Cadillac ATS-V Key Fob Programming by Year

Can you program a ATS-V fob without the dealer? For most years, yes. Pick your year for the route and best next step.

Find your year

YearDIY onboard?How it programsWorking fob?Erase riskConfidenceBest next step
2016YesYes - onboard relearnYes (1 working)YesMedFollow the steps below
2017–2019YesYes - onboard relearnNo (all-keys-lost OK)YesMedFollow the steps below

Cadillac ATS-V key types & programming facts

The Cadillac ATS‑V uses a smart key fob that allows passive entry and push‑button start, plus a hidden mechanical key for emergency door unlocking. Programming replacement fobs on this model can be done via an onboard procedure in the vehicle, but generally requires all existing keys, access to the vehicle, and following the security and synchronization steps outlined in the owner’s or supplier instructions. Many aftermarket suppliers sell compatible ATS‑V fobs that must be correctly programmed to the specific vehicle before they will operate locks and start the engine.

Key types used on the ATS-V:

  • smart/proximity key (keyless access with push-button start, includes removable mechanical emergency key) (2016-2019 (ATS-V sedan & coupe; USA/Canada, where equipped with Keyless Access))

2016 Cadillac ATS-V

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (15 steps)

Programming with a Recognized Transmitter

Programming step
1 Prerequisite: at least one recognized transmitter available.
Remove the key
2 Step: remove vehicle key from the recognized transmitter and place recognized transmitter(s) in the cupholder.
Remove the key
3 Door procedure: remove key lock cylinder cap, insert vehicle key into driver door lock cylinder, turn key counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #2, 3, 4, ETC.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Learning step: place new transmitter into transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC shows ready to program next transmitter.
Remove the key
5 Finish: remove transmitter and press unlock/lock to confirm; repeat for additional transmitters; press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for ~12 seconds to exit programming mode; return vehicle key into transmitter.

Programming without a Recognized Transmitter

Programming step
1 Availability: procedure not available in Canada; allows programming of up to eight transmitters; takes approximately 30 minutes.
Remove the key
2 Initial steps: remove vehicle key from transmitter, remove key lock cylinder cap, insert key into driver door lock cylinder, turn key counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
Turn ignition to ON
3 Timing sequence: wait ~10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP; repeat key-turn step two additional times until all previously known transmitters no longer work and DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Learning step: place new transmitter into transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC shows ready to program next transmitter.
Remove the key
5 Finish: remove transmitter and press unlock/lock to confirm; repeat for additional transmitters; press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for ~12 seconds to exit programming mode; return vehicle key into transmitter.

Controls, Displays, and Hardware

Hold fob to START button
1 Driver Information Center (DIC) messages: READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #2, 3, 4, ETC; REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT; PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN; READY FOR REMOTE #1.
Programming step
2 Physical items: vehicle key, recognized transmitter(s), new transmitter(s), key lock cylinder cap, driver door key lock cylinder, transmitter pocket in center console.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
3 Buttons used: ENGINE START/STOP and transmitter unlock/lock buttons.
Wait / timing window
4 Time-sensitive actions: five key turns within 10 seconds; wait ~10 minutes during remote learn pending; press-and-hold ENGINE START/STOP for ~12 seconds to exit programming.
Programming step
5 Capacity: up to eight transmitters can be programmed when no recognized transmitter is available.

2017–2019 Cadillac ATS-V

Route verified — exact steps vary by trim/equipment

Route verified as onboard programming (no dealer needed). The sequences below are general route guidance — use them only if your vehicle shows the same prompts and controls. If the prompts don’t match, stop and call us.

Show the programming methods (19 steps)

Programming with Two Recognized Transmitters

Programming step
1 New transmitter can be added when two recognized transmitters are available.
Remove the key
2 Remove vehicle key from recognized transmitter before starting.
Programming step
3 Place the two recognized transmitters in the cupholder to initiate learning.
Turn ignition to ON
4 Turn key in driver door lock cylinder counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds to prompt DIC READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #2, 3, 4, ETC.
Press / hold a fob button
5 Place new transmitter in transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC indicates when transmitter is learned.

Programming without Recognized Transmitters

Programming step
1 Procedure used when two currently recognized transmitters are not available; can program up to eight transmitters.
Remove the key
2 Remove vehicle key from the transmitter and remove key lock cylinder cap before starting.
Turn ignition to ON
3 Turn key counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
Hold fob to START button
4 Wait 10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP; repeat this step a total of three times.
Programming step
5 After three repetitions, all previously known transmitters are erased and DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #1.

Transmitter Pocket and Console Access

Programming step
1 Transmitter pocket located inside center console storage area; open console to access pocket.
Programming step
2 Place new transmitter into transmitter pocket during programming steps.
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
3 Remove transmitter from pocket and press lock or unlock on transmitter to confirm learning.
Programming step
4 Repeat placing and removing transmitters to program additional transmitters sequentially.
Programming step
5 Return vehicle key back into the transmitter after programming completes.

Completion and Additional Notes

Doors lock-cycle (confirm)
1 DIC displays readiness prompts and confirmation messages during programming.
Programming step
2 To program additional transmitters, repeat the indicated steps for each transmitter.
Press / hold a fob button
3 When all transmitters are programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for ~12 seconds to exit programming mode.
Programming step
4 Feature to program without recognized transmitters is not available in Canada.

How we validate this guide

Year coverage comes from our consolidated vehicle programming dataset. Route-level programming status is reviewed against internal route sheets and available manufacturer, security-access, and professional tool references. Exact button sequences are marked source-verified only when we have year/equipment-specific support; where a year is labeled “route verified, steps vary,” we confirm the exact fob, trim, and prompts before programming. Reviewed for route and safety by Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith.

YearRoute statusExact steps
2016Route verifiedGeneral guidance
2017–2019Route verifiedGeneral guidance

Common questions

Does my 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS-V use a traditional metal key?

No. It uses a smart key fob with keyless access and push-button start, plus a removable mechanical emergency key blade inside the fob for manual door entry only.

Can I program a new ATS-V key fob myself?

Yes. This model supports onboard programming procedures, so an owner can often add a fob by following the correct in-vehicle steps from approved instructions.

Are coupe and sedan ATS-V key fobs the same?

ATS-V coupes and sedans both use smart key fobs, but suppliers list distinct 4‑ and 5‑button coupe fobs and a 5‑button sedan fob, so the exact remote style can differ by body style and options.

Can you program a ATS-V key fob without going to the dealership?

For most years, yes - the route is onboard relearn or an OBD tool, both of which a mobile locksmith handles at your location.

Does this program the remote only, or the transponder key too?

It depends on your key type. Tell us your FCC ID and we will confirm.

What if my year says professional programming required?

Those years need a programmer or security access; we bring the tool to you and program it on site.

How much does it cost?

It depends on year, key type, and whether you have a working key. Call (833) 439-8636 for a firm price before we dispatch.

Need your ATS-V fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.
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