B3060 on 2021-2022 Buick Encore: Unprogrammed Key & No-Start Fixes

What's Unique About the 2021-2022 Buick ENCORE

The 2021-2022 model years cover both the first-generation Encore (on the Gamma II platform with the Chevy Trax) and the newer Encore GX (on the VSS-F platform with the Chevy Trailblazer). Both use a modern GM immobilizer system that is sensitive to radio frequency interference (RFI). A long-running GM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #PIC5650, latest revision 'M' or newer) specifically addresses intermittent no-crank or start-stall conditions with security codes like B3060. The bulletin emphasizes checking for external RFI from aftermarket LED lights, USB chargers, and even other RFID cards on the keychain before replacing expensive components like the BCM.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: The 2021-2022 model years include the end of the first-generation Encore (2013-2022) and the second-generation Encore GX (2020-present). While both use similar immobilizer technology, the platforms are different. The first-gen Encore is mechanically similar to the Chevy Trax, while the Encore GX is larger and shares its platform with the Chevy Trailblazer. Component locations, such as the keyless entry antenna or the emergency start transmitter pocket, differ between the two models, but the diagnostic principles for B3060 are identical.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine will not crank or start.
• Engine starts and then immediately stalls.
• Solid or flashing security indicator light on the dashboard.
• "No Remote Detected" or "No Fob Detected" message on the driver information center.
• Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) functions poorly or not at all.

Most Likely Causes

1. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) 🔴 High Probability Modern vehicle security systems operate at 125 kHz and are sensitive. TSB #PIC5650M specifically calls out RFI from aftermarket USB chargers, dash cams, LED lights, and even other key fobs or gate access cards on the same keychain as a primary diagnostic step before any parts are replaced.
   How to confirm: Remove all other keys, fobs, and access cards from the Buick key ring. Unplug all aftermarket accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, etc.) from the power outlets. Try to start the vehicle with only the Encore key present. If the car starts, one of the removed items was the source of interference.
   Typical fix: Isolate and remove the source of the interference. Keep other RFID-enabled cards and fobs on a separate keychain.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Defective or Unprogrammed Key Fob 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Keyless Entry Transmitter The transponder chip inside the key can be damaged if the key is dropped or exposed to moisture, or the key may have lost its programming due to a glitch. This is also the primary cause if a new, unprogrammed key is being used.
   How to confirm: Try starting the vehicle with a known-good spare key. If the spare key works without issue, the original key is the problem.
   Typical fix: If the key is damaged, it must be replaced and programmed. If it has simply lost its programming, a dealer or automotive locksmith will need to perform a key relearn procedure using a scan tool.
   Est. part cost: $150-$400
3. Weak or Dead Key Fob Battery 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery For push-to-start models, a weak fob battery may prevent the car from detecting the key's presence, triggering a "No Remote Detected" message and a security lockout. The system may not receive a strong enough signal to authenticate the key.
   How to confirm: Place the key fob in the designated transmitter pocket and try to start the engine. For the Encore GX, this pocket is located in the front of the center console, just ahead of the cupholders. For the standard Encore, it is often inside the center console storage compartment. This uses a direct, low-power antenna that can work even with a very weak battery. If the car starts, the fob battery is the culprit.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2032 battery inside the key fob.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15
4. Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or BCM Connector ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Body Control Module The BCM is the central computer for the security system. While not common, an internal BCM failure can cause this code. On some GM vehicles, fretting corrosion on the BCM connector pins can also create high resistance and intermittent communication issues.
   How to confirm: This requires advanced diagnostics with a scan tool to check for other BCM-related codes and to monitor data streams. A visual inspection of the BCM connectors for corrosion is also necessary. If no other cause can be found, the BCM is suspected.
   Typical fix: If the module is faulty, it must be replaced and programmed by a professional with access to GM's Service Programming System (SPS). Alternatively, mail-in cloning services are available that copy the data from your old BCM to a replacement, avoiding the need for dealer programming.
   Est. part cost: $400-$800

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Immobilizer Antenna: → Shop Antenna The antenna ring (exciter coil) around the ignition cylinder or the receiver for keyless start reads the key's transponder. While not a high-failure part, damage to its wiring or an internal fault can prevent the key from being detected, sometimes setting code B3055 ('No Transponder... Received') along with B3060.
• Improperly Installed Aftermarket Accessories: A poorly installed remote starter or vehicle alarm system can interfere with the factory theft-deterrent system's communication bus, causing it to reject the valid key. The interference can be electrical noise or a conflict in data signals.
• Wiring Harness Damage: On rare occasions, the wiring between the immobilizer antenna and the BCM can become chafed or broken, particularly in the steering column area from tilt/telescope adjustments, leading to an open or short circuit.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for other Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in all modules, especially B3055 and B3935.
2. Question the driver about any aftermarket accessories plugged in (phone chargers, LED lights, dash cams) and remove them.
3. Remove all other keys, fobs, and RFID cards from the keychain to eliminate Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).
4. Attempt to start the vehicle with a known-good spare key. If it works, the primary key is the issue.
5. If it's a push-to-start model, place the key fob in the vehicle's transmitter pocket and attempt to start. For the Encore GX, this is in the center console ahead of the cupholders. For the standard Encore, check inside the center armrest storage area.
6. Replace the battery (typically a CR2032) in the suspect key fob.
7. If the issue persists, the vehicle will need to be taken to a dealer or qualified automotive locksmith.
8. A professional will use a scan tool (like GM GDS2) to attempt an 'Immobilizer Learn' procedure and check communication with the Body Control Module (BCM).
9. If keys cannot be programmed, they will inspect the wiring and test the immobilizer antenna before diagnosing a potential BCM failure.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2032) — This is the simplest and cheapest potential fix for push-to-start models where the fob signal is too weak to be detected.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic
  OEM price range: $5-$15
  Aftermarket price range: $2-$10
• Transponder Key / Key Fob (Encore GX) (OEM #13530511 (FCC ID: HYQ4ES)) — The key itself can fail internally or lose its programming. A new key must be programmed to the vehicle by a professional. This part number is specific to the 2021-2022 Encore GX.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM)
  OEM price range: $85-$160
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$150

