1997 Cadillac DeVille

Programming Guide for 1997 Smart Keyless Entry Remote Fob

Important Notice: This 1997 model offers onboard programming for remote entry fobs. The procedure differs based on whether your vehicle has an analog or digital instrument cluster. Use the appropriate instructions for your specific setup. Each step must be completed promptly; otherwise, the system will exit programming mode and require a restart.

Procedure for Analog Instrument Cluster:

  • Step 1: Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine.
  • Step 2: On the climate control panel, press and hold the OFF and WARM buttons at the same time.
  • Step 3: Wait for the instrument panel to light up and then go blank—this signals entry into diagnostic mode.
  • Step 4: Press the PASSENGER COOLER button repeatedly until RFA is shown on the screen.
  • Step 5: Press FAN UP to enter the RFA menu.
  • Step 6: If RFA DATA appears, press FAN DOWN.
  • Step 7: If RFA OVERRIDE appears, press FAN UP to proceed.
  • Step 8: When RFA 500 NO OVERRIDE is displayed, press FAN DOWN.
  • Step 9: When RFA 501 PROGRAM FOB #1 appears, press FAN UP.
  • Step 10: Look at the right side of the Driver Information Center display.
  • Step 11: If “0” appears, press the WARM button until the value changes to 99. This begins programming mode.
  • Step 12: Hold the remote in your hand.
  • Step 13: Press and hold the TRUNK button.
  • Step 14: While still holding TRUNK, press and hold the LOCK button for one second.
  • Step 15: Continue holding both buttons together for 3 seconds.
  • Step 16: Listen for the locks to cycle, which confirms successful programming. If the locks do not respond or if more than 30 seconds pass, restart the process from Step 4. Optional Variation (If Step 12 Fails): Press the TRUNK button, then within one second press the LOCK button. Hold both for 3 seconds until locks cycle.
  • Step 17: To add a second remote, press FAN DOWN until RFA 502 PROGRAM FOB #2 is displayed.
  • Step 18: Press FAN UP and repeat Steps 12 through 16 for the second remote.
  • Step 19: Press AUTO, MODE UP, MODE DOWN, or RESET to exit diagnostic mode.

Procedure for Digital Instrument Cluster:

  • Step 1: Switch the ignition to the ON position without starting the vehicle.
  • Step 2: On the climate control center, press and hold the OFF and WARM buttons simultaneously.
  • Step 3: Wait for the instrument cluster to light up briefly and then go blank. This confirms diagnostic mode is active.
  • Step 4: Press FAN DOWN until RFA appears on the display.
  • Step 5: Press FAN UP to access the RFA menu.
  • Step 6: Press FAN DOWN again until RFA OVERRIDE appears.
  • Step 7: Press FAN UP to continue.
  • Step 8: When NO OVRD RF 500 appears, press FAN UP again.
  • Step 9: When the screen displays PGM FOBL 501, press the WARM button once.
  • Step 10: The number 99 will appear in the upper-left corner of the display, below the odometer, signaling that the system is ready for remote programming.
  • Step 11: Pick up the remote you wish to program.
  • Step 12: Press and hold the TRUNK button.
  • Step 13: While holding TRUNK, press and hold the LOCK button for one second.
  • Step 14: Continue holding both buttons for a full 3 seconds.
  • Step 15: Wait for the locks to cycle, confirming successful programming. If the locks do not respond within 30 seconds, programming mode will time out. Restart from Step 4. Optional Variation (If Step 11 Fails): Press TRUNK, and within one second press LOCK. Hold both for 3 seconds until the locks cycle.
  • Step 16: To add a second remote, press FAN UP until PGM FOB2 502 appears.
  • Step 17: Repeat Steps 11 through 15 to program the second remote.
  • Step 18: Press RECIRC or RESET to exit diagnostic mode.

Additional Considerations:

Battery Check: Ensure each remote has a fresh battery before beginning.

Time-Limited Programming: Each cycle must be completed within 30 seconds of entering override mode.

Confirmation Cue: Successful programming is confirmed by the automatic cycling of the vehicle's door locks.

System Capacity: A maximum of two remotes can be paired during a single session.