For 2012–2017 Buick Verano, most vehicles use a remote flip key that can be self-programmed onboard when at least one working key is available, or programmed with specialized diagnostic equipment when all keys are lost. Programming links the transponder/PEPS electronics and remote functions to the vehicle’s immobilizer and keyless entry system, and may differ slightly between standard keyed-ignition and PEPS/push-to-start configurations. New keys must be cut to match the mechanical lock before electronic programming is performed.
Key types used on the Verano:
flip key (remote key with integrated flip-out blade) (2012-2017)
flip key with remote start button (where equipped) (2012-2017)
Common fob FCC IDs: OHT05918179, OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514 — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.
2012–2013 Buick Verano
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 (24 steps)
Vehicle immobilized / all keys lost — locksmith required
Programming step
1 Lost all keys (flip key, key, or smart key) requires automotive locksmith for programming
Programming step
2 Locksmith uses specialized computer equipment to program smart key remote fob
Programming step
3 Driving vehicle to locksmith may save money versus mobile service
Programming step
4 Locksmith search available via provided phone number or website
Programming when at least one programmed key exists (flip key/key)
Insert the key
1 Insert original programmed key in 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 steps 1–3 to program additional keys
Programming step
5 Instruction labeled “Programming with a Recognized Transmitter” applies to programming a new key
All smart keys lost (Keyless Access vehicles only)
Insert the key
1 Insert key of transmitter into door lock cylinder and cycle to unlock position 5 times within 10 seconds
Hold fob to START button
2 DIC displays “Remote Learn Pending. Please Wait.” then after 10 minutes prompts “Press Engine Start Button Learn”
Press / hold a fob button
3 Press ignition button when prompted; repeat step twice so previous transmitters are erased and DIC shows “Ready For Remote #1”
Programming step
4 Place transmitter in transmitter pocket (inside center console under cupholder; cupholder must be pulled out)
Press / hold a fob button
5 Press ignition button to accept transmitter (DIC shows next ready), remove transmitter and press unlock; repeat to add more; hold ignition button 5 seconds to exit
Adding a smart key when one smart key already programmed (Keyless Access vehicles only)
Programming step
1 Place original transmitter in cupholder
Insert the key
2 Insert new transmitter key into door and cycle to unlock position 5 times within 10 seconds; DIC reads “Ready For Remote #2, 3, 4 or 5”
Programming step
3 Place new transmitter in transmitter pocket (inside center console under cupholder; cupholder must be pulled out)
Press / hold a fob button
4 Press ignition button to learn transmitter; DIC shows “Ready For Remote # (next transmitter)”; remove transmitter and press unlock
Press / hold a fob button
5 Repeat steps to add additional transmitters; press and hold ignition button 5 seconds to exit programming mode
Transmitter pocket, DIC messages, and exit procedure
Programming step
1 Transmitter pocket located inside center console, under cupholder; cupholder must be pulled out to access pocket
Hold fob to START button
2 DIC messages include “Remote Learn Pending. Please Wait.” and prompts like “Press Engine Start Button Learn” and “Ready For Remote #n”
Programming step
3 After third repetition during all-keys-lost procedure, previously working transmitters will no longer work
Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
4 Each learned transmitter accepted by pressing ignition button while transmitter is in pocket; removal followed by pressing unlock confirms learning
Wait / timing window
5 Exit programming by pressing and holding ignition button for 5 seconds when finished
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 the original key
Insert the key
3 Insert new key within five seconds and turn to ON/RUN; security light turns off when programmed
5 Procedure applies only when at least one recognized transmitter/key is available
Programming without a recognized transmitter — Key vehicles
Insert the key
1 Insert new key into ignition and turn to ON/RUN; security light comes 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 ON/OFF 10-minute cycle two more times (three total cycles)
Programming step
4 After third ON/RUN, the key is learned and all previously known keys are erased
Programming step
5 Remaining keys can be learned afterward using the recognized-key procedure
Programming with a recognized transmitter — Keyless Access vehicles
Programming step
1 Place recognized transmitter(s) nearby
Insert the key
2 Insert new-transmitter’s vehicle key into outside driver-door key lock cylinder and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #2–5
Programming step
3 Place new transmitter in center-console cupholder transmitter pocket (liner removed; buttons facing up)
Press / hold a fob button
4 Press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC indicates transmitter learned and ready for next
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove transmitter and press unlock; repeat steps for additional transmitters; hold ignition 10+ seconds to exit programming
