency
315 MHz
Chip
PHILIPS ID 46 GM EXT

Photos show the OEM part for each number listed. Aftermarket replacements sold online are often slightly different in appearance — the FCC ID, not the shape, is what determines whether a fob will work with your car.

2016 Buick Encore key fob battery

Your 2016 Buick Encore key fob uses a CR2032 3V lithium coin cell. A fresh one typically lasts 3–5 years.

Find CR2032 batteries on Amazon

How to replace the battery

  1. 1 Look for a small notch or screw on the side of the fob where the key blade meets the buttons.
  2. 2 Pry the housing apart with a coin or small flathead (or remove the screw).
  3. 3 Pop out the old coin cell, noting its orientation.
  4. 4 Insert the new battery the same way up, then snap the case shut.
  5. 5 Test the buttons — if they work, you're done.

Battery tips

  • Use a fresh, name-brand 3V lithium cell — bargain cells drain quickly.
  • Try not to touch both faces of the new battery; skin oils shorten its life.
  • If the buttons still don't respond after a new battery, the remote may need re-syncing or programming.

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