1997 Cadillac Eldorado

Programming Guide for 1997 Smart Keyless Entry Remote Fob – Cadillac Eldorado

Important Notice: The 1997 model supports onboard remote programming when equipped with either an analog or digital instrument cluster. Follow the correct procedure based on your vehicle's display type. Programming must be completed within 30 seconds once the system enters override mode, or it will cancel and require a restart.

Procedure for Vehicles with an Analog Instrument Cluster:

  • Step 1: Enter Diagnostic Mode Press and hold the OFF and WARM buttons on the Climate Control Panel (CCP) at the same time. All instrument cluster warning lights will briefly illuminate and then turn off. This confirms the system has entered diagnostic mode.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the Remote Programming Section Press the PASSENGER COOLER button repeatedly until RFA appears on the display. Press FAN UP to continue. If RFA DATA appears, press FAN DOWN to skip. If RFA OVERRIDE appears, press FAN UP again.
  • Step 3: Enter Programming Mode When RFA 500 NO OVERRIDE is shown, press FAN DOWN. When RFA 501 PROGRAM FOB #1 appears, press FAN UP. A “0” will appear on the right side of the Driver Information Center. Press the WARMER button until the number changes to 99, enabling remote learning mode.
  • Step 4: Program the First Remote Hold the first remote in your hand and do the following: Press and hold the TRUNK button. While continuing to hold TRUNK, press and hold the LOCK button for one second. Keep both buttons pressed for a total of 3 seconds. The door locks will cycle to confirm successful programming. If the system times out before the remote is programmed, return to Step 2 to restart the process.
  • Step 5: Program a Second Remote (Optional) Press FAN DOWN until RFA 502 PROGRAM FOB #2 appears. Press FAN UP and repeat Step 4 using the second remote.
  • Step 6: Exit Programming Mode Press one of the following buttons to exit diagnostic mode: AUTO, MODE UP, MODE DOWN, or RESET.

Procedure for Vehicles with a Digital Instrument Cluster:

  • Step 1: Enter Diagnostic Mode Press and hold the OFF and WARM buttons on the Climate Control Center (CCC) simultaneously. The instrument cluster will light up all indicators briefly and then go blank. This indicates the system has entered diagnostic mode.
  • Step 2: Access the Remote Programming Menu Press FAN DOWN repeatedly until RFA appears on the display. Press FAN UP to select. Press FAN DOWN again until RFA OVERRIDE appears. Press FAN UP to continue. When NO OVRD RF 500 is displayed, press FAN UP again to enter programming mode.
  • Step 3: Activate Learning Mode When PGM FOBL 501 appears on the screen, press the WARM button. The number 99 will display in the upper-left corner of the cluster, beneath the odometer. This indicates the vehicle is ready to program remotes.
  • Step 4: Program the First Remote Press and hold the TRUNK button on the first remote. While holding TRUNK, press and hold the LOCK button for one second. Continue holding both buttons for a total of 3 seconds. The locks will cycle to confirm successful programming. If the system exits before programming is complete, return to Step 2.
  • Step 5: Program a Second Remote (Optional) Press FAN UP until PGM FOB2 502 is displayed. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 using the second remote.
  • Step 6: Exit Programming Mode To exit, press either the RECIRC or RESET button.

Additional Considerations:

Programming Time Limit: You must complete remote programming within 30 seconds of entering override mode.

Battery Check: Ensure each remote has a functional battery before starting.

Confirmation: The system confirms programming by cycling the door locks.

Remote Capacity: The system supports multiple remotes but programming must be done one at a time.

Memory Reset: If programming is not completed properly, start over from the diagnostic mode entry step.