Lost your key fob or need a spare for your 2012 Cadillac CTS? The good news is, programming a new key fob for your vehicle can often be done at home, saving you time and money. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of programming a 2012 Cadillac CTS key fob, covering methods for when you have an existing programmed fob and when you don’t. Follow these straightforward instructions to get your new key fob working seamlessly with your Cadillac CTS.
Programming with a Programmed Transmitter Available
If you already have a working key fob for your 2012 Cadillac CTS, programming an additional one is a relatively simple procedure. This method typically takes just a few minutes.
Before you begin:
- Ensure you have all the key fobs you wish to program, up to a maximum of 4.
- Turn the ignition OFF completely.
- Place your existing, programmed transmitter inside the vehicle’s interior.
Programming Steps:
- Insert and Turn Key: Insert your Cadillac CTS key into the driver’s side door lock. For 2-door models, use the trunk lock instead.
- Unlock Cycle: Within 5 seconds, turn the key to the unlock position 5 times in quick succession.
- Ready for FOB 2: The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display “READY FOR FOB 2”, indicating the system is ready to program the next fob.
- Place New Fob in Pocket: Take the new, unprogrammed transmitter and place it into the center console transmitter pocket. Ensure the button side of the fob is facing the front of the vehicle.
- Acoustic Signal and READY FOR FOB 3: Listen for an acoustic signal (a chime or beep). The DIC should then display “READY FOR FOB 3”.
- Remove Programmed Fob: Take the initially programmed transmitter out of the transmitter pocket.
- Repeat for Additional Fobs: If you have more fobs to program, repeat steps 4 through 6 for each remaining transmitter. The DIC will increment the FOB number (e.g., READY FOR FOB 4).
- Exit Programming Mode: Once you have programmed all desired fobs, press the OFF/ACC button (ignition switch) to turn off the ignition and exit the programming mode.
- Test All Fobs: Thoroughly test each programmed remote to confirm it is working correctly, including locking, unlocking, and remote start functions if applicable.
Image showing a 2012 Cadillac CTS key fob and the Cadillac logo, illustrating key fob programming for Cadillac CTS vehicles.
Programming Without a Programmed Transmitter Available
If you do not have a working key fob and need to program a new one for your 2012 Cadillac CTS, the process is longer and requires a 30-35 minute wait period. It’s also crucial to have the insert blade of your new key fob properly cut before starting this procedure.
Important Preparations:
- Obtain all new remote transmitters you wish to program.
- Ensure the ignition is switched OFF.
- Have the insert blade for your new key fob cut to match your vehicle’s ignition.
- Place the new, unrecognized transmitter into the center console transmitter pocket with the buttons facing forward.
Programming Steps:
- Insert and Unlock: Insert the newly cut key into the driver’s door lock.
- Unlock Cycle and OFF/ACC TO LEARN: Within 5 seconds, turn the key to the unlock position 5 times. The DIC will display “OFF/ACC TO LEARN”.
- Press OFF/ACC Button: Press the OFF/ACC button (ignition switch).
- WAIT 10 MINUTES (Cycle 1): The DIC will display “WAIT 10 MINUTES” and begin counting down to zero in 1-minute intervals.
- OFF/ACC TO LEARN (Cycle 2): After the 10-minute wait, the DIC will again display “OFF/ACC TO LEARN”.
- Press OFF/ACC Button (Cycle 2): Press the OFF/ACC button (ignition switch) once more.
- WAIT 10 MINUTES (Cycle 2): The DIC will again display “WAIT 10 MINUTES” and count down.
- OFF/ACC TO LEARN (Cycle 3): After the second 10-minute wait, “OFF/ACC TO LEARN” will be displayed again.
- Press OFF/ACC Button (Cycle 3): Press the OFF/ACC button (ignition switch) for the third time.
- WAIT 10 MINUTES (Cycle 3): The DIC will display “WAIT 10 MINUTES” for the final 10-minute countdown.
- READY FOR FOB 1: After the final 10-minute period, you will hear an acoustic signal, and the DIC will display “READY FOR FOB 1”. Another acoustic signal will sound, and the DIC will then show “READY FOR FOB 2”, indicating programming is complete for the first fob and ready for the next.
- Remove FOB1: Remove the first programmed transmitter (FOB1) from the transmitter pocket.
- Program Remaining Fobs: If you have additional fobs, repeat the procedure starting from step 4 for each of the remaining transmitters.
- MAX FOBS LEARNED: Once up to four transmitters are programmed, the DIC will display “MAX FOBS LEARNED”, and the system will automatically exit programming mode.
- Test Operation: Operate each transmitter to finalize the programming and thoroughly check that all functions are working as expected.
Important Note: If you prefer not to perform this procedure yourself, or if you encounter difficulties, remote transmitters for your 2012 Cadillac CTS can also be professionally programmed using diagnostic equipment by a qualified automotive locksmith or your local Cadillac dealership. They have the specialized tools and expertise to ensure correct and efficient key fob programming.
