2016 Cadillac Escalade

Programming Guide for 2016 Smart Keyless Entry Remote Fob – Cadillac Escalade

Important Notice: The 2016 Escalade allows onboard programming of smart key remote fobs. Depending on whether a recognized transmitter is available, follow the appropriate procedure below. The system supports programming of up to eight transmitters.

Programming with a Recognized Transmitter: Use this procedure if you have at least one working (recognized) transmitter.

  • Step 1: Remove the Mechanical Key Take out the physical key from the working transmitter.
  • Step 2: Position the Recognized Transmitter Place the recognized transmitter in the cup holder or on the passenger seat.
  • Step 3: Enter Programming Mode Remove the cap covering the driver door key lock cylinder. Insert the mechanical key and turn it counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display: READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, or 5
  • Step 4: Place the New Transmitter Put the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket, located inside the center console storage compartment.
  • Step 5: Program the Transmitter Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. When programming is successful, the DIC will update and indicate readiness for the next transmitter.
  • Step 6: Confirm Programming Remove the transmitter from the pocket and press the UNLOCK button to confirm functionality.
  • Step 7: Program Additional Transmitters (If Needed) Repeat Steps 3 through 6 for each additional remote.
  • Step 8: Exit Programming Mode Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.

Programming Without a Recognized Transmitter: Use this method if no working transmitters are available. This procedure takes about 30 minutes and is not available in Canada.

  • Step 1: Start the Initialization Remove the mechanical key from a new transmitter and remove the door lock cylinder cap. Insert the key into the driver’s door cylinder and turn it counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The DIC will display: REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
  • Step 2: Begin the Timed Learning Sequence Wait approximately 10 minutes until the DIC displays: PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will again display: REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
  • Step 3: Repeat Learning Steps Repeat Step 2 two more times (for a total of three 10-minute cycles). After the third cycle, all previously known remotes will be erased. The DIC will display: READY FOR REMOTE #1
  • Step 4: Insert New Transmitter Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket inside the center console.
  • Step 5: Program the Transmitter Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will confirm once the remote is learned.
  • Step 6: Confirm and Continue Remove the transmitter and press UNLOCK to verify. Repeat Steps 4–6 to program each additional transmitter.
  • Step 7: Exit Programming Mode Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to complete the session.
  • Step 8: Reassemble Transmitter Reinsert the mechanical key into the remote housing.

Additional Considerations:

Program All Remotes in One Session: Any fobs not programmed during this session will be removed from the system.

Battery Check: Ensure each transmitter has a working battery before starting.

Vehicle Capacity: Up to eight remotes can be paired with the system.

Estimated Time: Programming with no recognized transmitter takes approximately 30 minutes; with a recognized transmitter, the process takes just a few minutes.