Introduction To Cadillac Key Programming

Making a new key for Cadillac models can take time, money, and experience. If you have lost all keys (including your service key located inside your key fob) you have 4 options to replace that key so you can perform the programming

Options For Replacing The Service Key

1. You can use our cut by VIN service (provide proof of ownership and vehicle VIN and we can ship you a new one).
2. Hire a local locksmith, we can match you with one of our vetted locksmiths.
3. Contact your local Cadillac dealer, however, they may want you to bring the vehicle in and try to sell you on the programming etc.. usually the dealership is the most expensive and the biggest hassle.
4. Learn to cut keys, invest in expensive equipment, and pay for the keycode and cut it yourself.  Seems crazy but I know people who have done this.  (personally, if you are trying to save money this isn’t the way to do it!).

Program Your Own Cadillac Key

The majority of GM vehicles, Cadillac included, car keys can be programmed by the vehicle owner without the use of expensive specialty tools such as the Smart Box.

Furthermore, if you already have a service key for a Cadillac or any vehicle with onboard programming, then odds are you can program it yourself.  No need to call the dealership or local locksmith unless you need a service key cut by VIN.

Okay, Okay, let’s get on with the detailed instructions on how to program a new Cadillac key, including tips, tricks, and troubleshooting.

Tips & Tricks

1. A tip when programming using the lost all keys method all previous keys will be erased they will no longer work even if you find your old key.  However, you can redo the process and add more keys later.
2. Programming Cadillac keys requires 30 minutes of battery life without the car being started.  (Trick hook the car up to jumper cables or a battery pack/charger.
3. The majority of Cadillac models can be programmed through these steps, however, a lot of keys, remotes aka fobs, will look exactly the same but the inside components are unique and are not compatible which means it won’t work, we advise you order the exact key you need specific to your vehicle feel free to call us if you need help ordering the correct key.

We will list several different Cadillac key programming instructions below each one is for different scenarios such as lost all keys, duplication (adding another key/keys).  Make sure you follow the correct instructions one based on your scenario.

Program A New Cadillac Transponder Key Instructions (No Working Keys)

Cadillac Key Programming Transponder Type No Working Keys

First: Insert your Cadillac key that’s cut but not-programmed into your Cadillacs ignition and turn it to the “ON” position.  Look at the dashboard instrument panel the security light should come on as you turn the key. If the security light doesn’t come on, it typically means you have a problem with your car battery and you should either hook it up to jumper cables, battery charger, battery pack or replace it.

(TIP) Using the stopwatch feature on a cellphone makes this step easier to track time.

The second step,  when the security light does turn on it will stay on for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, the security light will stop flashing, in less than 1 minute, turn the key to the “OFF” position and then right back to “ON” again.

Third Step, The security light on the dash should come back on for an additional 10 minutes and then off again. Within one minute, turn the key to the “OFF” position and then right back to “ON” again. The security light on the dash should come back on for the third time another 10 minutes and then go off once again.

When the security light turns off after the 3rd time which is a total of 30 minutes your new Cadillac key should be programmed and able to start the car.

(TIP) In the next section, we will discuss car key duplication so you can make a spare in case you lose your newly programmed Cadillac transponder key.

Cadillac Key Duplication Process (Transponder Keys Not Remotes)

Programming a duplicate Cadillac key, when you already have one or more working Cadillac keys it’s even easier to perform car key duplication vs programming with no working key.  It also only takes a couple of minutes vs 30 minutes.

What You Should Have Before You begin:
1. A working transponder key that can start your Cadillac.
2. A cut but non-programmed transponder key that you want to program make sure it is the exact transponder type for your specific make and model if you had us help you place your order it will be correct.

1. insert your working transponder key into your vehicle’s ignition.
2. Turn the Cadillac key to the “ON” position and immediately to the “OFF” position.
(TIP) You will have 10 seconds to do the next step, once the key is removed.

3. Remove the working key from your vehicle’s ignition. Insert the non-programmed transponder key you want to duplicate into your car ignition and turn it to the “ON” position.
4. Look at the instrument panel the security light should come on for around 2 seconds which indicates your Cadillac key has successfully been duplicated.  You can now test it by starting your car with the new key.

