So we spotted a post on “X” recently titled “12 Reasons NOT to buy an EV” (electric vehicle), which leave internal combustion engine (ICE) powered cars as the only alternatives. We thought we’d have a look at it point by point.
The 12 Reasons Each With a Counterpoint
1) Purchase cost is way higher.
– Not true. Expensive models get the most press, and there are many of them, but there are some very, very affordable EVs. We’re not going to point to any manufacturers (we’re not in sales), just do some homework. And that statement completely ignores cost of ownership, which goes to EVs hands down. If cost of ownership is a foreign concept, its homework time again…
2) Depreciation is massive.
– There is some truth here, but it is massively overstated. In further truth, its too early to fully determine. The industry remains in infancy, prices are coming down thus lowering pre-owned EV prices.
3) The Batteries cannot be recycled on a commercial scale.
– Partly true. They can be recycled at scale, but this is still being ramped up. The mineral value is driving this.
4) The performance claims are grossly exaggerated.
– If this is a reference to speed, this is flat out wrong. If its a reference to range, its partially true. Most manufacturers are pretty conservative with range estimates. Consumer Reports data confirms this.
5) They carry no spare wheel so to reduce weight.
– This is actually true, but across the entire automotive industry. All vehicles, ICE and EV, are transitioning to refill kits rather than spare tires, again to reduce weight. Not all flat tires can be re-inflated so we’ll take this opportunity to tell the industry to ensure that at least a donut is available in all vehicles!
6) You can’t charge them from a flat or a house without a drive.
– Somewhat true, but a solvable problem. I live in a “flat” (apartment) and it has four Level 2 charging stations available and a charge port can be placed along the road in most cases at private homes that lack a drive(way).
7) Charging points are not ubiquitous enough to journey with confidence.
– Again somewhat true. More charge stations would be better, but planning can accommodate the vast majority (journeys) trips with the stations currently available.
8) Batteries that catch fire cannot be extinguished without plunging the whole car into a skip-full of water.
– This is actually true. However, fires (not to mention explosions) are far, far more common with the rolling bombs more generally known as ICE vehicles. Any EV fire gets so much attention that perception becomes skewed. Its actually very difficult to get an EV battery to burn.
9) Existing car parks are not designed to cope with the 50% higher weight.
– Sooo many things wrong with this. EVs are heavier, yes, but an EV of about equal size is only 15% heavier, not 50% (Camry vs Model 3)! Further, large SUVs (Escalade 7,700 lbs.) are actually heavier (25%) than most electric powered SUVs (Model X, 6,200 lbs))! Now there are hints that the writer of the piece is from Europe, where cars are generally smaller, but we don’t believe for a minute that car parks built anywhere are built to the lowest possible standards.
10) The time to queue and charge an EV is magnitudes of filling a petrol tank.
– This is true, but can an ICE vehicle be refilled at home??
11) The environmental damage of extracting minerals and making batteries is more than using fossil fuels.
– This is just flat out wrong and propaganda. Oil must be extracted as well.
12) Insuring EVs is massively higher than petrol/diesel vehicles.
– We have not found this to be the case, but in truth Tesla started its own insurance division because of high prices in some regions. We believe this is levelling out as EVs become ubiquitous.
And finally, a few of points in favor of EVs.
Regaining “fuel” while slowing down (try that in an ICE vehicle).
And that process (regeneration) will make your brakes last 100,000 miles or more!
Peace and quiet!
Far, far fewer moving parts to fail or require maintenance!
No more oil changes!
No more gasoline/diesel fumes to inhale while refilling!
And on, and on, and on…
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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
So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster.
The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Cadillac. Click the link to the right of each one to learn more.
How They Are Presented
They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue, gray), but there are nearly 80 of them so be patient!
Need the symbols for another manufacturer? Click here!
Models examined include ATS, CT6, CTX, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Lyriq, XT4, XT5, 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
Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.
Cadillac vehicles use two of GM‘s three different style keys and many different start procedures or locations. They are all here, and you can find a whole lot of videoshere.
Here’s the deal: Buckle up, find your model, and if the main start battery is still good, we’ll get you underway.
The CadillacCoupes show up early in this list: the CTS, XLR, and ELR. So, please note immediately that the latches are electronic and if the main 12-volt battery is dead and you’ve closed the door, the lever to the right is your only escape. You will find it below the door on the floor where you would expect to find a trunk release (right). Pull it up and the door will open. There’s another on the passenger side for that door.
With Style 1(square) key fob, used in most GM vehicles prior to 2014, and in someCadillac CTS Coupes and Sedans ongoing, place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket at the top and rear of the center console storage area with the buttons facing towards the front of the vehicle (right).
With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop button to start the vehicle as you would normally.
The XLR Coupe use either a small key fob that does not hold a mechanical key or the Style 1 fob. Regardless of the key fob type, the pocket for the transmitter (or fob) is on the left of the inside of the glove box. Place the transmitter in the pocket with the buttons facing the glove box storage area (right).
