Question: I’ve got a new Buick that I want to connect to my garage door. How do I program a Buick garage door opener?
Answer: It should only take a few seconds to program your Buick garage door opener. The process will vary depending on whether you have a built-in HomeLink garage door opener or you’re controlling the remote via your infotainment screen—but either way, start by parking in front of your garage door.
To program a HomeLink garage door opener
Follow these steps if your Buick has a HomeLink system on the ceiling of the car near the top of the windshield, just above your rearview mirror.
- Press the HomeLink button that you want to set as your garage opener. Most Buicks with HomeLink will have three buttons for you to choose from. The HomeLink light will start flashing once you press it.
- Place your garage remote next to the HomeLink system. Make sure the remote is as close to the HomeLink opener as possible.
- Press and hold the center button on your garage remote. Continue holding the button down until the light on the HomeLink opener stops blinking.
- Test the HomeLink button. Press the opener on your Buick that you just programmed to see if your garage door opens or closes. If it doesn’t, try repeating the programming process.
To program a Buick’s Universal Remote
If your Buick has a Universal Remote option equipped in your infotainment screen settings, try this:
- Navigate to Controls App > Universal Remotes > Add Remote. If you don’t see the Universal Remotes option under Controls, tap See More Controls.
- Tap “Yes” if your garage door opener has a handheld remote. If your opener doesn’t have a remote, tap “No,” then follow the on-screen instructions.
- Hold the remote near your rearview mirror, then press and hold the transmitter button. The remote needs to be within three inches of the rearview mirror for this to work. Keep holding the transmitter button until your center display reads “Signal Found.”
- Use the “Test” button to check whether the programming worked. You may have to press this button a few times. If the garage door opens or closes, tap “It Worked” on your center display screen.
If the programming didn’t work or you don’t have a remote
Some garage door openers use a rolling code, so you’ll need to manually pair your Buick garage door opener and your main garage door opener device. If this is the case, you may see a rapidly-flashing light after you try to program the opener, then you’ll need to try the following steps:
Go inside your garage door and find the motor unit. It’s usually located near the ceiling close to the door. Press the Learn or Program button, then go back to your vehicle and press the HomeLink button or Test button, depending on which system you’re using. You must press the HomeLink or Test button within 20 seconds of pressing the Learn button.
You can also use these steps to program your Buick garage door opener without a remote.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
