All 2013–2019 Cadillac ATS models in the U.S./Canada use a smart/proximity key fob that supports keyless entry and push-button start with a hidden emergency metal key blade for mechanical locking and unlocking. Programming typically involves registering the new fob to the vehicle’s immobilizer and keyless access system using an on-board procedure, often requiring an existing working key or additional time if all keys are lost. Many replacement fobs are OEM Strattec units that must be properly matched to the vehicle’s year and then programmed and paired so remote functions and starting work correctly.
Key types used on the ATS:
smart/proximity key (keyless access with push-button start and emergency slide-out key blade) (2013-2019)
Common fob FCC IDs: NBG009768T — check the back of your fob; we confirm the exact variant on site.
2013–2014 Cadillac ATS
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 (18 steps)
Programming with a Recognized Transmitter — Preparation
Programming step
1 Vehicle must be off before starting programming
Programming step
2 All transmitters (currently recognized and new) must be present during procedure
Remove the key
3 Remove vehicle key from the recognized transmitter before beginning
Programming step
4 Place the recognized transmitter(s) in the cupholder for the duration
Programming step
5 Access to center console storage area required to reach transmitter pocket
Programming with a Recognized Transmitter — Steps
Remove the key
1 Remove key lock cylinder cap and insert vehicle key into driver door handle cylinder
Turn ignition to ON
2 Turn key counterclockwise to unlock position five times within 10 seconds to prompt DIC
Programming step
3 DIC displays READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #2, 3, 4, ETC when ready
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new transmitter in transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 After learning, remove transmitter and press unlock or lock; repeat for additional transmitters; hold ENGINE START/STOP ~12 seconds to exit
Programming without a Recognized Transmitter — Steps
Remove the key
1 Remove vehicle key from transmitter and remove key lock cylinder cap
Insert the key
2 Insert vehicle key into driver door handle cylinder and turn counterclockwise five times within 10 seconds to show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
Hold fob to START button
3 Wait 10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP; repeat Step 2 two additional times
Cycle the ignition ON/OFF
4 After third cycle, previously known transmitters no longer work and DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 Place new transmitter in transmitter pocket, press ENGINE START/STOP to learn, remove and press unlock/lock; repeat for additional transmitters; hold ENGINE START/STOP ~12 seconds to exit
Finishing Steps and Notes
Programming step
1 After programming, return vehicle key back into the transmitter
Programming step
2 For additional transmitters, repeat placing in pocket and pressing ENGINE START/STOP as prompted
Press / hold a fob button
3 When all additional transmitters are programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP ~12 seconds to exit programming mode
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 (20 steps)
Programming with a Recognized Transmitter — Preparation
Remove the key
1 Remove vehicle key from the recognized transmitter before starting
Programming step
2 Ensure all recognized and new transmitters are with the vehicle
Programming step
3 Place recognized transmitter(s) in the cupholder during procedure
Programming step
4 Open center console storage to access transmitter pocket for new transmitter placement
Programming step
5 Vehicle must be off throughout the programming procedure
Programming with a Recognized Transmitter — Steps
Remove the key
1 Remove key lock cylinder cap and insert vehicle key into driver door lock cylinder
Turn ignition to ON
2 Turn key counterclockwise to unlock position five times within 10 seconds
4 Place new transmitter into transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 After learning, remove transmitter, press unlock or lock to confirm; repeat for additional transmitters; hold ENGINE START/STOP ~12 seconds to exit
Programming without a Recognized Transmitter — Preparation & Initiation
Remove the key
1 Remove vehicle key from the transmitter before starting
Remove the key
2 Remove key lock cylinder cap and insert key into driver door lock cylinder
Turn ignition to ON
3 Turn key counterclockwise to unlock position 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
Programming step
5 Repeat the turn-five-times step two additional times; after third time previously known transmitters no longer work; DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1
Programming without a Recognized Transmitter — Learning Transmitters & Exit
Programming step
1 Place new transmitter in transmitter pocket (center console storage must be opened)
Press / hold a fob button
2 Press ENGINE START/STOP to learn each transmitter; DIC indicates readiness for next transmitter
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
3 Remove transmitter and press unlock or lock to confirm learning for each transmitter
Programming step
4 Repeat learning steps for additional transmitters as needed (up to eight transmitters)
Press / hold a fob button
5 After all transmitters are programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for ~12 seconds to exit programming mode and return vehicle key to the transmitter
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 (18 steps)
Vehicle and Requirements
Programming step
1 Programming options: with recognized transmitters and without recognized transmitters
Programming step
2 Feature availability note: procedure without recognized transmitters not available in Canada
Programming step
3 Estimated time for full programming without recognized transmitters: approximately 30 minutes
Preparation Steps (both methods)
Programming step
1 Ensure vehicle is off before beginning programming
Programming step
2 All transmitters (recognized and new) must be present for programming with recognized transmitters
Programming step
3 Transmitters to be programmed must be with user when programming without recognized transmitters
Remove the key
4 Remove vehicle key from transmitter or recognized transmitter before starting steps
Remove the key
5 Remove key lock cylinder cap to access driver door key lock cylinder
Programming with Two Recognized Transmitters
Programming step
1 Place two recognized transmitters in the cupholder
Insert the key
2 Insert vehicle key into driver door key lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock position five times within 10 seconds
Programming step
3 DIC displays: READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #2, 3, 4, ETC.
Press / hold a fob button
4 Place new transmitter into transmitter pocket (center console storage area) and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
5 After learning, remove transmitter, press unlock or lock on transmitter; repeat for additional transmitters and hold ENGINE START/STOP ~12 seconds to exit
Programming without Recognized Transmitters
Insert the key
1 Insert vehicle key into driver door key lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock position five times within 10 seconds; DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
Hold fob to START button
2 Wait for 10 minutes until DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP; DIC will again show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT
Wait / timing window
3 Repeat press-and-wait step two additional times; after third time all previously known transmitters will no longer work and DIC shows READY FOR REMOTE #1
Press LOCK + UNLOCK
4 Place new transmitter in transmitter pocket and press ENGINE START/STOP to learn; remove transmitter and press unlock or lock; repeat for additional transmitters
Press / hold a fob button
5 After programming all transmitters, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for approximately 12 seconds to exit programming mode and return vehicle key to transmitter
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.
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.
Year
Route status
Exact steps
2013–2014
Route verified
General guidance
2015–2016
Route verified
General guidance
2017, 2019
Route verified
General guidance
2018
Route verified
General guidance
Common questions
Does my 2013-2019 Cadillac ATS use a traditional metal key or a smart key fob?
It uses a smart/proximity key fob with push-button start and a removable emergency metal key blade inside the fob.
Can I use an aftermarket fob for my Cadillac ATS?
Yes, but it must match the correct FCC ID/part number for your ATS year and then be programmed to the car. Many locksmiths recommend OEM Strattec fobs for best reliability.
Is programming a Cadillac ATS key fob an on-board process?
The ATS supports on-board programming, but procedures and requirements vary by situation. Many owners use a locksmith or dealer to ensure the new fob is properly registered and fully functional.
Can you program a ATS 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 fob programmed? We come to you, 24/7.
