How to Change Cadillac Key Fob Battery

Cadillac, synonymous with luxury and innovation, equips its vehicles with key fobs that enhance the driving experience through convenience and advanced features.

Over time, the battery in your Cadillac key fob may weaken and eventually need replacement to maintain optimal functionality. Recognizing the signs of a weakening battery, knowing which type of battery to use, and understanding how to change it are crucial for Cadillac owners.

Published: April 5, 2024.

First Signs of Weak Cadillac Key Fob Battery

The key fob is integral to accessing and operating your Cadillac effortlessly. Here are signs that indicate its battery is running low:

• Reduced Range: You might find that you need to be closer to your vehicle for the key fob to work. Reduced signal strength is a common symptom of a weak battery.
• Inconsistent Operation: If your key fob intermittently fails to unlock the doors, trunk, or start the car, it's likely due to a battery that needs replacement.
• Warning Message: Some Cadillac models will alert you on the dashboard when the key fob battery is low, ensuring you have ample time to replace it before it dies completely.

Acknowledging these signs early can prevent situations where your key fob becomes entirely unresponsive.

Most Common Cadillac Key Fob Batteries

Cadillac key fobs typically require one of the following batteries, which are determined by the model and year of your vehicle:

• CR2032: A 3-volt lithium coin cell battery commonly used in newer Cadillac models. It's known for its long life and reliability.
• CR2025: Another 3-volt lithium coin cell battery, slightly thinner than the CR2032, used in some compact Cadillac key fob designs.

Always check your vehicle’s owner's manual or the existing battery in your key fob to ensure you purchase the correct replacement.

How to Change Your Cadillac Key Fob Battery

Replacing the battery in a Cadillac key fob is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps:

• Identify the Key Fob Design: Cadillac has used several key fob designs over the years. Determine whether your key fob has a slide-out key or a notch for prying it open.
• Open the Key Fob:

For Slide-Out Key Models: Locate the release button for the slide-out key. Use this key or a small flat-head screwdriver to pry open the key fob at its seam.

For Other Models: Find the notch or indentation along the seam of the key fob. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry it open.

• Replace the Battery: Once open, identify the battery type and note its orientation. Gently remove the old battery, avoiding touching the new battery's contacts with your fingers, and insert the new battery in the same orientation.
• Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the key fob back together, making sure it's securely closed.
• Test the Key Fob: After replacing the battery, test the key fob by attempting to lock and unlock your vehicle, ensuring it's functioning correctly.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Damage: Be gentle when prying apart the key fob to prevent damaging its casing or internal components.
• Battery Handling: Handle the new battery with care to avoid degrading its lifespan with oils from your skin.
• Recycle the Old Battery: Dispose of the old battery properly by recycling it, as lithium batteries can be harmful to the environment if not handled correctly.

Cadillac Key Fob Not Working After Battery Change

If your Cadillac key fob is not working after a battery change, it can be due to several reasons ranging from simple fixes to more complex issues requiring professional assistance. Here’s what you can do to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

Check the Battery Orientation

Ensure that the new battery is installed correctly, with the positive (+) side facing the right direction. It’s a common mistake to insert the battery upside down, which would prevent the key fob from functioning.

Try a Different Battery

The new battery could be defective or might have lost its charge if it's been in storage for a long time. Try replacing it with another new battery, preferably one from a different package or a different brand, to rule out the possibility of a bad batch.

Ensure Proper Contact

Sometimes, the battery might not be making proper contact with the key fob's electrical contacts. Check for any dirt, grime, or corrosion on the contacts and clean them gently with a small brush or a clean cloth. Make sure the battery is seated firmly and the contacts are not bent or damaged.

Reset the Key Fob

Some Cadillac models may require a key fob reset after a battery change to re-establish communication with the vehicle. The specific reset procedure can vary by model, so consult your owner's manual or contact a Cadillac dealership for instructions.

A common reset technique involves pressing the lock or unlock button on the key fob for a certain period or a sequence of buttons.

Re-synchronize the Key Fob

If the key fob is still not working, it may need to be re-synchronized with your vehicle.

This process can sometimes be as simple as standing near your vehicle and pressing the lock/unlock button multiple times, or it might involve a specific sequence of actions, such as turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times with a spare key while pressing a button on the fob.

Check for Other Issues

Consider other factors that might be affecting the key fob’s functionality. For instance, interference from nearby radio transmitters, damaged key fob casing, or internal components might be the cause. If the key fob was dropped or damaged, internal components could be dislodged or broken.

