2013 Buick Regal

Programming Guide for 2013 Keyless Entry Remote Fob (Covers Flip Key and Keyless Access Smart Key Systems)

Important Notice: The 2013 Regal supports both flip key and smart key (Keyless Access) systems.

Programming procedures differ depending on your situation: If all keys are lost, professional equipment is required. If you have one working key or transmitter, you may be able to program additional keys yourself.

Flip Key System If All Keys Are Lost: This vehicle does not support onboard programming without at least one functional key. When no keys are available, programming must be performed using specialized equipment.

If You Have One Working Flip Key and Want to Add a New Key:

  • Step 1: Insert the working key into the ignition.
  • Step 2: Turn the key to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).
  • Step 3: Turn the key to the OFF/LOCK position and remove it.
  • Step 4: Within five seconds, insert the new key to be programmed.
  • Step 5: Turn the new key to the ON/RUN position.
  • Step 6: Wait for the security indicator light to turn off. This confirms the key has been programmed.
  • Step 7: Repeat Steps 1–6 for each additional key.
  • Step 8: Test all keys to ensure they start the engine and operate remote functions properly.

Smart Key System (Keyless Access – Push-Button Start) If All Smart Keys Are Lost:

  • Step 1: Use the emergency key inside the transmitter to manually unlock the driver’s door.
  • Step 2: Insert the key into the door lock cylinder and cycle to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. → The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display: ""Remote Learn Pending. Please Wait.""
  • Step 3: Wait 10 minutes until the DIC reads: ""Press Engine Start Button to Learn."" Then, press the engine start button. → The DIC will return to ""Remote Learn Pending. Please Wait.""
  • Step 4: Repeat Step 3 two more times. After the third cycle, all existing transmitters are erased. DIC will then display: ""Ready for Remote #1.""
  • Step 5: Place the new transmitter in the transmitter pocket, located beneath the cupholder in the center console. (Pull the cupholder insert to access the pocket.)
  • Step 6: Press the engine start button. When the transmitter is accepted, DIC will display: ""Ready for Remote #2.""
  • Step 7: Remove the transmitter from the pocket and press the unlock button.
  • Step 8: Repeat Steps 5–7 for each additional transmitter.
  • Step 9: When finished, press and hold the engine start button for 5 seconds to exit programming mode.

If You Have One Working Smart Key and Want to Add Another:

  • Step 1: Place the working transmitter in the center console cupholder. (This allows the vehicle to detect the programmed key.)
  • Step 2: Use the emergency key from the new transmitter to cycle the driver’s door lock to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. → The DIC will display: ""Ready for Remote #2"", #3, etc.
  • Step 3: Place the new transmitter in the transmitter pocket (beneath the cupholder).
  • Step 4: Press the engine start button. The DIC will confirm the transmitter has been learned by showing: ""Ready for Remote # (next number).""
  • Step 5: Remove the transmitter from the pocket and press the unlock button.
  • Step 6: Repeat Steps 3–5 for additional transmitters.
  • Step 7: When complete, press and hold the engine start button for 5 seconds to exit programming mode.

Additional Considerations:

Smart Key Limit: Up to eight transmitters can be programmed.

Flip Key Limit: Up to eight keys are supported by the system.

Battery Check: Ensure each remote or transmitter has a working battery before programming.

If Programming Fails: Restart the procedure from the beginning, following the timing carefully.