Programming without a recognized transmitter — Keyless Access vehicles
Insert the key
1 Insert vehicle key into outside driver-door key lock cylinder and turn to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
Hold fob to START button
2 Wait ~10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN; press ignition; DIC returns to REMOTE LEARN PENDING
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
3 Repeat the wait-and-press sequence two more times; after third cycle, previously known transmitters are erased and DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new transmitter into transmitter pocket (cupholder liner removed, buttons up) and press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC shows successful learn
Press / hold a fob button
5 Remove transmitter and press unlock; repeat for additional transmitters; hold ignition 10+ 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)
Programming with two recognized keys (Key vehicles)
Programming step
1 Original programmed key inserted and turned to ON/RUN position
Programming step
2 Key turned to LOCK/OFF and removed
Wait / timing window
3 Second programmed key inserted within 5 seconds and turned to ON/RUN
Wait / timing window
4 Second key turned to LOCK/OFF and removed
Wait / timing window
5 New key inserted within 5 seconds, turned to ON/RUN; security light turns off when programmed
Programming without a recognized transmitter (Key vehicles)
Programming step
1 Procedure used when no recognized keys are available; Canadian regulations require dealer visit
Programming step
2 New key inserted in ignition and turned to ON/RUN; security light comes on
Turn ignition to ON
3 Wait 10 minutes for security light to turn off, then turn ignition to LOCK/OFF
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 Repeat the ON/RUN then OFF cycle two more times; after third ON/RUN the key is learned and prior keys stop working
Insert the key
5 To add a second key: turn OFF, insert second key and turn ON; test both keys after removal
Programming with a recognized transmitter (Keyless Access vehicles)
Programming step
1 Vehicle must be off; all transmitters (recognized and new) must be present
Programming step
2 Two recognized transmitters placed near vehicle
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
3 Vehicle key from new transmitter inserted into driver door lock cylinder and turned to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5
Programming step
4 New transmitter placed in transmitter pocket (center console cupholder) with buttons up; cupholder liner removed via rear notch
Press / hold a fob button
5 ENGINE START/STOP pressed to learn transmitter; remove transmitter and press unlock; repeat for additional transmitters; hold ignition 10+ seconds to exit programming
Programming without a recognized transmitter (Keyless Access vehicles)
Programming step
1 Procedure used when no recognized transmitters are available; Canadian regulations require dealer visit
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
2 Vehicle key inserted into driver door lock cylinder and turned to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
3 Wait 10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ignition; repeat this wait-and-press cycle two more times until READY FOR REMOTE #1 and prior transmitters no longer work
Programming step
4 New transmitter placed in transmitter pocket (center console cupholder) with buttons up; cupholder liner removed via rear notch
Press / hold a fob button
5 ENGINE START/STOP pressed to learn transmitter; remove transmitter and press unlock; repeat for additional transmitters; hold ignition 10+ seconds to exit programming
Maintenance and troubleshooting notes
Programming step
1 Security light behavior used to indicate programming progress (turns on during learning, turns off when key is programmed)
Programming step
2 Transmitter pocket located inside center console cupholder; cupholder liner must be removed to access
Programming step
3 When first key programmed without recognized key, procedure takes approximately 30 minutes
Programming step
4 Canadian regulations require dealer assistance in certain situations (no recognized keys or transmitters)
Programming step
5 Battery replacement suggested if key fob not working; links provided for battery and key fob replacement options
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
2012–2013
Route verified
General guidance
2014–2016
Route verified
General guidance
2017
Route verified
General guidance
Common questions
Does my 2012–2017 Buick Verano use a flip key or a separate fob and key?
The Verano for 2012–2017 uses an integrated remote flip key; the key blade folds into the fob housing rather than using a separate key and remote.
Can I program a replacement Verano key myself?
For many 2012 Verano keys, onboard programming is possible if you have a working key, following specific timing and ignition-cycle procedures; otherwise professional programming is required.
Is there a different fob for push-to-start Verano models?
Yes. PEPS/push-to-start Verano models use a specific flip-style PEPS fob (e.g., FCC ID OHT05918179) designed for proximity and push-button start systems.
Can you program a Verano 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 Verano fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.
