2018 Cadillac Escalade

Programming Guide for 2018 Smart Keyless Entry Remote Fob – Cadillac Escalade

Important Notice: The 2018 Escalade supports onboard programming for smart key fobs. Depending on your situation, follow the appropriate procedure below: If you have two recognized transmitters, use Method A. If you have no working transmitters, use Method B. Up to eight remotes can be programmed to the vehicle.

Method A: Programming with Two Recognized Transmitters Use this method if you have at least two functional remotes.

  • Step 1: Remove Mechanical Key Take the physical key out of one recognized transmitter.
  • Step 2: Position Recognized Transmitters Place both recognized transmitters inside the vehicle—either in the cup holder or on the passenger seat.
  • Step 3: Enter Programming Mode Remove the cap from the driver door lock cylinder. Insert the 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 New Transmitter Insert the new fob into the transmitter pocket, located inside the center console storage area.
  • Step 5: Program the New Remote Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. Once programming is complete, the DIC will indicate readiness for the next remote.
  • Step 6: Confirm and Repeat Remove the new fob from the transmitter pocket and press the UNLOCK button to confirm. To program another fob, repeat Steps 3–5.
  • Step 7: Exit Programming Mode Once all remotes are programmed, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to exit.

Method B: Programming Without a Recognized Transmitter Use this procedure if no functional transmitters are available.

Note: This feature is not supported in Canada and will take approximately 30 minutes.

  • Step 1: Initiate Programming Mode Remove the mechanical key from a new fob and remove the driver door lock cylinder cap. Insert the key and turn it counterclockwise to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The DIC will display: REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
  • Step 2: Wait for System Prompt After about 10 minutes, the DIC will update to: PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The system will return to: REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
  • Step 3: Repeat Twice Repeat Step 2 two more times (for a total of three cycles). After the third cycle, all previously paired remotes will be erased. The DIC will now display: READY FOR REMOTE #1
  • Step 4: Insert First New Remote Place the new fob into the transmitter pocket inside the center console.
  • Step 5: Program the Remote Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will confirm when the remote is successfully programmed.
  • Step 6: Confirm and Add More Remotes Remove the remote from the pocket and press UNLOCK to verify. Repeat Steps 4–6 for each additional fob.
  • Step 7: Exit Programming Mode Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds to exit.
  • Step 8: Reinsert Mechanical Key Return the mechanical key to the transmitter housing once programming is complete.

Additional Considerations:

Program All Remotes Together: Any remotes not included during the session will be erased from the system.

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

System Capacity: Up to eight fobs can be stored.

Estimated Time: With recognized remotes, programming takes minutes. Without recognized remotes, allow 30 minutes.