Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a major inconvenience. For owners of a 2013 Cadillac XTS, the thought of going to a dealership for a replacement and programming can be daunting and expensive. Fortunately, Cadillac has equipped your XTS with the capability to program new key fobs yourself, saving you both time and money. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing and programming a new key fob for your 2013 Cadillac XTS, right in your own driveway.
Step-by-Step Guide to 2013 Cadillac XTS Key Fob Replacement
This straightforward procedure will allow you to program additional key fobs to your 2013-2016 Cadillac XTS. Ensure you have all necessary materials ready before you begin.
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle and Recognized Key Fobs
Begin by opening the center console storage area and the storage tray within your 2013 Cadillac XTS. Locate the transmitter pocket inside the center console, situated between the driver and front passenger seats. This pocket is crucial for the programming process as it communicates directly with your vehicle’s system.
Next, place your currently recognized and working remote key fobs into this transmitter pocket. It’s important to have a recognized key fob for this procedure to initiate the programming sequence for new fobs.
Step 2: Initiate Programming Mode
Now, you need to manually put your Cadillac XTS into key fob programming mode. Start by locating and removing the XTS key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. Once removed, insert your vehicle key into the key lock cylinder.
Turn the key counterclockwise (to the unlock position) five times in rapid succession, ensuring you complete these five turns within a 10-second window. This action signals to the vehicle that you intend to program new key fobs.
After successfully completing this step, check your Driver Information Center (DIC) display. It should display the message “READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, ETC.” This message confirms that your 2013 Cadillac XTS has successfully entered the key fob programming mode and is ready to learn new key fobs.
Step 3: Program the New Key Fob
With your vehicle in programming mode, it’s time to introduce the new key fob. Remove the recognized key fob currently in the transmitter pocket and immediately replace it with the new, unprogrammed key fob. Ensure the new key fob is placed correctly within the transmitter pocket.
Once the new key fob is in place, press the ENGINE START/STOP button located on your dashboard. This action initiates the learning process for the new key fob.
Keep an eye on the DIC display. After pressing the start button, the display should update to indicate that the remote key fob has been successfully learned. The message might read something like “READY TO PROGRAM REMOTE #3” or a similar confirmation, indicating readiness to program another fob if needed.
Step 4: Verify and Exit Programming Mode
To finalize the programming of the new key fob, remove it from the transmitter pocket. Press either the “lock” or “unlock” button on the newly programmed remote fob. You should hear the car respond (doors locking/unlocking, lights flashing), confirming that the new key fob is now successfully paired with your 2013 Cadillac XTS.
If you have additional key fobs to program, repeat Steps 3 and 4 for each additional fob.
Once you have programmed all desired key fobs, you need to exit the programming mode. To do this, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds. Holding the button for this duration will signal the system to exit the programming sequence.
After exiting programming mode, it’s advisable to test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are working correctly. Test all buttons – lock, unlock, trunk release, and remote start (if equipped) – to confirm full functionality.
Important Notes for 2013 Cadillac XTS Key Fob Replacement
- Erase Old Remotes: This programming procedure typically erases the memory of old remotes during the process. Therefore, even previously working remotes need to be reprogrammed along with the new ones if you want to continue using them. Make sure to have all key fobs you intend to use present during the programming session.
- Working Remote Requirement: To initiate the programming sequence, you generally need at least one working, recognized remote fob to start. If you have lost all your key fobs, you might need to visit a dealership or locksmith for programming services.
- Remote Distance: In some cases, to ensure the vehicle enters programming mode correctly, it might be necessary to keep any other working remotes far away from the vehicle initially. This prevents interference during the start of the programming sequence.
- Battery Condition: Ensure that the batteries in your new key fobs are new and fully charged for successful programming. Low battery power can sometimes interfere with the programming process.
By following these steps, you can successfully replace and program a new key fob for your 2013 Cadillac XTS, regaining full access and convenience without the need for a costly dealership visit. This DIY approach empowers you to handle key fob replacements efficiently and affordably.
