2020 Cadillac Escalade

Programming Guide for 2020 Smart Keyless Entry Remote Fob – Cadillac Escalade

Important Notice: The 2020 Escalade supports onboard programming for smart key remote fobs. You may program up to eight transmitters total. The correct procedure depends on whether you have two recognized transmitters available.

Method A: Programming with Two Recognized Transmitters Use this method if two functional remote fobs are available.

  • Step 1: Remove the Mechanical Key Remove the physical key from one of the recognized transmitters.
  • Step 2: Position Recognized Transmitters Place both working transmitters inside the vehicle—either in the cup holder or on the passenger seat.
  • Step 3: Access Programming Mode Remove the key lock cylinder cap from the driver door handle. 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, etc.
  • Step 4: Open the Console Storage Lift the lid and remove the tray to access the transmitter pocket, located at the front of the center console storage area.
  • Step 5: Insert the New Remote Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket.
  • Step 6: Begin Programming Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will confirm when the transmitter is successfully programmed and display readiness for the next one.
  • Step 7: Confirm and Repeat Remove the remote from the pocket and press either the LOCK or UNLOCK button to confirm. Repeat Steps 4–7 for any additional transmitters.
  • Step 8: Exit Programming Mode Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for approximately 12 seconds to exit the programming process.
  • Step 9: Restore Components Reinsert the key into the transmitter. Replace the key lock cylinder cap on the door handle.

Method B: Programming Without Recognized Transmitters Use this method if no functional transmitters are available.

Note: This feature is not available in Canada and takes about 30 minutes.

  • Step 1: Remove the Key Remove the mechanical key from one of the new transmitters.
  • Step 2: Initiate Programming Mode Remove the key lock cylinder cap from the driver’s door. 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 3: Begin Initialization After 10 minutes, the DIC will display: PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will return to: REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
  • Step 4: Repeat Initialization Twice Repeat Step 3 two more times for a total of three 10-minute cycles. After the third cycle, all existing transmitters will be erased. The DIC will then show: READY FOR REMOTE #1
  • Step 5: Insert First New Remote Open the center console, remove the tray, and place the new transmitter in the transmitter pocket.
  • Step 6: Program the Transmitter Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will confirm successful programming and display readiness for the next remote.
  • Step 7: Confirm and Continue Remove the transmitter from the pocket and press LOCK or UNLOCK. Repeat Steps 5–7 to program each additional fob.
  • Step 8: Exit Programming Mode Once complete, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 12 seconds.
  • Step 9: Reassemble Components Reinsert the key into the fob and replace the key lock cylinder cap on the driver’s door.

Additional Considerations:

All Remotes Must Be Programmed Together: Any transmitter not included in the session will be erased.

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

System Capacity: The vehicle supports up to eight remote fobs.

Time Requirement: Programming with recognized remotes takes a few minutes. Without recognized remotes, allow about 30 minutes.