switch key to a new fob

[starbright57]

One of my key fobs is ruined, 2014 Buick LaCrosse. I ordered a new fob and uncut key on the internet and it came quickly. I would like to put my old cut key into the new fob and program it. I have seen how to replace the battery, but no information on how to open up the whole case. I have seen on ebay a case that is apart and they key is separate, that if you wanted to put your old insides in a new case, you cold. I just want to switch to the cut key. How do I take the whole case apart.? thank you!

 

[MelsRegal]

you have to knock the pin out, you dont open the case, watch the video below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezVvXr4dbeE

 

[douger]

Or in the alternative, you can find someone that can cut laser keys and have yours duplicated. Not every dealer has a laser cut machine since they cost about $6,000. We charge $15 to cut a key whether we duplicate it or cut it from code.

Driving that roll pin out takes a punch that is a bit smaller than 1/16 if I remember correctly. We had to order one special. Too big on the punch and you'll hog the hole in the remote out and it won't hold the pin.

 

[starbright57]

you have to knock the pin out, you dont open the case, watch the video below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezVvXr4dbeE

thank you so much. Looks sort of technical to me with the size of the punch. There is a jeweler down the street, I am thinking, I might see if he would feel comfortable doing it. I suppose the dealer would want me to buy the whole thing from them is why I would try to program it myself. I have heard $400.00. I bought it as a "program" or whatever the term is from another dealer who is not a GM deatler. Well, my dealer did not have what I wanted and I wanted a 2014 Lacrosse. So the GM dealer probably would not be to anxious to help me although I have had a Buick of one shape or form from them since 1984 when I bought my first new Buick Skylark and loved it. Thank you again, I had no idea where to begin, now I do.

 

[starbright57]

Thank you for your answer. I think my dealer does have the machine and someone other than the dealer mentioned $29.00. I must live in an expensive area...or from a far removed part fo the country is more like it so we are sort of a captured audience. I have not ever heard about a "code" is that in my informaiton someplace? I really worry about this key set up. That is why I ruined my other key. I went shopping and I put the extra in my pocket because in case my purse were stolen, I could still get in my car. WHen out of town, that is what I do. I don't know why this time I forgot to take it out of my pocket and it got in the wash. I never used to worry so much because I figured I could call my dealer from whatever town I was in and they could send the information to make the new key. So now I feel like I am sort of "out on a limb" by myself. I know I can program the fob by reading the owner's manual. Possibly all I need is that for my spare, but would be good to have a complete fob. Thank you so much....I indeed do need to be careful. I'm glad I found this site.

 

[douger]

Thank you for your answer. I think my dealer does have the machine and someone other than the dealer mentioned $29.00. I must live in an expensive area...or from a far removed part fo the country is more like it so we are sort of a captured audience. I have not ever heard about a "code" is that in my informaiton someplace? I really worry about this key set up. That is why I ruined my other key. I went shopping and I put the extra in my pocket because in case my purse were stolen, I could still get in my car. WHen out of town, that is what I do. I don't know why this time I forgot to take it out of my pocket and it got in the wash. I never used to worry so much because I figured I could call my dealer from whatever town I was in and they could send the information to make the new key. So now I feel like I am sort of "out on a limb" by myself. I know I can program the fob by reading the owner's manual. Possibly all I need is that for my spare, but would be good to have a complete fob. Thank you so much....I indeed do need to be careful. I'm glad I found this site.

If you bought the car new and the selling dealer did his job, you would have gotten a white tag with a barcode on it attached to one of your keys. Also on that tag is a key code. For your vehicle it would have started with the letter "G" followed by four digits. I have charts to convert that code to cuts, and my key machines do it automatically. If you were to lose your key, a dealer can access the GM dealer portal and get your key code with the VIN. Protocol requires that the dealer document and record the ownership information before getting any codes for the owner's protection.

Actually, the key/remote for your vehicle is cheaper than the old remotes by themselves. I get about $60 for the remote, $15 to cut the key and the service department charges about $30 to program it. You can program the key yourself, the process is in the owners manual, but it's a bit tricky and if you don't do it correctly it'll lock your security system up. That'll be a tow truck to the dealer plus about an hour labor to unlock it.

Theoretically it'll unlock itself after 30 minutes.

