Experiencing issues with your Cadillac key fob can be frustrating, especially when it suddenly stops working. Like many Cadillac owners, you might initially suspect a dead battery. While replacing the CR2032 battery is often the first step, sometimes a key fob needs more than just a fresh battery – it needs to be reprogrammed. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your Cadillac key fob is unresponsive even after a battery change, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the process of reprogramming your Cadillac key fob, getting you back on the road with a fully functional remote.
This procedure is particularly useful if your Cadillac key fob has lost its programming, perhaps due to prolonged battery depletion. Before assuming you need to visit a dealership, try this simple DIY method to reprogram your Cadillac key fob at home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reprogramming Your Cadillac Key Fob
Follow these instructions carefully to successfully reprogram your Cadillac key fob. Ensure you have both the recognized and unrecognized key fobs with you before starting.
-
Vehicle Off: Begin by ensuring your Cadillac is completely turned off. The engine should not be running, and the ignition should be in the “off” position.
-
Gather Key Fobs: Make sure you have both your working (recognized) key fob and the non-working (unrecognized) key fob with you. You’ll need both for this process.
-
Access the Trunk Key Cylinder: Locate the key cylinder on the lower rear fascia on the driver’s side of your Cadillac. This is near the trunk area.
-
Open the Trunk Manually: Insert your vehicle key into the key cylinder you just located and manually open the trunk. This step is crucial for initiating the reprogramming sequence.
-
Turn Key Rapidly: Once the trunk is open, turn the key in the trunk lock cylinder five times within five seconds. It’s important to perform these turns quickly and within the specified timeframe for the system to recognize the reprogramming request.
-
DIC Message Confirmation: After turning the key correctly, the Driver Information Center (DIC) on your Cadillac’s dashboard will display a message. This message will read “READY FOR FOB #X,” where “X” represents the next available fob number in the sequence. This indicates that your Cadillac is now in programming mode and ready to learn a new key fob.
-
Locate Glove Box Transmitter Pocket: Open your passenger side glove box. On the left side of the glove box, you will find a small, recessed pocket. This is the transmitter pocket, specifically designed for programming key fobs. It can be a bit hidden, so you might need to feel around to locate it. This pocket is not in the center console glove box, but specifically in the passenger side glove compartment.
-
Place Fob in Transmitter Pocket: Take the unrecognized key fob and place it inside the glove box transmitter pocket. Ensure that the buttons on the key fob are facing to the right as you place it in the pocket.
-
Programming Confirmation: Once the key fob is correctly placed in the transmitter pocket, the system will begin programming it. You will hear a beep sound, indicating that the key fob has been successfully programmed to your Cadillac.
-
Press ACC Button: After hearing the beep and confirming successful programming, press the ACC (Accessory) button in your Cadillac. This step finalizes the reprogramming process.
Understanding Fob Numbers and Limitations
After following these steps, your previously unrecognized key fob should now be working perfectly. In many cases, like in the original scenario, the newly programmed fob might be recognized as fob 3 or fob 4, even if you were originally trying to reprogram fob 1 or fob 2. This is because the car’s computer remembers previously programmed fobs.
It’s important to note that your Cadillac can have a maximum of four transmitters programmed to it. If you reprogram a “dead” fob, as described here, it will count as a new fob in the system, potentially reducing the number of additional fobs you can program in the future.
Emergency Start with a Low Battery Key Fob
It’s also useful to know that even if your key fob battery is weak or completely dead, and the DIC displays “NO FOBS DETECTED” when you try to start your Cadillac, you can still start the vehicle in an emergency.
To do this, place the key fob in the glove box transmitter pocket, buttons facing right, just as you did during the reprogramming procedure. Then, with your vehicle in Park (P), press the brake pedal and then press the Start button. This will allow you to start your Cadillac despite the low or dead key fob battery. However, remember to replace the key fob battery as soon as possible to avoid future issues.
By following these steps, you can effectively reprogram your Cadillac key fob and regain full functionality, saving you time and potentially costly trips to the dealership.
