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Cadillac Key Fob FAQs - Batteries, Replacement, And Programming

Once upon a time, gaining access to and starting your car simply required a specially cut piece of metal (or two for really old models). As technology progressed, cars needed a key fob to wirelessly unlock the doors, and now a key fob is needed to start most cars. Your Cadillac key fob is the remote that controls the keyless entry system through a battery to the power transmitter. Here’s what you need to know about your Cadillac’s key fob.

Losing Your Key Fob Or Letting It Die Completely

On newer model Cadillacs, it can be a huge issue to let the key fob die. Obviously, you won’t be able to drive your car if you can’t start it. When a battery is dying or dead, you’re supposed to place it on the start spot of the center console - it’s close enough to start the car there.

These kinds of fobs give plenty of warning that the battery needs to be replaced, so don’t let it get to that point! Charge the battery or replace it before you’re stuck calling for roadside assistance. With normal use, it could take years before it’d even come up, but keeping a spare battery on hand is a smart idea anyway.

If you lose your key fob, you’re looking at close to $300 per remote for replacement. Even at our discounted prices, a new fob will run around $200. Not to mention that you can’t drive your car until you replace and reprogram the fob.

Find Your Replacement Key Fob On GMPartsCenter.net

Replacing The Battery In Your Cadillac Key Fob

Replacing the battery before it dies will save you from having to replace the fob, reprogram it, and, if nothing else, get stuck on the side of the road. Find the seam on the side of the fob and, using a small flathead screwdriver, pry the seam open on both sides. Take the cover off, remove the circuit board - use the screwdriver to pop it out - and swap the batteries out. Then close the case back together, and you’re done. It’s really simple; just be careful with the circuit board and battery contact while you’re in there.

How To Reprogram A Fob

Caddy key fob

Reprogramming may vary by model, so if this method doesn’t help, please refer to your owner’s manual, or contact your local dealership. Here’s the common reprogramming method for mid/late-2000 Cadillacs (as mentioned, check your owner’s manual as most have programming instructions):

  • Close all of the doors
  • Insert the ignition key into the ignition
  • Press and hold the DOOR unlock button
  • While holding the DOOR lock switch in the unlock position, cycle the ignition ON, OFF, ON, OFF
  • Release the DOOR unlock button
  • The doors will lock and unlock to confirm the program mode
  • Press and hold the LOCK button and the UNLOCK button simultaneously on the keyless remote
  • After about 15 seconds, the doors will lock and unlock to confirm the programming of that transmitter
  • Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position in order to exit the keyless entry transmitter mode
  • Check the transmitter functions in order to verify the correct system operation

Again, this is an example of reprogramming for a large group of Cadillac years and models, but it doesn’t cover them all — there are far too many to list each.

The bottom line is: to keep your key fob charged and in a safe place because they have become a very important component when it comes to accessing and driving your Cadillac.