Buick Key Replacement Houston Texas

11-07-2020 - Have you broken or misplaced the keys to your Buick? Do you wish to duplicate transponder key, keyless entry or side winder? Scouting for a low-cost and convenience key replacement service?

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Okey DoKey Locksmith offer 24/7 fast and affordable Buick key replacement. Call for immediate assistance, free estimate and scheduling. Our expert mobile car locksmith come to you to copy or replace your lost keys on-site.

Furthermore, we can solve all your Buick key, ignition and locks concerns.

Does Buick use transponder keys?

Buick VATS keys

In 1990 GM introduced the VATS key-lock on the Buick Reatta. The VATS technology used on the following Buick models:

• Buick LeSabre 1992-1999
• Buick Park Avenue 1991-1996
• Buick Reatta 1990-1992
• Buick Regal 1994-1997
• Buick Riviera 1990-1993
• Buick Roadmaster 1994-1996

PASSKey I/II

In 1995, Buick started to use PASSkey technology on the Buick Skylark. The technology were slowly adopted on other models and the PASSKey II systems followed shortly. Most Buick OEM keys stamped with a PK or PK2.

PASSKey III

In 2005, Buick started to use PASSkey 3 transponder technology on the Buick LaCrosse. The technology were slowly adopted on other models. The PASSKey 3+ systems followed shortly and today, Buick uses it on most models. Most Buick OEM keys stamped with a PK3, PK3+ or just a "+".

Sidewinder transponders

In 2010, Buick started to use sidewinder transponder keys with encrypted signals on the Buick LaCrosse. Every year, GM is changing the key-lock on more models to this high security sidewinder.

Buick smart keys

From 2007 few Buick models adopt the Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) with push-button start ignition. The keyless entry devbice contain a transponder chip and is an optional feature on specific vehicle.

What is a Buick transponder key used for?

Buick transponder keys used mainly as an anti-theft technology. The immobilizer configured to accept each unique programmed key by a code. When a key with unmatched code turned in the ignition, the vehicle will not start.

How does Buick immobilizer works?

How does Buick VATS key works?

The VATS key uses a resistor pelet in key "shaft" and a Theft Deterrent Module to validates the key. There are only 15 different ressistances possible for the key. If the TDM recognize the resistance value, it will send a valid key signal to the PCM allowing it to start.

How does PASSKey works?

In Passkey system is actually not a transponder, but very similar to the VATS! The Theft Deterrent Module validates the resistance of the chip in the key. The PASSKey includes more that a 100 resistances.

In addition to the resistance check, PASSKey also use the PASSLock system as an extra safety feature. The PASSLock module and measures and record voltage data through a magnitude sensor placed on the ignition. It basicly check the proper key cut profile and determines if the cylinder is aligned. If the PASSLock recognize the key it will allow the car to start. This is effective when cylider is broken, damaged or picked usually by a thief trying to hotwire the vehicle.

How does PASSKey II works?

PassKey II works like the PassKey I, but the TDM is built into the BCM instead of the ignition. The BCM sends a digital start/no start signal to the PCM over the data bus. One more change from PASSKey I is that halting the engine done by the fuel system instead of the ignition.

How does PASSKey III works?

The Passlock III is actually the first transponder used by GM. The chip is located inside the plastic covering of the key and stamped "PK3" on the metal blade. The ignition lock cylinder contain an antenna that reads the transponder data and sends a it to the PCM. If the PCM recognize the code from the key, it will allow the engine to drive. Some higher end models use a key fob instead of metal blade.

Later version of the PK3 called PK3+ or + have the same infrastructure and fuctionality as the PK3 system. The only difference is that the PK3+ use an encrypted transponder and requires dedicated programmers.

Can I program a transponder key myself?

VATS/PASSKEY I/II duplication requires special VATS reader and is possible and not recommended as a DIY project. For more information read here about VATS keys.

Buick uses a simple on-board procedure to add keys for the PASSKey III vehicles using one already programmed key. First you need to have a blank key or buy cut key online. Once you have the key in hand, follow to following instruction to program a dublicate key yourself.

How do I know if I have a transponder key?