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B3055 — This code means 'No Transponder Identification Code Received'. It often appears with B3060 when the key's signal is not being detected at all, which could point to a completely dead key, a faulty key reader antenna, or severe RFI.
• B3935 — This code means 'Transponder Authentication Failed'. It indicates that a key was read, but the security handshake between the key and the BCM failed. This often accompanies B3060 and is also mentioned in TSB PIC5650M.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIC5650M: Intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. May set DTCs B3055, B3060, B3935. The primary focus of this TSB is to check for Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) from aftermarket devices before replacing any parts.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known issue, documented in TSB #PIC5650M, involves intermittent no-starts caused by RFI. Technicians are specifically instructed to investigate aftermarket accessories before replacing modules.
• The 2021-2022 model years are a transition period. The 'Encore' is the older, smaller model based on the Chevy Trax, while the 'Encore GX' is a separate, larger model based on the Chevy Trailblazer. Parts like key fobs and BCMs are not interchangeable between them. The Encore GX uses key fob P/N 13530511 (FCC ID: HYQ4ES).

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B3060 00: Indicates 'No Sub Type Information'. This means the primary code description ('Unprogrammed Transponder Identification Code Received') contains all the necessary diagnostic information without needing a more specific subtype. (see via A professional scan tool like the GM GDS2 will display the code with its symptom byte.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2: Immobilizer Learn — This is the primary function used to program new keys, reprogram existing keys, or perform a complete security system relearn after replacing the BCM or when all keys are lost.
• GM GDS2: Data Display > TDM Valid Key / BCM Key Part Number — To monitor live data and see if the Theft Deterrent Module (TDM) or Body Control Module (BCM) is recognizing the key as 'Yes' (valid) or 'No' (invalid) in real-time. This helps confirm if the key's transponder is being read at all.
• GM Techline Connect (SPS): Serial Data Authentication Configuration (SDAC) — This procedure is required on 2020+ GM platforms, including the Encore GX, after replacing or reprogramming a module like the BCM. Failure to run SDAC can prevent the immobilizer learn procedure from completing successfully and cause a persistent no-start.
• GM Techline Connect (SPS): Engine Control Module and Body Control Module IMMO Learn — A specific immobilizer procedure called out in service bulletins for newer BCMs (like the GEN3R) to re-establish the security relationship between the BCM and ECM after programming.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — For the Encore GX, the BCM is located in the center console area, accessible from the front passenger side footwell.. The BCM manages the immobilizer system. All key recognition signals, security calculations, and starter-disable commands originate from or pass through this module. Physical access is required to test its connectors or replace the unit.
• G103 — On many GM platforms, this is a primary BCM ground located in the engine compartment on the cowl, often above the brake booster.. A loose or corroded G103 ground can cause intermittent BCM power loss or erratic behavior, leading to a variety of electrical issues including false security codes like B3060 and a no-start condition.
• BCM Connectors (e.g., X1, X2) — Plugged directly into the Body Control Module.. These connectors are a known point of failure due to microscopic fretting corrosion, a problem GM has acknowledged in recalls for other models. This corrosion creates high resistance, interrupting signals between the key reader, BCM, and other modules, causing intermittent no-start conditions that are hard to diagnose. The fix involves cleaning the pins and applying dielectric lubricant.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre Tip / Forum Report (2014 GMC Savana (shared GM immobilizer logic)) — Persistent crank-no-start condition with security code B3060 active.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the ignition lock cylinder (which contains the key reader antenna)., Performing the 30-minute key relearn procedure multiple times.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The ultimate fix was replacing and reprogramming the Body Control Module (BCM), which had failed internally and was no longer correctly processing the signal from the key, even with a new reader.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2021-2022 Encore GX (VSS-F Platform): When replacing or reprogramming the Body Control Module (BCM), a 'Serial Data Authentication Configuration' (SDAC) procedure must be successfully completed using GM's Techline Connect software. This is a modern security step not present on the older first-generation Encore platform. Failure to complete this authentication can prevent the standard 'Immobilizer Learn' procedure from working, resulting in a persistent no-start condition.