About Cadillac Key Fob Programming

Cadillac Key Fob Programming Instructions: (New Remote, No Working Fobs)

(TIP) Make sure all doors, trunk, and hood are closed before proceeding, the key fob programming will not work if any of these are open.

1. Remove your service key from the remote (Usually there is a button or switch to remove it).  Stand outside your Cadillac facing the driver’s side door.  Insert the key into the driver’s side door lock.

(TIP) The next process has to be completed within 10 seconds.

2. Turn the service key 6 times to your left (counter-clockwise). If you did it within 10 seconds, a message on the instrument panel will display “remote learning mode” or ” remote learning in progress” (depending on which Cadillac model you own). This will display for about 20 or 30 seconds.

When the programming mode is on, you will see a notification: “Press the push to start button” or something similar (what you use to start the car). Push it once. It then should display “remote learning mode is in progress” which will take about 10 minutes after it stops displaying move on to the next step.

3. Once again Stand outside your Cadillac facing the driver’s side door (with doors closed).  Insert the key into the driver’s side door lock.

4. (For the second time) Turn the service key 6 times to your left (counter-clockwise). If you did it within 10 seconds, a message on the instrument panel will display “remote learning mode” or ” remote learning in progress” (depending on which Cadillac model you own). This will display for about 20 or 30 seconds.  you will see a notification: “Press the push to start button” or something similar (what you use to start the car). Push it once. It then should display “remote learning mode is in progress” which will take about 10 minutes after it stops displaying move on to the next step.

5. (For the third time) Turn the service key 6 times to your left (counter-clockwise). If you did it within 10 seconds, a message on the instrument panel will display “remote learning mode” or ” remote learning in progress” (depending on which Cadillac model you own). This will display for about 20 or 30 seconds.  you will see a notification: “Press the push to start button” or something similar (what you use to start the car). Push it once. It then should display “remote learning mode is in progress” which will take about 10 minutes after it stops displaying move on to the next step.

6.If you did everything right three times, you will see: “ready for remote one”. Place the first remote you
are programming in the cup holder or the armrest. (It depends on your make and model. If you are
not sure, you can check your vehicle manual or call the dealership.)

7.After the remote is in the right place, press the push to start button. The first remote should be programmed and ready to go. Then you will see  ”ready for remote number 2″. (If you have another remote) Place the second remote in the same spot and press again, push to start. If done correctly, you will see ”ready for remote number 3″.

Finish Cadillac Key Fob Programming

After you have finished programming all your key fobs or remotes press and hold the “push to start” button for additional 20-30 seconds. Once your display goes blank, test your remotes.

How To Duplicate Cadillac Key Fobs Or Remotes? The Right Way

We discussed earlier, how to program a new Cadillac remote key to your vehicle if you have a non-programmed remote fob. Now we will discuss how to duplicate a Cadillac Key fob or in other words make a spare programmed key.

Instructions For Adding An Additional Remote Key Fob

(TIP) Make sure all doors, trunk, and hood are closed before proceeding, the key fob programming will not work if any of these are open.

1. Remove your service key from the remote (Usually there is a button or switch to remove it).  Stand outside your Cadillac facing the driver’s side door.  Insert the key into the driver’s side door lock.

(TIP) The next process has to be completed within 10 seconds.

2. Turn the service key 6 times to your left (counter-clockwise). If you did it within 10 seconds, a message on the instrument panel will display “remote learning mode” or ” remote learning in progress” (depending on which Cadillac model you own). This will display for about 20 or 30 seconds.

3.Place the first remote you are programming in the cup holder or in the armrest. (It depends on your make and model. If you are not sure, you can try both, ask the dealership, or check your user manual.

4.Once you have placed the remote in the right place, press the push to start button (The button you start the car with). The remote is now programmed. The instrument panel should display that the car is ” ready for remote number whatever is next. Place the second remote you are programming in the cup holder or in the armrest.

To Finalize Your Cadillac Key Fob Programming

When you have finished programming all your new Cadillac key fobs, press and hold the “push to start” button for 15 seconds and then let go. All is done and then you just then to test your new keys.