Seek Professional Help

If you've tried these steps and the key fob is still not working, it’s time to consult with a professional. A certified Cadillac dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith can provide diagnostics, repair, or replace the key fob if necessary. They have the tools and technology to address issues that cannot be resolved at home.

In many cases, simple troubleshooting steps can get your Cadillac key fob working again after a battery change. However, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance for a proper diagnosis and solution, especially if the key fob is damaged or if reprogramming is required.

Popular Cadillac Models and Their Key Fob Batteries

Cadillac, renowned for its luxury vehicles, offers a wide range of models, each equipped with a key fob designed to enhance the owner's convenience and vehicle accessibility. Over time, the battery in the key fob will need replacement to ensure it continues to function correctly.

Knowing the type of battery required for your Cadillac model's key fob is crucial for timely replacements. Here's a list of popular Cadillac models and the commonly used key fob batteries:

Sedans

• Cadillac CT4 and CT5: These newer sedans typically use a CR2032 battery, reflecting their modern key fob design that supports features like remote start and keyless entry.
• Cadillac ATS, CTS, XTS: Older yet popular models like the ATS, CTS, and XTS usually require a CR2032 battery for their key fobs, ensuring seamless operation of remote functions.

SUVs and Crossovers

• Cadillac XT4, XT5, XT6: These SUVs and crossovers, known for combining luxury with functionality, commonly use a CR2032 battery in their key fobs to help drivers enjoy the convenience of remote access and start capabilities.
• Cadillac Escalade: The flagship SUV, synonymous with luxury, uses a CR2032 battery for its key fob, facilitating advanced features like remote start, keyless entry, and customizable user profiles.

Electric Vehicles

• Cadillac LYRIQ: As Cadillac ventures into electric vehicles, the LYRIQ's key fob also uses a CR2032 battery, accommodating the EV's advanced connectivity and security features.

Coupes

• Cadillac ATS Coupe, CTS Coupe: For those who own the sportier coupe versions of the ATS and CTS, the key fobs require a CR2032 battery, supporting the vehicles' sleek design with equally seamless remote access.

Performance Models

• Cadillac V-Series (CT4-V, CT5-V, ATS-V, CTS-V): The high-performance V-Series models, designed for speed enthusiasts, utilize a CR2032 battery in their key fobs to enhance the driving experience with quick and easy access to their powerful rides.

How to Start Cadillac With Dead Key Fob Battery?

Starting a Cadillac with a dead key fob battery can seem challenging, especially when you're used to the convenience of push-button starts and keyless entry.

However, Cadillac designs its vehicles with alternative methods for such scenarios, ensuring you can still start your car and access its features.

For Models with a Push-Button Start

• Locate the Key Fob's Emergency Key: Most Cadillac key fobs have a hidden compartment that houses a small, traditional metal key. You can usually release this key by pressing a small button or latch on the side of the key fob.
• Manually Unlock Your Vehicle: Use the emergency metal key to unlock your Cadillac’s driver's door manually. Some models may have a visible keyhole, while others may have a cap that needs to be removed to reveal the keyhole.
• Start Your Vehicle: Even with a dead key fob battery, the car can detect the key fob's proximity if it's close enough to the steering column (the specific location where you need to place the key fob can vary by model). Hold the key fob against the push-button start or a designated area on the steering column or dashboard marked for this purpose. While holding the key fob in place, press the brake pedal and push the start button. The vehicle should recognize the key fob through a backup RFID signal and allow you to start the engine.

For Models with a Key Slot

• Access the Key Slot: If your Cadillac model is older and equipped with a key slot for starting the car, use the emergency metal key from the key fob to insert it into the ignition switch.
• Start Your Vehicle: Turn the key as you normally would to start the vehicle. Even if the key fob battery is dead, the physical key will allow you to operate your Cadillac in the traditional manner.

Additional Tips

• Replace the Key Fob Battery Soon: Once you're able to start your vehicle, it's a good idea to replace the dead key fob battery as soon as possible to restore the convenience of keyless operations. Key fob batteries are typically inexpensive and can be easily replaced by following the instructions in your vehicle’s owner manual or key fob documentation.
• Keep a Spare Battery: For added convenience, consider keeping a spare key fob battery in your vehicle’s glove box or another safe spot. This way, you can replace a dead battery immediately should this situation arise again in the future.

Cadillac's inclusion of an emergency metal key and the ability to detect a key fob's proximity signal ensures that you can start your vehicle and access its features even when the key fob battery fails.

This design provides peace of mind, knowing that a dead key fob battery won't leave you stranded. But, when or if that happens, stay calm and stay - safe!