Following are the list of Buick models that use transponders:

• Buick Park Avenue 1997-05
• Buick LaCrosse 2005+
• Buick LeSabre 2000+
• Buick Verano 2012+
• Buick Rainier 2003+
• Buick Rendezvous 2002-07
• Buick Enclave 2008+
• Buick Regal 2011+
• Buick Century NA
• Buick Lucerne 2006+
• Buick Terraza 2005-07

Duplicate Buick keys

Buick key duplication on-board

Buick use a very simple technique to duplicate PK keys. All you need is one existing programmed key and a new blank transponder key and follow the instruction below:

1. Get a blank key online or at the dealer.
2. Go to a local hardware store and cut the key. (You can also avoid the two first step by ordering a cut key online service).
3. Insert an existing functional key into the ignition key-hole and turn it until a lock symbol appears on the dashboard.
4. Once the lock symbol turns off, pull the first key out.
5. Insert the second un-programmed key.
6. Wait for the lock symbol on the dashboard to go on and off.
7. The second key is now program.

Buick key made by VIN

Using the VIN and proof of ownership, a locksmith or the dealer can duplicate a new key.

Buick key cloning

There is also a way to clone the key chip value to a blank read/write chip key. This usually done by a locksmith or the dealer using a dedicated programmers and tools.

Lost Buick keys

Lost metal key blade

If you lost all your keys to a Buick that made before 1990, your key has no chip. All you need to do is to go to the dealer or to a locksmith store with the VIN and cut a new key.

This process is quite simple and should cost less than a 100$ in most cases.

One exception to the above is if the ignition changed and is not in sync with the VIN. In this case a locksmith need to replace the ignition again or to make a new key. This done by reading the key grooves inside the ignition cylinder. This process is more complex and requires a locksmith with the right machine and experience.

Lost Buick VATS key

If you Buick made between 1990 to 1997, your key might be a VATS.

When losing all VATS keys, a new key has to sync with the resistance of the TDM on the lock cylinder. This means that the car towed to the dealership or to use the service of a mobile locksmith who will come out to the site of where the car is at.

Lost Buick transponder key

If you Buick made after 1997, your key probably uses a PASSKey III transponder chip. When losing all the keys to an transponder immobilized Buick, the ECU reprogrammed to accept a new key. For this, the car towed to the dealership or to use the service of a mobile locksmith who will come out to you.

My Buick ignition key wont turn! What to do?

There are many reasons for ignition problems! Please check our article about ignition repair and replacement.

How much is a replacement Buick key?

Service	Price
Car Lockout	$60-$120
Locked keys in trunk	$60-$190
Door lock rekey/repair/change	$160-$280
Lost key replacement	$120-$200
Duplicate car key	$100-$180
Remote/Flip keys	$200-$300
Keyless entry device	$220-$320
Ignition repair	$110-$180
Key extraction	$80-$130
Ignition replacement	$160-$280
ECU re-flash	$225-$285

* Estimates above includes the technician coming out to you the parts and the labor.

Final price depends on:

• The state of the lock and the computer in the vehicle.
• The type of equipment that the technician need to use.
• The type of key that you would like to have.
• The chip configuration.

The tech will diagnose the vehicle and provide a price for you to approve before doing anything.

How long does it takes to make a key?

Our emergency mobile motor vehicle locksmith are on a call of duty 24 hours every day. Ready to handle all your Buick ignition and locks headaches. We usually arrive at customer location fast.

Our work van is utterly equipped to the brim with recent programming, diagnostic and cutting tools able to restore keys onsite. A key replacement process for a vehicle in most cases done same day.

We feel self-worth in bringing a cheap cost and reliable services. Give us a call at for a FREE ESTIMATE and our Buick expert will arrive to your place ASAP. Okey DoKey Locksmith is always here to meet your needs in a professional way.

References

1. buick.com
2. wikipedia - Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS)
3. Buick Forum - Discussion forums for Buick lovers. Get together to discuss anything related to Buick automobiles.
4. edmunds - American online resource for automotive information.

Related articles/services

1. Car key replacement
2. Ignition repair
3. Car lockout