For the Buick LaCrosse, the available key/fob style depends on trim and equipment, with remotes and flip-style remote-head keys listed for 2010-2019 and push-button smart/proximity fobs shown for later model years. Programming is commonly handled as an onboard procedure for this model line, but published sources here do not provide the full security steps; they do show that replacement remotes/fobs are sold for self-programming or dealer-style programming depending on the exact key type.
Key types used on the LaCrosse:
remote-head key (2010-2019)
flip key (2010-2019)
smart/proximity push-to-start fob (2010-2019)
transponder chip key (2010-2019)
Common fob FCC IDs: OHT01060512 — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.
2010–2013 Buick LaCrosse
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 (19 steps)
Vehicle types & locksmith needs
Programming step
1 Flip key or traditional key: all keys lost requires automotive locksmith for programming
Programming step
2 Smart key (Keyless Access): all keys lost uses separate smart-key procedure
Programming step
3 Driving vehicle to locksmith may save money vs. mobile service
Programming step
4 Locksmith uses specialized computer equipment to program smart key remote fob
Programming when at least one programmed key exists (flip/key)
Insert the key
1 Insert original programmed key into ignition and turn to ON/RUN
Remove the key
2 Turn key to LOCK/OFF and remove original key
Insert the key
3 Insert new key and turn to ON/RUN within five seconds; security light turns off when programmed
Programming step
4 Repeat sequence for each additional key to add
Programming step
5 Procedure labeled “Programming with a Recognized Transmitter” for new key
Smart key — all keys lost (Keyless Access vehicles)
Insert the key
1 Insert transmitter key into door lock cylinder and cycle to unlock 5 times within 10 seconds; DIC shows “Remote Learn Pending. Please Wait.”
3 Repeat wait/press sequence twice; after 3rd time previous transmitters invalid and DIC shows “Ready For Remote #1”
Programming step
4 Place transmitter in transmitter pocket (center console under cupholder; cupholder pulled out to access)
Press / hold a fob button
5 Press ignition button to accept; DIC shows “Ready For Remote #2”; remove transmitter and press unlock; repeat for additional transmitters; hold ignition button 5 seconds to exit
Smart key — adding when one smart key exists (Keyless Access vehicles)
Programming step
1 Place original transmitter in cupholder
Insert the key
2 Insert new transmitter key into door and cycle to unlock 5 times within 10 seconds; DIC reads “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4 or 5”
Programming step
3 Place new transmitter in transmitter pocket (center console under cupholder)
Press / hold a fob button
4 Press ignition button; DIC shows “Ready For Remote # (next transmitter)”; remove transmitter and press unlock
Press / hold a fob button
5 Repeat steps to add additional transmitters; hold ignition button 5 seconds to exit programming mode
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 (20 steps)
Programming with a Recognized Transmitter — Key Vehicles
Insert the key
1 Insert original programmed key into ignition and turn to ON/RUN.
Remove the key
2 Turn key to LOCK/OFF and remove key.
Insert the key
3 Insert new key within five seconds and turn to ON/RUN; security light will turn off once programmed.
Programming step
4 Repeat steps if additional keys require programming.
Programming step
5 Procedure applies to key vehicles only.
Programming without a Recognized Transmitter — Key Vehicles
Insert the key
1 Insert new vehicle key into the ignition and turn to ON/RUN; security light will come on.
Turn ignition to ON
2 Wait 10 minutes until security light turns off, then turn ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
3 Repeat the 10-minute ON/RUN then LOCK/OFF cycle two more times (three cycles total).
Programming step
4 After third ON/RUN, the key is learned and all previously known keys will no longer work.
Programming step
5 Remaining keys can be learned using the "Programming with a Recognized Transmitter (Key Vehicles Only)" procedure.
Programming with a Recognized Transmitter — Keyless Access Vehicles
Programming step
1 Place recognized transmitter(s) in the cupholder.
Insert the key
2 Insert the vehicle key of the new transmitter into the outside driver door key lock and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5.
Programming step
3 Place new transmitter into transmitter pocket inside armrest storage area.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC indicates when transmitter is learned and ready for next transmitter.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove transmitter from pocket and press unlock; repeat steps for additional transmitters and press and hold ignition for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
Programming without a Recognized Transmitter — Keyless Access Vehicles
Insert the key
1 Insert vehicle key into outside driver door key lock and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
Hold fob to START button
2 Wait 10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ignition; DIC will again show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
Press / hold a fob button
3 Repeat the 10-minute wait and press sequence two more times; after third time all previously known transmitters will no longer work and DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new transmitter into transmitter pocket inside armrest storage area and press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC shows when learned.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove transmitter and press unlock; repeat for additional transmitters and press and hold ignition for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
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 (25 steps)
Vehicle requirements
Programming step
1 Vehicle must be off for programming procedures
Programming step
2 All transmitters (currently programmed and new) must be present during programming
Programming step
3 Feature to program without two remotes not available in Canada
Programming step
4 Procedure without two remotes takes approximately 30 minutes
Programming step
5 Up to eight transmitters can be programmed when two programmed remotes are not available
Preparation steps
Remove the key
1 Remove key lock cylinder cap on driver door handle
Insert the key
2 Insert vehicle key into outside driver door key lock cylinder
Turn ignition to ON
3 Turn key to unlock position five times within 10 seconds when required
Programming step
4 Place remotes into remote pocket inside armrest storage area when instructed
Programming step
5 Keep two programmed remotes in cupholder when following two-remote method
Two programmed remotes method
Programming step
1 Use when two programmed remotes are available
Programming step
2 Place the two programmed remotes in the cupholder
Programming step
3 Turn key to unlock five times; DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new remote in armrest remote pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn
Press / hold a fob button
5 After learning, remove transmitter and press unlock; hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming
No two programmed remotes method
Insert the key
1 Insert key and turn to unlock five times; DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
Hold fob to START button
2 Wait 10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP
Turn ignition to ON
3 Repeat key-turn step two additional times; after third time, previously known remotes stop working
Press / hold a fob button
4 DIC should show READY FOR REMOTE #1; place new remote in pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove remote and press unlock to confirm; repeat for additional remotes and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
Post-programming and troubleshooting
Programming step
1 After each learned remote, DIC indicates readiness to program next remote
Press / hold a fob button
2 Remove transmitter from pocket and press unlock to confirm programming
Programming step
3 Put key back into the remote after programming completes
Programming step
4 If key fob not working, check and replace key fob battery
Programming step
5 Links available for finding key fob battery and replacing key fob (as provided)
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
2010–2013
Route verified
General guidance
2014–2016
Route verified
General guidance
2017–2019
Route verified
General guidance
Common questions
Does a 2010 Buick LaCrosse use a flip key or a standard remote?
Both styles are listed by suppliers for 2010 LaCrosse applications, including a remote with engine start and a flip remote-head key.
Is the 2010-2019 Buick LaCrosse a push-to-start vehicle?
Some LaCrosse applications use smart/proximity push-to-start fobs, but the exact fit depends on trim and model year.
Can the Buick LaCrosse key be programmed onboard?
Yes, onboard programming is listed for this model range, but the exact procedure varies by key type and vehicle equipment.
Can you program a LaCrosse 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 LaCrosse fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.
