How to start the Buick GL8 when the remote key is out of battery?
3 Answers
Method to start the Buick GL8 when the remote key is out of battery: Flip the small switch on the remote key to take out the mechanical key, insert the key into the hole and turn it to ignite and start the car. The remote key utilizes the wireless remote control function of the central locking system, allowing you to remotely unlock and lock the doors without inserting the key into the keyhole. This system mainly consists of two parts: the transmitter and the receiver. The Buick GL8 has a length, width, and height of 5238mm, 1878mm, and 1776mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 3088mm. It is a 5-door, 7-seater MPV equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The other day my GL8 key suddenly ran out of battery, and I was freaking out. Don't panic buddy, first look for the small mechanical key button on the side of the key fob—press it to pull out the physical key blade. Insert this into the small hole under the driver's door handle and twist to open the door. Remember, for Buick GL8 models after the third generation, the emergency start position is inside the center console. Just lift the rubber mat under the cup holder, and you'll see a key-shaped indentation. Back then, I placed the dead key fob against the steering column's start button, pressed the brake, and held it for three seconds—the car roared to life. For first-gen older models, you might need to insert the key into the card slot on the left side of the center console. I always keep a spare CR2032 coin battery in the glove box—popping open the key shell to replace it costs just ten bucks.
Last time I was on a business trip driving the company's GL8, this happened and left me stranded at a service area. After pulling out the mechanical key to open the door, I searched around the center console for a long time—turns out the starting induction area for models after the 2017 version is hidden at the bottom of the cup holder in the center armrest. Remember to place the key face up in the slot with the lightning symbol, press the brake pedal firmly, and hold the start button with your finger until the dashboard lights up. Once, my key was too far from the induction area and failed to start; I had to place the entire key case near the center console to get it working. Veteran drivers recommend always keeping spare batteries in the car—it’s super easy to replace them yourself with the Panasonic CR2032 model. Alternatively, placing the key near the door handle’s induction area can temporarily unlock the door.
