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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2004 🢒 XLR 🢒 Preface 🢒 Cautions and Notices 🢒 Transmitter Programming

Transmitter Programming Domestic

Important: 

   • When a remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) is replaced the original key fobs become obsolete; the key fobs can only be programmed to the original RCDLR. Key fobs and the RCDLR can only be transferred to another vehicle as a complete set. Additional new key fobs programmed to a RCDLR cannot be reprogrammed to another RCDLR or another vehicle.
   •  Do not operate or program the key fobs in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This will prevent the programming of the key fobs to the incorrect vehicle.

There are 4 methods for programming key fobs. Up to 4 key fobs may be programmed to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). Each programmed key fob is given a position of #1-#4 in the RCDLR memory.

Method 1 - Key Fob Quick Learn

This procedure will add key fobs. Fobs will be numbered in sequence based on when they are programmed; if 2 fobs are currently programmed to the RCDLR, a fob programmed using this method will be numbered as Fob 3. This procedure requires that you have a known good key fob, a replacement key fob, and the vehicles mechanical key.

Method 1 is also used for the initial programming of key fobs to a new replacement RCDLR. In this instance, the new RCDLR comes ready to learn the first key fobs introduced. Perform the learn procedure as outlined, with the exception that the new RCDLR does not require a known key fob be placed within the interior of the vehicle.

Important: This procedure is not available when the maximum number of fobs (4) have been programmed. If 4 key fobs are programmed to this RCDLR and this method is attempted, the driver information center (DIC) will display MAX FOBS LEARNED and the programming procedure will exit. Method 4 must be used in this instance.

  1. The vehicle must be OFF.
  2. Open the rear compartment.
  3. Place a known key fob within the interior of the vehicle.
  4. At the rear of the vehicle insert the vehicle key in the rear compartment lock cylinder located in the lower left and cycle the key 5 times within 5 seconds.
  5. The DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB X (X = fob 2, 3, or 4).
  6. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box fob pocket with the buttons facing right.
  7. A beep will occur and the DIC will display: READY FOR FOB X (X = fob 3 or 4) or MAX FOBS LEARNED.
  8. If programming additional key fobs, repeat steps 5 and 6, or press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition switch to exit programming mode.

    9. Important: Failure to operate the active portion of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the active portion finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  9. Operate the active portion of each key fob to finalize the programming and verify correct system operation.

Method 2 - Key Fob Slot Programming

This procedure will add or replace a key fob. Method 2 allows you to choose which location (slot) the unprogrammed fob will be learned to. If you are replacing a key fob, this method will erase the previously known key fob programmed to that particular slot. This procedure requires that you have a known good key fob, a replacement key fob, the vehicle mechanical key, and a scan tool.

Important: This procedure is not available when the maximum number of fobs (4) have been programmed. If 4 key fobs are programmed to this RCDLR and this method is attempted, the DIC will display MAX FOBS LEARNED and the programming procedure will exit. Method 4 must be used in this instance.

  1. The vehicle must be OFF.
  2. Open the rear compartment.
  3. Place a known key fob within the interior of the vehicle.
  4. Install a scan tool.
  5. Use the scan tool, to access the following:
    6. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Computer/Integrating Systems
    • Module Replacement/Setup
    • RCDLR
    • Program Key Fobs
  6. At the rear of the vehicle insert the vehicle key in the rear compartment lock cylinder located in the lower left and cycle the key 5 times within 5 seconds.
  7. Select Fob X (X = 1, 2, 3, or 4) on the scan tool. This will be the slot you wish to program to.
  8. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box pocket with the buttons facing right. A beep will occur indicating programming completion. The previously known fob is now erased.
  9. If programming additional key fobs, repeat steps 4-8, or press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition switch to exit programming.
  10. Remove the scan tool.

    11. Important: Failure to operate the active portion of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the active portion finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  11. Operate the active portion of each key fob to finalize the programming and verify correct system operation.

Method 3 - Key Fob Auto Learn

This procedure will first erase all known key fobs. The procedure will then program a single or multiple key fobs. Method 3 is a series of three 10-minute key cycles, for a total of 30 minutes. This procedure requires that you have a replacement key fob and the vehicle mechanical key.

Important: All previously programmed key fobs will be erased upon completion of the 30-minute programming procedure. The order in which the key fobs are programmed will determine its numbering position within the RCDLR memory. The first key fob programmed will be key fob #1, and the second key fob programmed will be key fob #2. The number stamped on the key fob case is for reference only: #2 can be programmed as #1.

Do not place any known good key fobs in the vicinity of the vehicle when programming with Method 3. If the RCDLR recognizes a known good key fob during Method 3 programming, the programming mode will resort to Method 1.

