Losing or needing to replace your 2012 Cadillac Cts Key Fob can be a hassle, but programming a new or used OEM key fob doesn’t have to be. This guide provides you with step-by-step instructions to program your Cadillac CTS key fob yourself, saving you time and money. Whether you have a working fob or are starting from scratch, follow these procedures to get back on the road quickly.
Procedure #1: Programming a 2012 Cadillac CTS Key Fob When You Have a Working Remote
This method is applicable if you currently have at least one functioning key fob for your 2012 Cadillac CTS and wish to program an additional one. Ensure you have your new, unprogrammed key fob ready before starting.
- Turn off your Cadillac CTS completely. Make sure the ignition is off and all accessories are powered down.
- Place your existing, working key fob(s) in the vehicle’s cup holder. This ensures they are recognized by the system during the programming process.
- Locate the key lock cylinder on the exterior of the driver’s side door. This is where you will use your physical key for the programming sequence.
- Insert your key into the driver’s side door lock cylinder.
- Turn the key to the “unlock” position five times in rapid succession within five seconds. It’s crucial to perform these turns quickly and within the time limit for the system to register the programming request.
- Observe the Driver Information Center (DIC). After successfully completing step 5, the DIC display should show “Ready to Learn Electronic Key #2, 3, or 4”. This indicates the vehicle has entered programming mode and is ready to learn a new key fob.
- Place the new, unprogrammed key fob into the transmitter pocket. The transmitter pocket is located inside the center console, between the driver and front passenger seats. Ensure the buttons on the key fob are facing the front of the vehicle when placing it in the pocket.
- Listen for a beep. Once the system successfully programs the new key fob, you will hear a beep sound. The DIC display will then advance to “Ready to Learn Electronic Key #3 or 4,” or it may display “Maximum # Electronic Keys Learned” if you have already programmed the maximum of four key fobs.
- Press the ignition control knob to exit programming mode. This step finalizes the programming process.
- Remove the newly programmed key fob from the transmitter pocket.
- Press the “unlock” button on the newly programmed remote twice. This step confirms that the new key fob is working correctly.
- Repeat steps 6 through 11 to program additional key fobs. If you have more than one new key fob to program, you can repeat this process for each additional fob, up to the vehicle’s maximum capacity of four.
Procedure #2: Programming a 2012 Cadillac CTS Key Fob When You Do Not Have a Working Remote
This procedure is necessary when you have lost all your working key fobs for your 2012 Cadillac CTS and need to program a new one. This process involves a time-delay security feature.
- Ensure your Cadillac CTS is completely off. The ignition must be off.
- Place the new, unprogrammed key fob into the transmitter pocket. Position the new key fob in the center console transmitter pocket with the buttons facing the front of the vehicle.
- Insert your key into the key lock cylinder located on the outside of the driver’s door.
- Turn the key to the “unlock” position five times within five seconds. Perform these turns rapidly and within the time limit.
- Observe the Driver Information Center (DIC). The DIC should display “Ready to Learn Keys,” indicating the system is ready to begin the no-working-remote programming procedure.
- Press the ignition switch in (push the start button).
- Wait and observe the DIC. The DIC will display “Learn Delay Active Wait XX Min” and begin counting down from approximately 10 minutes (XX) to zero. This is a security delay. Do not interrupt this process.
- Once the countdown reaches zero, the DIC will display “Press Start Control To Learn Keys again.”
- Press the ignition switch in again.
- Repeat steps 7, 8, and 9 two more times. You will need to go through the 10-minute delay cycle a total of three times.
- After the third 10-minute delay and ignition press, a beep will sound. The DIC will then display “Ready To Learn Electronic Key # X”. Important: At this point, all previously programmed key fobs have been erased from the system’s memory.
- Another beep will sound, indicating that programming is complete for the first new key fob. The DIC will display “Ready to Learn Electronic Key #2”.
- To program additional key fobs, immediately insert each subsequent transmitter into the pocket. For each key fob placed in the pocket, a beep will sound, and the DIC will advance to the next electronic key number. You can program up to four key fobs in total. Once the maximum is reached, the DIC will display “Maximum # Electronic Keys Learned” and exit the programming mode.
- Press the ignition control knob if you have finished programming all desired key fobs. This will manually exit the programming mode.
- Press the “unlock” button on each newly programmed remote to complete the process. This confirms each new key fob is functioning correctly with your 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Important Notes:
- Maximum Transmitters: The 2012 Cadillac CTS can have a maximum of four key fobs programmed to it. If you attempt to program a fifth key fob, the DIC will display “MAXIMUM # ELECTRONIC KEYS LEARNED,” and the programming procedure will terminate.
- “Known” Transmitter: A “known” transmitter refers to any key fob that has already been successfully programmed to your vehicle.
- Transmitter Pocket Placement: Ensure the key fob is correctly placed in the transmitter pocket with the buttons facing the front of the vehicle for successful programming.
- eBay or Used Key Fobs: These procedures are generally effective for both new and used OEM key fobs. However, ensure the used key fob you purchased is an OEM part compatible with your 2012 Cadillac CTS (part number M3N5WY7777A or 25943676).
By following these detailed instructions, you can successfully program your 2012 Cadillac CTS key fob and regain full access to your vehicle’s keyless entry and security features.
