Here is my dilemma......

I only have one key and one remote unit. I've read on CaddilacFAQ that you can reprogram a key so long as you have two working ones. I unfortunately do not.

Does anyone have any positive experience or any tips?????

I live in Toronto Canada and have seen some keys on ebay but do not want to commit to buying if I'm going to have to go to a dealer regardless.

ALso, who can cut the key? Will a regular key cutter be able to do this or must I go to some certified GM cutter?

Thank you in advance.

One key is fine, just take it to a locksmith and have them cut you another one. You dont reprogram the key, you are reprogramming the car.

With a CTS there is a quicky key program method. Use a key that works to start the car. Turn it off and pull the key out. Within 30 seconds stick the key to be programmed into the ignition, start the car. Its done!!

suprane1 Thanks for the reply....

I am crossing my fingers for you to be correct but am a little afraid to try your method.

I've read on cadillacfaq.com that what you need for that to work is two working keys which have to be used to start the car first and on the third try you insert the key that is to be programmed.

The "evil" dealer whom I went to buy a new key from told me under no circumstances to insert the new key into the ignition as it will shut down the whole car.

I am only partially scared of that...... If indeed the car shuts down, is there a way to revive it without paying a dealer? Maybe unconnect the battery or something like that?

Thanks again.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-cts-forum-2003-2007/104149-replacement-key-key-fob.html

Says that only Canadian CTS's need two keys, mine unfortunately is a Canadian.

A dealer told me that it would cost 120 to program the key after I already paid 40 for the key plus cut.

E-Bay has many sources for remotes and keys. There are some links from this site to them. I have recently purchased both a remote and a set of keys for my '97 DeVille and gotten help explaining the processes. Do an e-bay search. Saves a lot of money also.

You only need one key, trust me, i've programed mine like that and i got an 03 canadian cts. Worse that can happen is you lock up passlock, and you'll have to leave the working key in the on position for 15 min to unlock it.

bburt,

Thanks. I already bought the key from a dealer which they also cut, the only thing I now need is to actually program it. (only cost me $42 Canadian, pretty much the same as ebay).

After reading some threads and replies I am aware oof two possible solutions which I'll outline below in case anyone else is in my position:

A. Turn the car on with an existing key and shut it off. Within 30 seconds insert the new key and start the car. The new key is now programmed. (or rather the car is programmed to start with the new key if you will)

B. Turn the car on with an existing key and shut it off. Insert the new key but do not start the car rather turn on the ignition. After about 10 minutes, the theft light will go away at which point the key needs to be taken out and put back in and turned but not start the car. Simmilarly, 10 minutes later the theft light will go away. Next the key needs to be taken out and put back in at which point you can start the car with it as it is now programmed.

I am having a difficulty with option "A" because some people are saying that for Canadian models you will need two existing keys before the third one can be done. Option "B" was only mentioned in one place and I haven't seen anyone else support or dismiss it.

I am very reluctant to pay $100+ to a dealer since I'm sure I'm scratching the tip of a very simple solution here.

Thanks to all who contributed.