  1. The vehicle must be OFF.
  2. Open the rear compartment.
  3. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box pocket with the buttons facing right.
  4. At the rear of the vehicle insert the vehicle key in the rear compartment lock cylinder located in the lower left and cycle the key 5 times within 5 seconds.
  5. The DIC will display a message: OFF/ACC TO LEARN.
  6. Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button.
  7. The DIC will display a message: WAIT 10 MINUTES, then it will count down from 10 to 0, one minute at a time.
  8. When the counter reaches 0, DIC will display OFF/ACC TO LEARN.
  9. Repeat steps 5-7 two more times, for a total of 30 minutes.
  10. The DIC will display a message: OFF/ACC TO LEARN.
  11. Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button.
  12. A beep will occur and the DIC will display: READY FOR FOB 1. At this time all previously known key fobs have been erased. When fob 1 is programmed a beep will be heard and the DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB 2.
  13. Additional key fobs can be programmed by taking fob 1 out of the pocket and inserting fob 2. If desired, up to 4 fobs can be programmed. Once 4 fobs have been learned, the DIC will display a message: MAX FOBS LEARNED, and automatically exit the program mode.
  14. If learning less than 4 key fobs, press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button to exit the program mode.

    15. Important: Failure to operate the active portion of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the active portion finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  15. Operate the active portion of each key fob to finalize the programming and verify correct system operation.

Method 4 - Service Programming System Fob Programming

This procedure is a 10-minute relearn procedure using the Techline Terminal with SPS software. Once the 10-minute timer has expired, the fobs can be programmed similar to Method 2 using slot programming. A scan tool, Techline Terminal, and a replacement key fob are required to perform this procedure.

  1. Place the vehicle in the Vehicle On, Engine Off mode.
  2. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
  3. Insure that all power consuming devices are turned OFF on the vehicle.
  4. With a scan tool, select Request Info under Service Programming System and follow the scan tool on-screen instructions.
  5. Disconnect the scan tool from the vehicle and connect the scan tool to a Techline Terminal with the current Service Programming System (SPS) software.
  6. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions. Select "VTD Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn" under Component Replacement. Ensure that "Prepare RCDLR for key fob programming" is chosen.
  7. Disconnect the scan tool from the Techline Terminal and re-connect the scan tool to the vehicle.
  8. With a scan tool, select Program ECU under Service Programming System.
  9. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10 minute relearn procedure.
  10. When the 10 minute relearn procedure has completed, turn the vehicle OFF.
  11. Use the scan tool to access the following:
    12. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Computer/Integrating Systems
    • Module Replacement/Setup
    • RCDLR
    • Program Key Fobs
  12. Select Fob X (X = 1, 2, 3, or 4) on the scan tool. This will be the slot you wish to program to.
  13. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box pocket with the buttons facing right. A beep will occur indicating programming completion. The previously known fob is now erased.
  14. Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition switch to exit programming.

    15. Important: Failure to operate the active portion of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the active portion finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  15. Operate the active portion of each key fob to finalize the programming and verify correct system operation.
  16. If programming additional key fobs, repeat steps 1-15
  17. Clear any DTC's and remove the scan tool.

Transmitter Programming Export - Including Canada

Important: 

   • When a remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) is replaced the original key fobs became obsolete, the key fobs can only be programmed to the original RCDLR. Key fobs and the RCDLR can only be transferred to another vehicle as a complete set. Additional new key fobs programmed to a RCDLR cannot be reprogrammed to another RCDLR or another vehicle.
   •  Do not operate or program the key fobs in the vicinity of other vehicles that are in the keyless entry program mode. This prevents the programming of the key fobs to the incorrect vehicle.

There are 2 methods for programming key fobs. Up to 4 key fobs may be programmed to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR). Each programmed key fob is given a position of #1-#4 in the RCDLR memory.

Method 1 - Key Fob Quick Learn

This procedure is used when adding key fobs. Fobs will be numbered in sequence based on when they are programmed; if 2 fobs are currently programmed to the RCDLR, a fob programmed using this method will be numbered as Fob 3. This procedure requires that you have 2 known good key fobs, a replacement key fob, and the vehicles mechanical key.

Method 1 is also used for the initial programming of key fobs to a new replacement RCDLR. In this instance, the new RCDLR comes ready to learn the first key fobs introduced. Perform the learn procedure as outlined, with the exception that the new RCDLR does not require two known key fobs be placed within the interior of the vehicle.

