B3060 on 2020-2025 Buick Encore GX: No-Start, Security Light Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2025 Buick ENCORE GX

The 2020-2025 Encore GX uses a modern keyless push-to-start system, so there is no traditional ignition cylinder to wear out. The issue is almost always electronic. A key GM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #PIC5650M and its subsequent revisions) directly addresses intermittent no-start conditions with this code on modern platforms like the Encore GX. The bulletin highlights that the cause is often not a broken part, but rather radio frequency interference (RFI) from other devices near the key fob, a problem these sensitive keyless systems operating at 125 kHz, 315 MHz, and 433 MHz are prone to.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine will not crank or start
• Engine starts and immediately stalls
• Security light is illuminated or flashing on the dashboard
• Message on the driver information center like "No Key Detected" or "Place Key in Transmitter Pocket"

Most Likely Causes

1. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) 🔴 High Probability Modern keyless systems operate on low-frequency signals that can be easily disrupted by other electronic devices, a cause specifically noted in multiple versions of GM TSB PIC5650. Common culprits include aftermarket phone chargers, other key fobs on the same ring, building access cards, and even some LED interior lights.
   How to confirm: Remove all other key fobs, access cards, and electronic devices (especially anything plugged into a 12V outlet) from the keychain and from inside the car. Try starting the vehicle with only the Encore GX key fob present. If the car starts, RFI was the cause.
   Typical fix: Isolate the key fob from other devices. This is a no-cost fix.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Weak or Dead Key Fob Battery 🟡 Medium Probability The key fob requires battery power to transmit its security code. A weak battery can cause an intermittent or failed signal, triggering the B3060 code.
   How to confirm: Try using the vehicle's backup method for a dead fob battery: place the key fob in the designated transmitter pocket and attempt to start the engine. For the Encore GX, this pocket is a small depression in the tray on the center console, just in front of the main storage area. If it starts, the fob battery is the likely culprit.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2032 battery inside the key fob. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing your Encore GX fob battery.
   Est. part cost: $2-$10
3. Faulty or Unprogrammed Key Fob 🟡 Medium Probability
   How to confirm: Attempt to start the vehicle with a known-good spare key fob. If the spare key works correctly, the primary key fob is faulty or has lost its programming.
   Typical fix: The faulty key fob needs to be replaced and/or reprogrammed to the vehicle by a dealer or qualified automotive locksmith with GM-specific tools.
   Est. part cost: $75-$350
4. Body Control Module (BCM) Fault ⚪ Low Probability The BCM is the central computer for body electronics, including the security system. An internal failure can cause it to lose key programming or fail to communicate properly. This is a less common but significant potential cause.
   How to confirm: This requires advanced diagnostics with a scan tool capable of communicating with the BCM. A technician will check for communication errors, internal fault codes, and verify power/ground signals to the module. Other seemingly unrelated electrical issues 🎬 Watch this DIY guide to help you locate the BCM. (lights, locks, wipers acting erratically) are also a symptom of BCM failure.
   Typical fix: Replace the Body Control Module and program the new unit to the vehicle, which includes learning all key fobs. This must be done by a professional with access to GM's programming software.
   Est. part cost: $250-$500

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Keyless Entry Control Module / Antenna: This module and its associated antennas are responsible for detecting the key fob's signal. A hardware failure in this system can prevent the key from being recognized, even if the fob itself is good. Diagnosis involves testing the antennas and module circuits.
• Low Vehicle Battery Voltage: Extremely low voltage in the main 12V vehicle battery can cause various electronic modules, including the BCM, to malfunction and temporarily lose memory, triggering security faults. Some owners of similar GM platforms have resolved persistent issues with a full vehicle battery disconnect for several minutes to force a hard reset of all modules.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify B3060 is present in the Body Control Module (BCM) using an OBD-II scanner.
2. Remove all other keys, fobs, RFID cards, and especially aftermarket phone chargers from the keychain and from inside the car.
3. Attempt to start the vehicle with the isolated key fob.
4. If it fails, try the spare key fob. If the spare works, the primary fob is faulty.
5. If the spare also fails, replace the battery in the key fob (typically a CR2032).
6. If the battery change doesn't work, place the key fob in the vehicle's transmitter pocket and try starting. For the Encore GX, this is the small tray in the center console in front of the armrest storage area. This is the backup method for a weak fob signal.
🎬 See how to start your Buick with a dead fob battery.
7. Check the main 12V vehicle battery to ensure it is fully charged and terminals are clean. A very low battery can cause module glitches.
8. If all the above steps fail, the issue likely lies with the BCM, keyless entry module, or associated wiring, requiring professional diagnosis with GM-specific tools.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2032 (GM Part #19333112 or equivalent)) — This is the most common and cheapest part to fail, causing a weak or no signal from the key fob.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell, ACDelco
  OEM price range: $5-$10
  Aftermarket price range: $2-$5
• Keyless Entry Remote Fob (OEM #13530511 (5-Button), 13530513 (4-Button), 13547675 (3-Button). Verify by VIN.) — If the internal transponder chip in the fob fails, the entire unit must be replaced and programmed. Part number varies by trim (number of buttons).
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine Parts
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $75-$150
• Body Control Module (BCM) (OEM #13535993 or 13534192 (Verify by VIN)) — In rarer cases, the BCM itself fails and can no longer recognize learned keys, requiring replacement and programming. Multiple part numbers may exist.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine Parts
  OEM price range: $300-$500
  Aftermarket price range: $200-$400

