What year ranges does this Buick Century programming guide cover?

This reference is limited to the source-backed year clusters 2000 and 2001u20132005, using onboard programming with audible confirmations.

Does this guide program the remote only or also the transponder?

The steps described are for keyless-entry remote transmitters only. Transponder or immobilizer pairing for an ignition key is outside this transmitter-learning scope.

What if the programming steps do not work?

If the vehicle never provides three beeps for entry or two beeps for transmitter acceptance, stop repeating attempts that clear memory and move to compatibility checks, battery checks, and vehicle-side diagnosis.

When should I switch from DIY to locksmith help?

Switch to professional help when the vehicle cannot confirm entry with three beeps, when no transmitter can be accepted after holding LOCK and UNLOCK for approximately 15 seconds, or when transmitter compatibility is uncertain.

Can I use a replacement key or fob and still need programming?

A replacement transmitter can be used if it is compatible, but it still must be learned by the vehicle. Because memory is cleared when programming mode is entered, older transmitters should be included in that same programming session if they are expected to keep working.

Buick Century Key Fob Programming by Year

Can you program a Century fob without the dealer? For most years, yes. Pick your year for the route and best next step.

☎ Call (833) 439-8636

Find your year

Year	DIY onboard?	How it programs	Working fob?	Erase risk	Confidence	Best next step
2000	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Yes	Med	Follow the steps below
2001–2005	Yes	Yes - onboard relearn	No (all-keys-lost OK)	Possible	Med	Follow the steps below

Buick Century key types & programming facts

Buick Century models from 2000–2005 use a conventional metal ignition key and a separate keyless-entry remote where equipped. Remote transmitters can be added or replaced and are programmed through an onboard procedure using the ignition and door-lock switch, which erases and relearns all remotes at once. Programming the mechanical key itself is a standard key-cutting task, as these vehicles do not use a proximity or smart-key system.

Key types used on the Century:

standard metal key (no transponder/immobilizer) with separate keyless-entry remote (2000-2005 (remote programming covered 2000-2005; sources only discuss separate fob, not integrated or proximity systems))

Common fob FCC IDs: ABO0204T — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.

2000 Buick Century

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (15 steps)

Preparation

Programming step

1 Have all remotes that will be used on the vehicle in possession before entering programming mode

Programming step

2 Understand that programming remotes erases all previous codes from vehicle memory

Programming step

3 Expect other remotes to be nonfunctional until all are reprogrammed

Close the doors

4 Close vehicle doors prior to starting procedure

Programming step

5 Know that up to four transmitters can be programmed (including old ones)

Entering Program Mode

Insert the key

1 Insert key in ignition and turn to ON (as far as possible without cranking engine)

Remove the key

2 Turn ignition OFF and remove key from ignition

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

3 Press and hold driver side door lock switch in UNLOCK position

Remove the key

4 Insert ignition key into lock cylinder and remove key (do not turn key in cylinder) — repeated instruction appears three times

Programming step

5 Release door lock switch to trigger three beeps verifying Program Mode activation

Programming Transmitters

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

1 Press LOCK and UNLOCK buttons together on keyless entry transmitter

Press / hold a fob button

2 Hold buttons until vehicle beeps twice to verify successful programming (approximately 15 seconds)

Programming step

3 Repeat programming step for each transmitter up to four total

Programming step

4 Include old remotes when programming to restore their functionality

Remove the key

5 Remove ignition key to exit Program Mode after programming

Keys & fobs that fit the 2000 Century

Aftermarket Remote Key FobOther/UnknownView fob →GM Mechanical Key Blank (GM39)Standard KeyView fob →Bosma 3-Button Remote Key Fob (FCC ID L2C0007T)RemoteView fob →

For the 2000 Century: Century key replacement & all compatible fobs →

2001–2005 Buick Century

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Show the programming methods (19 steps)

Preparation Before Programming

Programming step

1 Requirement to have all remotes present before entering programming mode

Programming step

2 Consequence of omission: remotes not present will become nonfunctional after programming

Programming step

3 Door status requirement: vehicle doors must be closed

Programming step

4 Battery advice referenced: suggestion to try replacing key fob battery if fob not working

Programming step

5 Resource links mentioned: links for finding key fob battery and replacement key fob

Ignition and Door Lock Switch Steps

Insert the key

1 Initial action: insert key in ignition and turn to ON (as far as possible without cranking engine)

Remove the key

2 Follow-up action: turn ignition OFF and remove key from ignition

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

3 Door lock action: press and hold driver side door lock switch in UNLOCK position

Remove the key

4 Repeated key insertion/removal: insert ignition key into lock cylinder and remove key multiple times (do not turn key)

Insert the key

5 Final key placement before verification: insert ignition key into ignition lock cylinder and leave key in cylinder (do not turn)

Entering and Verifying Program Mode

Programming step

1 Action to exit lock switch hold: release door lock switch

Doors lock-cycle (confirm)

2 Program mode confirmation: vehicle will sound three beeps to verify Program Mode activation

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

3 Transmitter programming input: press LOCK and UNLOCK buttons together on keyless entry transmitter

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

4 Programming duration: holding LOCK and UNLOCK takes approximately 15 seconds until vehicle beeps twice

Doors lock-cycle (confirm)

5 Successful programming confirmation: vehicle beeps twice to verify transmitter programmed

Completing Programming and Additional Notes

Press LOCK + UNLOCK

1 Programming multiple transmitters: repeat LOCK+UNLOCK step to program up to four transmitters

Remove the key

2 Exit programming mode: remove ignition key to exit Program Mode

Programming step

3 Old remotes note: previously programmed remotes erased and must be reprogrammed if intended for use

Programming step

4 Ignition key programming question: mention of question "Can I Program an ignition key?" without answer provided

Keys & fobs that fit the 2001–2005 Century

Aftermarket Remote Key FobOther/UnknownView fob →GM Mechanical Key Blank (GM39)Standard KeyView fob →Bosma 3-Button Remote Key Fob (FCC ID L2C0007T)RemoteView fob →

For the 2001–2005 Century: Century key replacement & all compatible fobs →

How we validate this guide

Year coverage comes from our consolidated vehicle programming dataset. Route-level programming status is reviewed against internal route sheets and available manufacturer, security-access, and professional tool references. Exact button sequences are marked source-verified only when we have year/equipment-specific support; where a year is labeled “route verified, steps vary,” we confirm the exact fob, trim, and prompts before programming. Reviewed for route and safety by Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith.

Year	Route status	Exact steps
2000	Route verified	General guidance
2001–2005	Route verified	General guidance

Common questions

Does my 2000–2005 Buick Century use a transponder or smart key?

Available sources only show a conventional metal key with a separate keyless-entry remote; no smart or proximity key system is indicated for these years.

Can I program a replacement remote for my Buick Century myself?

Yes. For 2000–2005 Century, the keyless-entry remotes can be programmed using an onboard procedure with the ignition key and driver’s door-lock switch.

How many remotes can my Buick Century learn at once?

The 2000–2005 Buick Century keyless-entry system can store and program up to four remotes during the onboard programming procedure.

Can you program a Century key fob without going to the dealership?

For most years, yes - the route is onboard relearn or an OBD tool, both of which a mobile locksmith handles at your location.

Does this program the remote only, or the transponder key too?

It depends on your key type. Tell us your FCC ID and we will confirm.

What if my year says professional programming required?

Those years need a programmer or security access; we bring the tool to you and program it on site.

How much does it cost?

It depends on year, key type, and whether you have a working key. Call (833) 439-8636 for a firm price before we dispatch.

Need your Century fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.

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