Important: This procedure is not available when the maximum number of fobs (4) have been programmed. If 4 key fobs are programmed to this RCDLR and this method is attempted, the driver information center (DIC) will display MAX FOBS LEARNED and the programming procedure will exit. Method 2 must be used in this instance.

  1. The vehicle must be OFF.
  2. Open the rear compartment.
  3. Place 2 known key fobs within the interior of the vehicle.
  4. At the rear of the vehicle insert the vehicle key in the rear compartment lock cylinder located in the lower left and cycle the key 5 times within 5 seconds.
  5. The DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB X (X = fob 2, 3, or 4).
  6. Place the new unknown key fob in the glove box fob pocket with the buttons facing right.
  7. A beep will occur and the DIC will display: READY FOR FOB X or MAX FOBS LEARNED.
  8. If programming additional key fobs, repeat steps 5-6, or press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition switch to exit programming mode.

    9. Important: Failure to operate the active portion of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the active portion finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  9. Operate the active portion of each key fob to finalize the programming and verify correct system operation.

Method 2 - Service Programming System Fob Programming

This procedure is a 10-minute relearn procedure using the Techline Terminal with SPS software. A scan tool, Techline Terminal, and a replacement key fob are required to perform this procedure.

  1. Place the vehicle in the Vehicle On, Engine Off mode.
  2. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
  3. Insure that all power consuming devices are turned OFF on the vehicle.
  4. With a scan tool, select Request Info under Service Programming System and follow the scan tool on-screen instructions.
  5. Disconnect the scan tool from the vehicle and connect the scan tool to a Techline Terminal with the current Service Programming System (SPS) software.
  6. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions. Select "VTD Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn (Export Only)" under Component Replacement. Ensure that "Prepare RCDLR for key fob programming" is chosen.
  7. Disconnect the scan tool from the Techline Terminal and re-connect the scan tool to the vehicle.
  8. With a scan tool, select Program ECU under Service Programming System.
  9. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10-minute relearn procedure.
  10. When the 10-minute relearn procedure has completed, turn the vehicle OFF.
  11. Using the scan tool, access the following:
    12. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Computer/Integrating Systems
    • Module Replacement/Setup
    • RCDLR
    • Program Key Fobs
  12. Select Fob X (X = 1, 2, 3, or 4) on the scan tool. This will be the slot you wish to program to.
  13. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box pocket with the buttons facing right. A beep will occur indicating programming completion. The previously known fob is now erased.
  14. Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition switch to exit programming.

    15. Important: Failure to operate the active portion of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the active portion finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  15. Operate the active portion of each key fob to finalize the programming and verify correct system operation.
  16. If programming additional key fobs, repeat steps 1-15
  17. Clear any DTC's and remove the scan tool.

Method 3- Service Programming System Fob Programming

This procedure is a 10-minute relearn procedure using the Techline Terminal with SPS software. Method 3 is to be used when all vehicle key fobs are missing. This procedure allows the scan tool to collect the required information for fob programming without the need to enter the Vehicle On, Engine Off mode.

  1. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle.
  2. Insure that all power consuming devices are turned OFF on the vehicle.
  3. With a scan tool, go to Body and Accessories » Keyless Entry » Module Setup » Remote Control Door Lock Receiver. Select Program Key Fobs - Export Only and follow the scan tool on-screen instructions.
  4. Disconnect the scan tool from the vehicle and connect the scan tool to a Techline Terminal with the current Service Programming System (SPS) software.
  5. On the Techline Terminal, select Service Programming System and follow the Techline Terminal on-screen instructions. Select "VTD Vehicle Theft Deterrent Learn (Export Only)" under component replacement. Ensure that "Prepare RCDLR for key fob programming" is chosen.
  6. Disconnect the scan tool from the Techline Terminal and re-connect the scan tool to the vehicle.
  7. With a scan tool, select Program ECU under Service Programming System.
  8. At this point the scan tool must remain connected for the duration of the 10-minute counter.
  9. Upon completion of the 10-minute counter, use the scan tool to access the following:
    10. • Vehicle Control Systems
    • Computer/Integrating Systems
    • Module Replacement/Setup
    • RCDLR
    • Program Key Fobs
  10. Select Fob X (X = 1, 2, 3, or 4) on the scan tool. This will be the slot you wish to program to.
  11. Place the replacement key fob in the glove box pocket with the buttons facing right. A beep will occur indicating programming completion. The previously known fob is now erased.
  12. Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition switch to exit programming.

    13. Important: Failure to operate the active portion of each key fob will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the active portion finishes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

  13. Operate the active portion of each key fob to finalize the programming and verify correct system operation.
  14. If programming additional key fobs, repeat steps 1-15
  15. Clear any DTC's and remove the scan tool.