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B3055 — This code means 'No Transponder Signal Received' and often appears with B3060, indicating a complete failure to read the key, which could be due to RFI, a dead key, or a bad antenna. It is explicitly mentioned alongside B3060 in TSB PIC5650.
• B3935 — This code for 'Transponder Authentication Failed' indicates the key was read but could not be validated. It is part of the same security handshake failure that triggers B3060 and is also mentioned in TSB PIC5650.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIC5650M (and revisions like PIC5650C, PIC5650K): Addresses intermittent no crank, no start, or start/stall concerns with the security light on, specifically listing DTCs B3060, B3055, and B3935. It points towards RFI from aftermarket devices (chargers, LEDs, other fobs) as a primary cause that must be ruled out before replacing parts.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• As per TSB PIC5650M, this platform is known to be sensitive to Radio Frequency Interference, which can cause an intermittent no-start with code B3060 even when no parts have failed.
• The specific location for starting the vehicle with a dead key fob is a small, unmarked tray in the center console, directly in front of the storage compartment lid, which can be confusing for owners.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Immobilizer System Operating Frequency — expected: 125 kHz. Failure: Interference from other devices operating in the 120-135 kHz range can jam the signal.
• Vehicle System Voltage — expected: Above 12.4V. Failure: Low system voltage can cause the BCM to malfunction and incorrectly set security codes.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B3060 02: Unprogrammed Transponder Identification Code Received with a symptom byte of '02', which can indicate a short to ground in the circuit. (see via A dealer-level scanner like the GM GDS2 or equivalent professional tool is required to view symptom bytes.)
• B3060 5A: Unprogrammed Transponder Identification Code Received with a symptom byte of '5A', which can indicate a plausibility failure (the signal received is not logical or expected). (see via A dealer-level scanner like the GM GDS2 or equivalent professional tool is required to view symptom bytes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2: Module Diagnostics > Body Control Module > Data Display > Immobilizer Data — To monitor live data parameters like 'Valid Key' status to see if the BCM is recognizing the key fob's transponder signal in real-time.
• GM GDS2 / SPS2: Immobilizer Learn / Add or Replace Key Fobs — This function is required to program new key fobs to the vehicle or to relearn all existing keys if the BCM has been replaced or has lost its memory.
• GM GDS2 / SPS2: BCM Programming and Setup — After physically replacing the Body Control Module, the new module must be programmed with the vehicle's specific VIN, RPO codes, and security information using GM's online Service Programming System (SPS2), followed by setup functions in GDS2.
• J 43241 / EL-52545: RF Signal Detection — These are specialized GM tools used to scan the vehicle for stray Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) signals that could be jamming the key fob communication, as recommended by TSB PIC5650K.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• K9 Body Control Module (BCM) — Located in the center console area, accessible after removing the lower trim panel on the passenger side footwell.. The BCM is the primary module that stores key data and controls the immobilizer system. All communication for the anti-theft system runs through it.
• BCM Ground (G103/G200) — General GM ground locations for the BCM are often on the cowl in the engine bay (G103) or behind the instrument panel (G200). A poor ground can cause erratic BCM behavior and false codes.. A faulty or corroded ground connection to the BCM can cause intermittent power loss or voltage drops, leading to communication errors and failure to recognize a valid key.
• BCM Connectors — The Encore GX BCM has multiple connectors (often 7, colored differently like blue, green, brown, black, etc.). The specific pins for power, ground, and communication networks are critical for diagnosis.. Technicians need to probe specific pins on these connectors to test for correct voltage, ground, and data signals to determine if the fault is with the BCM, wiring, or another component.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2022.5+: Newer GM models using the Global B electrical architecture may require GM's latest 'Techline Connect' software for module programming instead of the older TIS2Web/SPS system. This is an online-only system that further restricts DIY or independent shop programming.