Again, with the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
In the Cadillac SRX, the transmitter pocket is located at the bottom of the console storage area (right). The new CT5 crossover uses this location as well, but using the Style 3 key fob. The spot may be beneath a storage tray, which must be lifted out, or at least beneath all the stuff that has gathered inside. Then insert the transmitter with the buttons facing up and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
The new key style, Style 3, was introduced in 2014. In the ELR Coupe and someCTS Sedans and Wagons (later models all use this location), locate the transmitter pocket on the shelf in the front of the console, as shown to the right. It is beneath a rubber that will need to be removed, and is the shape of the transmitter. Place the transmitter in the pocket, buttons facing up, and with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
In the XTS sedan, the transmitter pocket is found in the front of the center console storage area. A storage tray may have to be lifted out. Place the transmitter in the pocket with the key ring up and the buttons facing out. See the image below. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. Check out the videohere.
In ATS sedan, the transmitter pocket is located in the face of the front of the inside of the center console, similar to or as shown to the right. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out and buttons up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
In the CT6 sedan, the transmitter pocket is located in the center console as well, but in the face of the back of the console, as shown to the right. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring up and buttons facing the front of the car. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
Cadillac now has new models and as has become all too common with General Motors, the back up locations are new and not reflective of any used previously in a Cadillac model. And the Escalade went along for the ride.
In the XT4 and the 2020 Escalade and Escalade ESV, the key fob is dropped into the front cup holder, as shown to the right. Make sure the cup holder is empty and that the fob’s buttons are facing up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
Meanwhile, the new CT4,CT5 and Lyriq EV models, for no apparently good reason, use the rear cup holder as the back up start location. Again, make sure the cup holder is empty and that the key fob’s buttons are facing up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal to start the vehicle.
In the XT5 and XT6 SUVs, clear away anything being stored in the center console. At the bottom near the back, there is a depression shaped like the Cadillac key fob. Set the fob down in the depression with the buttons facing up. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, step on the brake pedal and press the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
The large SUV’s from GM, including the Escalade (prior to 2020), feature a transmitter pocket also located in the face of the front of the inside of the center console. However, the pocket points down, as shown to the right. The pocket in the Escalade is placed to the center and a bit lower. Slide the transmitter into the pocket with the key ring facing out, buttons forward (in a Suburban we had on hand, the engine started with the buttons facing either way). It is a loose fit, so don’t be concerned. With the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start / Stop ignition button as normal. Check out the videohere.
Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.
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
Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.
Retrieving the mechanical key
Cadillac vehicles use three key fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) styles, and two (GMStyles 1 and 3) have mechanical keys embedded inside. That key will be used to unlock the driver’s door or the trunk (yes, the trunk) and in some cases to remove a piece of the car!
If your vehicle is the XLR Coupe, a mechanical key is provided separately. Be sure to keep it around!
For Style 1 (above right), press the thin button near the bottom of the transmitter (remote control or ‘clicker’) used to remove the mechanical key. Do not pull the mechanical key out without pressing the button.
The Style 3 key fob is similar to Style 1, in that the mechanical key is removed from the fob for use getting into the vehicle. To remove the mechanical key, press the button on the side of the transmitter near the key ring, as shown, and pull out the key.
If a key hole is visible at the back of the driver’s door handle, simply insert the key and turn and you’re in.
Getting Inside
Many GM models hide the key holes under a cap at the back of the driver’s door. They include the Cadillac CT4, CT6, CTS, XT4, XT5, XT6, XTS and ATS.
*Note the additional Escalade instructions below and that 2020 brings a completely new cap, also below.
To remove the first cap, pull the door handle out to the open position. Insert the key into the slot on the bottom of the cap (3, right). Push it as far upwards as possible and hold upward pressure. Then pry outward. And yes, you WILL feel like you are prying off a piece of your car! Move the cap rearward revealing the key cylinder. Now the mechanical key can be used in the cylinder. Look for a videohere to help.
To replace the cap, insert the two tabs at the back of the cap between the black seal and the metal base. Pull the door handle out to the door open position and move the cap forward and press to snap it into place. You can then release the door handle.
The Escalade, until 2017, features a new wrinkle in the hidden key hole. The cylinder is hidden in the same place and manner, but the cap is the top, 1/8 of an inch portion. To remove it, the door handle must be pulled fully open. Then, push the cap towards the handle to release it. It may take a bit of force to accomplish this. See two videoshere.
IMPORTANT! The Cadillac XTS uses both types of caps to hide the key holes shown above. Look or feel for a slot as described with the first cap. If its there, follow the first instructions. If there is no slot, follow the instructions for the early Escalade.
Replacing it is a simple matter of reversing the removal process and simpler than the process needed for the old style.
