Programming your key fob for a 2001 Buick Century can be a straightforward process you can do yourself. If you’ve purchased a new key fob remote or need to reprogram your existing one, this guide will walk you through the steps. Before you begin, ensure you have all the remotes you intend to use with your vehicle, as programming will erase previous codes.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before starting the programming sequence for your 2001 Buick Century key fob, gather the following:
- Your 2001 Buick Century vehicle
- All key fobs you wish to program (new and existing)
- Your ignition key
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Follow these steps precisely to program your 2001 Buick Century key fob:
- Close all vehicle doors. Ensure all doors of your Buick Century are completely closed before beginning the programming sequence.
- Insert the ignition key and turn to the ON position. Place your key into the ignition. Turn the key to the “ON” position, which is as far as you can turn it without starting the engine. The dashboard lights should illuminate.
- Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key. Turn the ignition key back to the “OFF” position and then fully remove the key from the ignition.
- Press and hold the driver’s side door lock switch to UNLOCK. Locate the door lock switch on the driver’s side door panel and press and hold it in the “UNLOCK” position. Maintain pressure on the switch throughout the next steps.
- Insert and remove the ignition key three times. While still holding the unlock button, quickly insert the ignition key into the ignition cylinder and remove it. Repeat this insert and remove action two more times, for a total of three insertions and removals. Do not turn the key at any point during this step.
- Release the door lock switch. After the third key insertion and removal, release the door lock switch.
- Listen for the vehicle to beep three times. If you have successfully entered programming mode, your 2001 Buick Century will beep three times. This audible signal confirms that the system is ready to learn the new key fob codes.
- Press and hold LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the key fob. Take the key fob you wish to program. Simultaneously press and hold both the “LOCK” and “UNLOCK” buttons on the fob. Continue holding both buttons until the vehicle beeps two times. This may take approximately 15 seconds. The two beeps indicate that the key fob has been successfully programmed.
- Repeat for additional key fobs. If you have more key fobs to program, repeat step 8 immediately for each additional fob. You can program up to four key fobs for your 2001 Buick Century, including any existing remotes.
- Remove the ignition key to exit program mode. Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, remove the ignition key from the ignition cylinder. This action will exit the programming mode.
- Test each key fob. Test each programmed key fob to ensure it correctly locks and unlocks the doors of your 2001 Buick Century.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues while programming your 2001 Buick Century key fob, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Timing is crucial: Ensure you are performing the key insertions and removals quickly and smoothly.
- Battery condition: Weak batteries in your key fob or vehicle can sometimes interfere with programming. Ensure both are in good condition.
- Correct key fob: Verify that you are using a compatible key fob for your 2001 Buick Century. The part number 9364556-4575 is often associated with compatible remotes.
- Start over: If programming fails, start the entire process again from step 1, carefully following each step.
If you continue to experience difficulties programming your key fob, consider seeking assistance from a professional automotive locksmith or your local Buick dealership. They have specialized tools and expertise to program your key fob or diagnose any underlying issues.
