How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Cadillac Vehicles
We have fourteen helpful videos for Cadillac owners.
Battery replacement videos are at the end of the list.
This first video will get you into and starting the latest Escalade models, 2021 and newer.
This video combines all we know about getting into and starting a Cadillac model – all of them!
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This video covers the new XT4 model.
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This video is exclusive for CTS sedan owners.
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This is an update for the Cadillac XTS. There are two ways to get in, and the manual may be wrong!
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Cadillac Escalade update. The key hole reveal is changed in the middle of the 2017 model year.
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Here is the new Cadillac XT5 crossover, hiding its keyhole.
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The updated video will help with getting into and starting the Cadillac CTS Coupe, XLR and ELR Coups. It also covers the Chevrolet Corvette (C6 and C7). And getting out, if you need to!
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Video help with the Cadillac XTS. If you tried the XTS owner’s manual, you may have found the wrong entry procedure!
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This video will help with getting in and starting the Cadillac Escalade as well as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon.
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Video help unique to the Cadillac SRX.
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Replacing the battery in a Cadillac fob in use since 2021.
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This video will help replace the battery in a Cadillac key fob.
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This one covers key fobs used in 2021 and newer models.
Models covered include the Celestiq, CTS, CT4, CT5, CT6, CTS, ELR, Escalade, Lyriq, SRX, XLR, XT4, XT5, XT6, and XTS.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
The MKS is unique in using the glove box as the location for the backup slot. It is to the far right side under the glove box door, and may be difficult to reach. Slip the Intelligent Access key down into the slot with buttons facing out and with key ring up or out. See the image.
bit.
In 2018, the Navigator location is moved to the back wall inside the center console (right). It should look like a pocket anchored to the back wall. Slip the key fob in vertically with the buttons facing forward.
beneath the rear cup holder. Remove the bottom liner from the cup holder by pulling it up by the tab (see image to the right). The slot is then revealed. Drop the fob into the slot with the buttons facing the rear of the rear of the car.
the front wall structure ( lower right). For this model, the key fob should be placed on its side with the buttons facing the back of the console.
In MKT, MKZ Hybrid (2013) and new (2017) Continental models, the slot is found near the Auxiliary, USB and power ports in the center console, like the one shown. The Intelligent Access key is slipped in with the buttons facing out and the key ring up (in one vehicle we tested, the vehicle started with the buttons facing either direction).
In the MKC and MKX (through 2015), the backup slot is to the front of center console, also found near the Auxiliary, USB and power ports, as shown. The Intelligent Access key is slipped in with the buttons facing out and the key ring up. The slot is impossible to see and you may want to feel for the ribbing at the bottom of the slot.
In 2016, the back up slot in the MKX is moved to the bottom of the center console. The Nautilus, new in 2019, uses this location as well. There is a visible depression in the console’s floor the shape of the key fob. Place the fob in the depression with the buttons up and key ring end facing forward.
In 2024, the back up slot in the Nautilus is moved to the front of the center console (image right). Slip the fob in with the buttons facing the rear.
New in the 2014 MKZ and MKZ Hybrid the backup slot is hidden under one of the cup holders.
(IA) (remote control or ‘clicker’) key styles. Two of the key fobs use a sliding release on the back side to release the key. Two new key fobs use a push button to release the mechanical key, and one is much easier than the other to use. Another holds the key inside the fob itself and is really difficult to remove.
To release the mechanical key blade in your IA key fob, slide the release on the back of the transmitter and pull the blade out. You can now use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door.
(pull is straight up and off) to access the key blade. Its awkward and may need a little practice. That mechanical key can now be used to unlock the driver’s door.
This fourth and unusual Intelligent Access key fob is found with only a handful of Ford models. The mechanical key blade is found on the back of the fob. To remove it, push the buttons on either side of the key fob.
to use. It has a push button on the front of the mechanical key itself near the key ring space. Simply push the button and pull the mechanical key away from the IA key.
However, the 2017 Continental and then the 2020 Aviator and the 2024 Nautilus bring a very new wrinkle into the mix. The key hole is hidden by a spring-loaded cover and is in a very different location. The key hole has been placed in the chrome molding beneath the driver’s door mirror and behind the imprinted words ‘Continental’, ‘Aviator’ or ‘Nautilus’. Simply insert the key and turn to unlock the car. The door will spring open. We still in 2024 have no word on how well the key hole cover will behave in icy weather.
In addition, the Navigator, updated in 2018, hides the keyhole in plain sight. The door handle is a single piece. The key hole is exposed by simply pulling the driver’s door handle away from the body of the car. It is seen angled outward at the back end of the handle. Insert the mechanical key and turn clockwise. Remove the key and release the handle. The door will open on the next pull. Note that the alarm will sound in a minute or so if the car is not started in time.
Finally, the new Nautilus model hides the key hole under a cap at the back of the driver’s door handle, which must be removed. To do this, insert the key blade into the slot on the bottom of the handle (right image, bottom arrow) and press up. While holding that upward pressure, move the cap rearward to release it. Gently remove the key while doing so. Yes, the effect is that of prying off a piece of your car but its OK and necessary!