In the middle of the 2017 model year, the Escalade, while retaining the hidden key hole, was shifted to the method shown previously. So, starting in 2017, look for a slot beneath the cap. If its there, use the key as described above. Push it into the slot as far upwards as possible, then pry outward. Move the cap rearward revealing the key cylinder.
Then in 2020, Cadillac came up with a whole new cap. As with the first style, there is a slot beneath the cap (right). The handle is first identified by its more curved appearance front to back and a separation near the top. Only the bottom can be removed. It is found on the Escalade and CT5.
Insert the mechanical key into the slot at the bottom of the handle and push upward all the way until the cover frees. It will pop out about 1/8 of an inch. Remove the key – do not pry or pull with it. Once free, the cap simply swings up and can be pulled away (right).
With all these options the mechanical key can be used in the now-exposed lock cylinder. We have a videohere as well to help.
Remember, getting IN the car is most important. If you have difficulty replacing the cap, don’t. Let your dealer do it when you get a new battery for your Key FOB!
The CTS,XLR and ELRCoupes have flush door handles (left image) with no key holes at all. They have a very different trick up their sleeves.
You must use the mechanical key to open the trunk. The key hole is under the lip of the trunk lid facing the ground.
Once open, you will find a release handle. It is below the forward lip of the trunk (right). Pulling the door release lever will unlock as well as unlatch the driver’s door.
Similarly but more simply, the new Lyriq EV also requires the trunk or liftgate be unlocked using the mechanical key (right image). The front door will unlock at the same time.
Note that if the key simply spins in the cylinder, make sure that the key is fully inserted.
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
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
To EV or Not to EV…
Reasons NOT to by an EV Debunked
So we spotted a post on “X” recently titled “12 Reasons NOT to buy an EV” (electric vehicle), which leave internal combustion engine (ICE) powered cars as the only alternatives. We thought we’d have a look at it point by point.
The 12 Reasons Each With a Counterpoint
1) Purchase cost is way higher.
– Not true. Expensive models get the most press, and there are many of them, but there are some very, very affordable EVs. We’re not going to point to any manufacturers (we’re not in sales), just do some homework. And that statement completely ignores cost of ownership, which goes to EVs hands down. If cost of ownership is a foreign concept, its homework time again…
2) Depreciation is massive.
– There is some truth here, but it is massively overstated. In further truth, its too early to fully determine. The industry remains in infancy, prices are coming down thus lowering pre-owned EV prices.
3) The Batteries cannot be recycled on a commercial scale.
– Partly true. They can be recycled at scale, but this is still being ramped up. The mineral value is driving this.
4) The performance claims are grossly exaggerated.
– If this is a reference to speed, this is flat out wrong. If its a reference to range, its partially true. Most manufacturers are pretty conservative with range estimates. Consumer Reports data confirms this.
5) They carry no spare wheel so to reduce weight.
– This is actually true, but across the entire automotive industry. All vehicles, ICE and EV, are transitioning to refill kits rather than spare tires, again to reduce weight. Not all flat tires can be re-inflated so we’ll take this opportunity to tell the industry to ensure that at least a donut is available in all vehicles!
6) You can’t charge them from a flat or a house without a drive.
– Somewhat true, but a solvable problem. I live in a “flat” (apartment) and it has four Level 2 charging stations available and a charge port can be placed along the road in most cases at private homes that lack a drive(way).
7) Charging points are not ubiquitous enough to journey with confidence.
– Again somewhat true. More charge stations would be better, but planning can accommodate the vast majority (journeys) trips with the stations currently available.
8) Batteries that catch fire cannot be extinguished without plunging the whole car into a skip-full of water.
– This is actually true. However, fires (not to mention explosions) are far, far more common with the rolling bombs more generally known as ICE vehicles. Any EV fire gets so much attention that perception becomes skewed. Its actually very difficult to get an EV battery to burn.
9) Existing car parks are not designed to cope with the 50% higher weight.
– Sooo many things wrong with this. EVs are heavier, yes, but an EV of about equal size is only 15% heavier, not 50% (Camry vs Model 3)! Further, large SUVs (Escalade 7,700 lbs.) are actually heavier (25%) than most electric powered SUVs (Model X, 6,200 lbs))! Now there are hints that the writer of the piece is from Europe, where cars are generally smaller, but we don’t believe for a minute that car parks built anywhere are built to the lowest possible standards.
10) The time to queue and charge an EV is magnitudes of filling a petrol tank.
– This is true, but can an ICE vehicle be refilled at home??
11) The environmental damage of extracting minerals and making batteries is more than using fossil fuels.
– This is just flat out wrong and propaganda. Oil must be extracted as well.
12) Insuring EVs is massively higher than petrol/diesel vehicles.
– We have not found this to be the case, but in truth Tesla started its own insurance division because of high prices in some regions. We believe this is levelling out as EVs become ubiquitous.
And finally, a few of points in favor of EVs.
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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