1996-97 Cadillac
Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)

Programming Procedure

Compiled by Anthony W. Haukap


Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE) programming procedure for 1996 and 1997 Cadillac models; Concours, Deville, Eldorado ETC, Seville SLS, and Seville STS with either the Digital Instrument Cluster (DIC) or the Analog Instrument Cluster (AIC).

No other automobile has so captured the admiration of American luxury car buyers... truer words have never been spoken. You can find out more about Cadillac in the following books and videos: (click on the title for additional information)


1903-2000 Standard Catalog of Cadillac
Standard Catalog of Cadillac: 1903-2000
by James T. Lenzke
Classic Cadillac (Auto Focus)
Classic Cadillac
by Jim Dietzler & James A. Dietzler
The Visual History of Cars - Cadillac
The Visual History of Cars - Cadillac
VHS Tape

Cadillac : 1948-1964 Photo Album
Cadillac : 1948-1964 Photo Album
by Mark A. Patrick
Cadillacs of the sixties
Cadillacs of the sixties
by Roy A. Schneider
Cadillac Automobiles 1949-1959
Cadillac Automobiles 1949-1959
by R. M. Clarke
Cadillac Automobiles 1960-1969
Cadillac Automobiles 1960-1969
by R. M. Clarke

Master Index


Cadillac Related Links
Cadillac Owners Mailing List
Last-Generation Fleetwood Brougham FAQ
1993-96 Fleetwood Brougham Technical Archives
1998 Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)
1996 Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)
1994 Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)
Cadillac Indicator Lights Resetting Procedures
Your Cadillac and the Year 2000
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (OBD-I)
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
Cadillac Desktop Wallpaper Images
Additional Cadillac Resources



Go HomeINTRODUCTIONGo Top

This FAQ is maintained by Anthony W. Haukap

The current version of this FAQ document can always be found on my website at:

While every attempt is made to present accurate data it should be noted that the author makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any information provided in this document, and is not responsible for any consequences of its use.



Go HomeRKE Programming ProcedureGo Top

Other Cadillac model years use different RKE Programming procedures, pick your year/model from the list below:
  • 1993 and Prior - Deville, Fleetwood & Sixty-Special (All Front-Wheel-Drive Models)
  • 1993 thru 1996 - Fleetwood Brougham (Rear-Wheel-Drive).
  • 1994 and 1995 - Concours, Deville, Eldorado ETC, Seville SLS and Seville STS.
  • 1996 and 1997 - Deville, Eldorado & Seville.
  • 1997 and Newer - Catera (only).
  • 1998 and Newer - Deville, Eldorado & Seville (except Catera & Escalade).
  • 1999 and Newer - Escalade (only).



    Go HomeTransmitter ProgrammingGo Top

      Note: Before starting this procedure, both transmitters must be present. For programming purposes, procedure questions will be answered with a YES or NO response. FAN UP is YES. FAN DOWN is NO.



    Analog Instrument Cluster

    1. With the ignition in the "RUN" position (engine does not necessarily need to be running, but it will work either way).
    2. Press OFF and WARMER (or the OFF and PASSENGER WARMER buttons) on climate control panel simultaneously. Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) will light all telltales, then go blank. System is now in DIAGNOSTIC MODE. After diagnostic mode cycles through and stops, press FAN DOWN button until "RFA?" is displayed, then press FAN UP. If "RFA DATA?" is displayed, press FAN DOWN. If "RFA OVERRIDE?" is displayed press FAN UP button.
    3. If "RFA S00 NO OVERRIDE" is displayed, press FAN DOWN. If "RFA S01 PROGRAM FOB #1" is displayed, press FAN UP button.
    4. IPC will show "0" on right side of Drivers Information Center (DIC) display. Press WARMER button on the climate control unit until "99" is displayed.
    5. Press and hold TRUNK button on the transmitter. While holding TRUNK button, press LOCK button and hold both buttons for a total of 3 seconds. Locks will cycle when programming is complete. If transmitter is not programmed within 30 seconds after entering "99" on the display, system will default and you must begin at step #2 again.
    6. To program second transmitter, press FAN DOWN button until "RF S02 PROGRAM FOB #2" is displayed, then press FAN UP. Repeat step #4.
    7. To exit system, press AUTO, MODE UP, MODE DOWN, or RESET button.


    Thanks to Woodie McCormack for pointing out that there is an error in the procedure listed in the 1996 Seville factory service manuals and also for the correct procedure!



    Digital Instrument Cluster

    1. With the ignition in the "RUN" position (engine does not necessarily need to be running, but it will work either way).
    2. Press OFF and WARMER (or the OFF and PASSENGER WARMER buttons) on climate control panel simultaneously. Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) will light all telltales, then go blank. System is now in DIAGNOSTIC MODE. Press FAN DOWN button until "RFA?" is displayed, then press FAN UP. Press FAN DOWN button until "RFA OVERRIDE?" is displayed, then press FAN UP button. When "NO OVRD RF S00" is displayed, press FAN UP button.
    3. When "PGM FOB1 S01" is displayed, press WARMER button and "99" will be displayed in the left upper corner of the IPC, just below odometer. System is now ready to program transmitter.
    4. Press and hold TRUNK button on the transmitter. While holding TRUNK button, press LOCK button and hold for one second. Hold both buttons for a total of 3 seconds. Locks will cycle when programming is complete. If transmitter is not programmed within 30 seconds after entering "99" on the display, system will default and you must begin at step #2 again.
    5. To program second transmitter, press FAN UP button until "PGM FOB2 S02" is displayed, then repeat steps #2 and #3.
    6. To exit system, press RECIRC, or RESET button.



    Go HomeSynchronizing TransmittersGo Top

    To synchronize transmitters after battery replacement, press and hold LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously. Lights will flash and horn will cycle, then synchronization will be complete.



    Go Home Reviving Dead Key Fobs Go Top

    If you suspect the key fob itself isn’t working, the dealership's parts department has a device that will check to see if it is indeed functioning properly - if you have a frequency counter you can check it as well, to see if it is indeed transmitting - output is in the 318-320 MHz range. The couple that I've check have been 318.989 & 319.076 MHz - note that no matter which button you press (light, unlock, lock, trunk open, etc.) the transmit frequency does not change.

    If they're still not working (after installing fresh batteries) and you feel like messing around with it a little, take the key fob totally apart and clean the contact points behind the rubber membrane and the brass etchings on printed-circuit (PC) board - this may be just enough to bring it back to life! Moisture intrusion and the resulting corrosion on the contacts is usually the culprit in a lot of "not working" situations.



    Go HomeRKE Part NumbersGo Top

    RKE Key Fobs (remotes) part numbers. FYI - Most dealerships keep an assortment of these in stock, as they are a fairly common and inexpensive replacement item.

     Model Year   GM Part Number 
     #1 Remote   #2 Remote 
    1992 thru 1995 10269729 10178734
    1996 and 1997 16183016 16196066
    16259819 16259829
    1998 thru 2000 25656444 25656445
    2001 to Current ? ?

    NOTE: The part numbers listed above are for the Cadillac Deville, Eldorado and Seville only.
    Key fob part numbers for the 1994-96 Cadillac Fleetwood can be found here

    The #1 and #2 remotes look identical - the only difference is the number on the back, which determines the order that they are programmed.



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    Go HomeWarningsGo Top

    Please note that this document is provided for information purposes only: there is no warranty expressed or implied about what they will do to your car, factory warranty, performance, or value of your car. Use them at your own risk.

    I have tried to format the information into more of a "how-to" type guide. My apologies for any errors I introduced in this process.