 

[starbright57]

opps. No. The car had only one key/fob and I requested another. So they got it and I went to get it and that dealer said they would take it next door and have it programmed, etc. I sat in that dealer's waiting room for over two hours. I really didn't pay that much attention because I had my dog along and all the people came to talk to him etc., so it was a pleasant time. But, I got no barcode tage with a code on it. I wonder to whom my car is now registered with at GM. I guess I just best to to those fools and tell them I need my key code and give them my new unprogrammed fob and tell them to put the cut key on it and program it. I am just probably being upset with them because they could have found what I wanted and they hung tight wanting to sell the 2015 to me. I do not put on a lot of miles anymore, but I do like a new car, so the "prgram or off lease" cars are fine with me and it was $2500 less. I love my car and I am mad at myself for ruining one of the keys. I had the Lucerne for five years and always carried it in my pocket when out of town shopping. The same with all car keys ever since I started driving. So now I ruin one that is really a problem. I know they will not be as reasonably priced as you state your prices run. Right now I guess I want the GM dealter to have the key information on record. Quite frankly, I would be just as happy with plain ole keys. I really do appreciate your information on the keys and the codes involved. I sure never heard anything about that. I can see where I need to know that. Guess I will just take my stupid self there and have them do it, because I do want that information. I'm pretty sure I could program it from the instructions.....but....like you say....you never know. Thank you ever so much for your help and time. I'll should get there the first part of next week if I call tomorrow, I'll come back and tell you how much they charge. I will try and be helpful to someone else just like you helped me.

 

[douger]

opps. No. The car had only one key/fob and I requested another. So they got it and I went to get it and that dealer said they would take it next door and have it programmed, etc. I sat in that dealer's waiting room for over two hours. I really didn't pay that much attention because I had my dog along and all the people came to talk to him etc., so it was a pleasant time. But, I got no barcode tage with a code on it. I wonder to whom my car is now registered with at GM. I guess I just best to to those fools and tell them I need my key code and give them my new unprogrammed fob and tell them to put the cut key on it and program it. I am just probably being upset with them because they could have found what I wanted and they hung tight wanting to sell the 2015 to me. I do not put on a lot of miles anymore, but I do like a new car, so the "prgram or off lease" cars are fine with me and it was $2500 less. I love my car and I am mad at myself for ruining one of the keys. I had the Lucerne for five years and always carried it in my pocket when out of town shopping. The same with all car keys ever since I started driving. So now I ruin one that is really a problem. I know they will not be as reasonably priced as you state your prices run. Right now I guess I want the GM dealter to have the key information on record. Quite frankly, I would be just as happy with plain ole keys. I really do appreciate your information on the keys and the codes involved. I sure never heard anything about that. I can see where I need to know that. Guess I will just take my stupid self there and have them do it, because I do want that information. I'm pretty sure I could program it from the instructions.....but....like you say....you never know. Thank you ever so much for your help and time. I'll should get there the first part of next week if I call tomorrow, I'll come back and tell you how much they charge. I will try and be helpful to someone else just like you helped me.

If your dealer was the one that bought the car from GM originally, they do have the key code on file. Most dealers enter it on their computer system with the vehicle information when they check it in to their inventory. If not, it's on the vehicle invoice.

I'm sorry you had to wait at the dealership. I wish I could tell you that it is a one off occurrance but it happens all the time where I work, it happens way too often, and there are a gadzillion reasons why it happens. It'd be a bit easier to take if the service advisors did a better job of keeping the waiting customer posted.

 

[starbright57]

(This might be a duplicate. I didn't see the first one I posted)
Well, I got it done. I guess I drug my heels so long, I just got tired of the whole mess. When I went there I just told them to program it and switch the key and have it all over with. Probably when I washed the fob in the first place I should have just called to find out how much the whole thing was. I guess I was a a bit sheepish about doing it because I did not buy it from them. They charged $39.95 to program it and $4.00 for "customer pay shop supplies for repair order" whatever that was. So with tax it all came to $46.83. The internet purchase was $45.00. I don't think I saved any money. Next time I go in I am going to ask how much a new off the shelf fob is. I suppose it is somewhere around $50.00. I definitely will be more careful and not wash it again. The gal at the desk said she heard of someone saving theirs after getting it wet by filling up a bag of rice and covering the fob and in the bag of rice for a couple days the fob worked again. It might even work with cell phones. So for whatever that is worth, I will pass that on.

The parts department said my vechile was registered by the VIN number so that eased my mind. Still not as easy to get a key to your car if you are stranded away from home. I guess they would have to cut the key and then they can program a fob without an originial, but it takes longer. I will still keep one in my pocket when out of town. I suppose men never did worry about it because they always had the keys in their pocket. Women though keep them in their purse which could be lost or stolen.

This really a good forum. I am sure I will be back to read it. I love my 2014 LaCrosse!

Thank for all your help