Losing or needing to replace a key fob for your 2006 Cadillac can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, programming a new key fob for your Cadillac STS, and likely other 2006 Cadillac models, can often be done without a trip to the dealership. This guide provides you with detailed, step-by-step instructions on four different methods to program your 2006 Cadillac Key Fob, empowering you to regain control quickly and efficiently.
This information is primarily for the 2005-2007 Cadillac STS models, but the methods described should be applicable to other 2006 Cadillac vehicles. It’s important to note that up to four key fobs can be programmed to your Cadillac’s Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR), each assigned a position from #1 to #4 in the system’s memory. Let’s explore the four programming methods.
Method 1: Key Fob Quick Learn
This method is designed for adding a new key fob when you already have a working one. It’s a quick and convenient way to program an additional fob, assigning it the next available number in sequence.
Important Considerations:
- This method will not work if you already have the maximum of four key fobs programmed. If you attempt to use this method with four fobs already programmed, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “MAX FOBS LEARNED,” and the procedure will be aborted. In this case, you must use Method 4.
- You will need a known working key fob, the new replacement key fob, and your Cadillac’s mechanical key.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Ensure your Cadillac is turned OFF.
- Place your known working key fob inside the vehicle.
- Insert your vehicle key into the driver’s side door lock cylinder (located on the door handle).
- Cycle the key five times within 5 seconds. This means turning the key to the unlock position and back to the lock position five times rapidly.
- Observe the DIC. It should display a message: “READY FOR FOB X” (where X will be 2, 3, or 4, depending on how many fobs are already programmed).
- Place the replacement key fob into the console fob pocket, ensuring the buttons are facing forward.
- Listen for a beep. This confirms successful programming. The DIC will then display either “READY FOR FOB X” (for the next available fob number) or “MAX FOBS LEARNED” if you have reached the limit.
- If you need to program additional key fobs, repeat steps 5 and 6.
- To exit programming mode, press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition switch.
- Finalize programming by operating all the buttons on each key fob to verify they are working correctly with your Cadillac’s system.
Method 2: Key Fob Slot Programming
Method 2 provides more control, allowing you to choose the specific memory slot for your new key fob. This is particularly useful if you are replacing a lost or damaged fob and want to ensure the new fob takes its place. This method also requires a scan tool.
Important Considerations:
- Like Method 1, this method is unavailable if four key fobs are already programmed. The DIC will display “MAX FOBS LEARNED,” and Method 4 must be used.
- You will need a known working key fob, a replacement key fob, your vehicle’s mechanical key, and a scan tool.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Ensure your Cadillac is turned OFF.
- Place a known working key fob inside the vehicle.
- Install and connect a scan tool to your Cadillac’s diagnostic port.
- Using the scan tool, navigate to the following menus:
- Vehicle Control Systems
- Computer/Integrating Systems
- Module Replacement/Setup
- RCDLR
- Program Key Fobs
- Insert your vehicle key into the driver’s side door lock cylinder.
- Cycle the key five times within 5 seconds, as in Method 1.
- On the scan tool, select “Fob X” (where X can be 1, 2, 3, or 4). This is the memory slot you are assigning to the new key fob.
- Place the replacement key fob in the console pocket with the buttons facing forward.
- Listen for a beep. This indicates successful programming. The key fob previously programmed to the selected slot is now erased and replaced by the new one.
- If programming additional key fobs, repeat steps 4-8.
- To exit programming, press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition switch.
- Remove the scan tool from your Cadillac.
- Test each key fob by operating all buttons to confirm correct programming and system operation.
Method 3: Key Fob Auto Learn
Method 3 is a more involved process that erases all previously programmed key fobs before programming new ones. This method is useful when you don’t have a working key fob or want to start fresh. It involves a 30-minute auto-learn procedure.
Important Considerations:
- All existing key fobs will be erased. Ensure you have all the key fobs you intend to use programmed during this procedure.
