1999 and Newer Cadillac Escalade
Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)

FYI - The Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon Denali may use an RKE programming procedure that is similar to the Escalade... I don't have a service manual for those other vehicles, if you can confirm this I'll add that data here.

On some model years you will be allowed to program a maximum of four transmitters. When reprogramming the remote control door lock receiver, ALL transmitters must be programmed at this time in order for the transmitters to operate the vehicle. Transmitters not programmed at this time will not work and the procedure will have to be redone with all the transmitters present.

Reprogramming Transmitter - BASE (1999/2000)



1. Turn Ignition Switch to OFF.
2. With a fused jumper wire (a 3 amp inline fuse is adequate) ground pin 4 (BLK-Ground) to pin 8 (BLK/WHT-Keyless Entry Program Enable Signal) of the Data Link Communications Connector (a.k.a. DLC, Under the left-hand side of the instrument panel, left side of the steering column, mounted to the bottom of the knee bolster). The receiver will respond by locking and unlocking the doors, and activating the liftgate window release (if equipped) within 2 seconds.
3. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons simultaneously on the first transmitter to be programmed until the locks cycle (approximately 10 seconds).
4. Repeat step for up to four total transmitters to be programmed (if available). The receiver will respond by locking and unlocking the doors and activating the liftgate window release (if equipped) within 2 seconds.
5. Remove the ground applied to the DLC.
6. Lock and unlock the doors in order to verify the transmitter operation.
7. Activate the rear window release in order to verify the transmitter operation.

Repeat programming procedure or replace transmitters as necessary.

1. Turn the ignition to the RUN position, then back to the OFF position. This will disarm the theft-deterrent system.
2. Remove the RADIO fuse (Fuse 17).
3. Turn the ignition from the OFF position to the RUN position three times quickly, within five seconds. The vehicle will respond by locking the doors, unlocking the driver's doors and releasing the tailgate or panel doors. The transmitter is now ready to match to the vehicle.
4. Press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the first transmitter for 15 seconds. The vehicle will respond as in step 3.
5. Repeat step 4 for the remaining transmitters.
6. Replace the RADIO fuse.
7. Check that all transmitters work by pressing their buttons.

Method 1 - (Tech-2 Scan Tool Required)
1. Install a scan tool.
2. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
3. Use the scan tool in order to access the Body Control Module (BCM) Special Function: Program Key Fobs menu.
4. Follow the directions on the scan tool in order to program the transmitters.
5. Operate the transmitter functions in order to verify correct system operation.

Method 2 - (No Tools Required)
1. Close all the vehicle doors.
2. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder.
3. Press and hold the door unlock switch.
4. While holding the door lock switch in the unlock position, cycle the ignition ON, OFF, ON, OFF.
5. Release the door unlock switch. The doors will lock and unlock to confirm the program mode.
6. Press and hold the LOCK button and the UNLOCK button simultaneously on one transmitter. After a delay of approximately 15 seconds, the doors will lock and unlock to confirm the programming of that transmitter.
7. Repeat the previous step to program up to four transmitters.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position in order to exit the keyless entry transmitter mode.
9. Operate the transmitter functions in order to verify correct system operation.

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.

The Official eGroups Cadillac Owners mailing list is an automatically maintained email mailing list and archive dedicated to the distribution of general information, questions, inquiries about new Cadillac Motor Cars and related topics. Here you'll find owner comments and critiques, articles showing how owners maximize performance, stories of unique owner experiences and news of accessories, recalls, service bulletins, links to other valuable websites and other important information. Whether you presently own a Cadillac or are looking to purchase one this list is for you!

Alternatively, you can send a blank email message to cadillacowners-subscribe@egroups.com

Consider this mailing list a real-time supplement to the Cadillac Vision Magazine every new Cadillac owner receives.

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.