- The order in which you program the key fobs determines their assigned number. The first fob programmed becomes #1, the second becomes #2, and so on.
- The number stamped on the key fob case is for reference only and does not dictate its programmed position.
- Do not have any known working key fobs inside or near the vehicle during this procedure. The system might revert to Method 1 if it detects a known fob.
- You will need the replacement key fob(s) and your vehicle’s mechanical key.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Ensure your Cadillac is turned OFF.
- Place the replacement key fob in the console pocket with the buttons facing forward.
- Insert your vehicle key into the driver’s side door lock cylinder.
- Cycle the key five times within 5 seconds.
- The DIC will display: “OFF/ACC TO LEARN“.
- Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button.
- The DIC will display: “WAIT 10 MINUTES,” and begin counting down from 10 to 0, one minute at a time.
- When the counter reaches 0, the DIC will again display “OFF/ACC TO LEARN“.
- Repeat steps 5-7 two more times, for a total wait time of 30 minutes (three 10-minute cycles).
- After the final 10-minute cycle, the DIC will display “OFF/ACC TO LEARN” one last time.
- Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button.
- A beep will sound, and the DIC will display: “READY FOR FOB 1“. At this point, all previously programmed key fobs have been erased.
- Key fob #1 is now programmed. You will hear a beep, and the DIC will display: “READY FOR FOB 2“.
- If you are programming additional key fobs, remove fob 1 from the pocket and insert fob 2. Repeat for up to four fobs.
- Once you have programmed all desired fobs (up to 4), or if you reach the maximum, the DIC will display “MAX FOBS LEARNED” and automatically exit programming mode.
- If programming fewer than 4 fobs, press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button to exit programming mode manually.
- Test all programmed key fobs to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Method 4: Service Programming System Fob Programming
Method 4 is the most advanced and typically used in service situations, particularly when dealing with a maximum number of programmed fobs or when other methods fail. It requires specialized equipment: a scan tool, a Techline Terminal with SPS software, and a replacement key fob. This method involves a 10-minute relearn procedure via the Techline Terminal.
Important Considerations:
- This method requires access to a Techline Terminal with SPS software, which is typically found at dealerships or professional automotive service centers.
- This method is often necessary when you have reached the maximum number of programmed fobs and need to replace one.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place your Cadillac in Vehicle On, Engine Off mode.
- Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
- Ensure all power-consuming devices are turned OFF in the vehicle (headlights, radio, etc.).
- Using the scan tool, select “Request Info” under the Service Programming System menu and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Disconnect the scan tool from the vehicle.
- Connect the scan tool to a Techline Terminal that has current Service Programming System (SPS) software.
- Turn the vehicle OFF.
- On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Ensure you select the correct programming procedure based on whether you are replacing or simply programming a component.
- Disconnect the scan tool from the Techline Terminal.
- Reconnect the scan tool to the vehicle.
- With the scan tool, select “Program ECU” under the Service Programming System.
- Leave the scan tool connected for the duration of the 10-minute relearn procedure.
- Once the 10-minute relearn is complete, use the scan tool to navigate to:
- Vehicle Control Systems
- Computer/Integrating Systems
- Module Replacement/Setup
- RCDLR
- Program Key Fobs
- Select “Fob X” (X = 1, 2, 3, or 4) on the scan tool to choose the desired memory slot.
- Place the replacement key fob in the console pocket with the buttons facing forward.
- Listen for a beep, indicating successful programming. The previous key fob in that slot is now erased.
- Repeat steps 12-17 if you need to program additional key fobs.
- To exit programming, press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition switch.
- Remove the scan tool.
- Operate all buttons on each programmed key fob to finalize the programming and verify correct system operation.
By following these methods, you should be able to program a new 2006 Cadillac key fob and regain full access to your vehicle’s remote functions. Always double-check your Cadillac owner’s manual for specific instructions and warnings related to key fob programming for your exact model and year. If you encounter difficulties, consulting a qualified automotive technician or Cadillac dealership is recommended.
