View Full Version : Key Fob Problem


greghills
03-21-08, 06:36 PM
Anyone have any progrmming issues with there FOB ?

I have an '07 STS4 with 2 FOBS - labeled 1 & 2 (on the back)
FOB 1 (Mine) works fine, settings, memory, remote start, etc.
FOB 2 (the Mrs.) only locks and unlocks the car, no remote start, no memory recall.

Is there any way to reprogram the FOB to make sure it is recognized as driver 2 ??

OnStar and Caddilac Customer Service are both telling me I need a dealer visit, which is just a royal pain :annoyed:

She really hated the STS when I first traded for it and was just coming around then this happend. :eek:

WillySTS
03-21-08, 07:43 PM
You have to go into "CONFIG" under driver 2 and set her remote start preferences and such.

greghills
03-21-08, 10:11 PM
Tried that already.

Also decided to see if maybe the fob had been replaced prior to delivery, so I tried the programming per the manual.
WHen I execute the key in the door move, my DIC comes up with REady for FOB 4

Seems to me, this means a FOB 3 was programmed somewhere...and now I'm starting to think what I have is #3 and #2 went missing.

AllWheelEric
03-21-08, 11:45 PM
Seems to me, this means a FOB 3 was programmed somewhere...and now I'm starting to think what I have is #3 and #2 went missing.

Sounds right to me. Good news is that it's fixable.

greghills
03-22-08, 09:42 AM
Sounds right to me. Good news is that it's fixable.

Which is a very good thing, but - can I fix it myself ?
or do I really need to make a trip to the dealer ?

Benjamin Simon
03-22-08, 10:20 AM
Which is a very good thing, but - can I fix it myself ?
or do I really need to make a trip to the dealer ?

I read somewhere you need to delete all of the FOBs and start over. Which is easy (evidently) and can be done by yourself.

The only problem is I could not find out how to delete all fobs.

Anyone else know?

pjbizjak
03-22-08, 11:49 AM
I had the same problem when I got my CPO, key FOB #1 was lost, so when the dealer replaced it and programmed it it went in as FOB #3. I was told that only FOB's in position 1 & 2 retain memory settings. I took the car to the dealer and they reprogrammed the FOB's but some of the memory settings still don't work. Next time I HAVE to go to the dealer I'll have them do the reprogramming all over again.

BMBSALES
03-22-08, 11:57 AM
one thing you may want to be careful of...i thought i read somewhere that in order for 'us" to program fobs, you have to have one already programmed and in vacinity???

BarryNS
03-22-08, 12:07 PM
The only problem is I could not find out how to delete all fobs.

Anyone else know?

from the 2008 STS/STSV Owners Manual

The following procedure works in US cars but not Canadian cars.

The procedure will require three, ten minute cycles to
complete the matching process. Do the following:
1. The vehicle must be off.
2. Place the new, unrecognized transmitter into the
transmitter pocket with the transmitter buttons facing
the front of the vehicle. The transmitter pocket is
inside the center console storage area located
between the driver and front passenger seats.
3. Insert the vehicle key into the key lock cylinder
located on the driver’s door.
2-9
4. Turn the key to the unlock position five times
within five seconds.
5. The DIC message will display OFF/ACC TO
LEARN.
6. Press the Acc. button (ignition switch).
7. The DIC will read WAIT 10 MINUTES and will
count down to zero, one minute at a time.
8. The DIC will display OFF/ACC TO LEARN again.
9. Press the Acc. button (ignition switch) again.
10. The DIC will again read WAIT 10 MINUTES and
will count down to zero, one minute at a time.
11. The DIC will display OFF/ACC TO LEARN again.
12. Press the Acc. button (ignition switch) again.
13. The DIC will again read WAIT 10 MINUTES and
will count down to zero, one minute at a time.
14. A beep will sound and the DIC will read READY
FOR FOB 1. At this time, all previously known
transmitters have been erased.
15. Once the transmitter is recognized and
programmed, a beep will sound and the DIC will
display READY FOR FOB 2.
16. Remove the keyless access transmitter and press
the unlock button twice to initialize it.
If you have additional transmitters to program, this
process can be repeated until four transmitters have
been programmed. The DIC will then display MAX #
FOBS LEARNED and will exit the programming mode.
When you are done programming transmitters, press
the unlock button on each keyless access transmitter
twice. After performing this process, transmitters
previously programmed will no longer work with your
vehicle and must be reprogrammed.

BMBSALES
03-22-08, 12:16 PM
good post. i guess if you want to take the shortcut learning process, you need another fob, cause i have four programmed and it took thirty seconds.

tomm
03-22-08, 03:13 PM
Yes, It takes only a few seconds to program a FOB in position 3 or 4 but for the 1 and 2 spots this process needs to be followed.

greghills
03-22-08, 05:36 PM
from the 2008 STS/STSV Owners Manual

The following procedure works in US cars but not Canadian cars.

[LEFT]The procedure will require three, ten minute cycles to
complete the matching process. Do the following:
1. The vehicle must be off.
2. Place the new, unrecognized transmitter into the
transmitter pocket with the transmitter buttons facing
<snip>



THis is the same as the 2007 manual.
The problem I'm having is the fob (with a #2 on it's back) is recognized by the car (doors lock/unlock, trunk opens, panic works), but I cannot remote start from it and it does not trigger the driver 2 memory settings.

I did start the programming with the "5 times in the door lock" the DIC told me "Ready for FOB 4", I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to continue since the maunual states "new, unrecognized transmitter" and it actually does recognize it.

it's looking like a road trip to make it actually be FOB 2 again

ewill3rd
03-22-08, 08:08 PM
Programming fobs is a NIGHTMARE on these cars.
There are 3 possible procedures to follow, I'll see if I can pick out the one you need and post it.
This is the only method you can do without a scan tool.
This will work but you'll have to be sure your battery is in good shape and read the warning about making sure the transmitters are ALL OUT OF RANGE while you do the 30 minute clear procedure.
You'll have to have the mechanical key as well.

The only alternative is a trip to the dealer and if this doesn't work... you'll be calling a tow truck probably.

Method 2 - Erasing/Adding Key Fobs (No Known Fob Available)
This procedure will first erase all known key fobs. The procedure will then program a single key fob or multiple key fobs. Method 3 is a series of three 10-minute key cycles, for a total of 30 minutes. This procedure requires that you have a replacement key fob and the vehicle's mechanical key.

Important: Do not place any known good key fobs within 10 feet of the vehicle when programming with Method 2. If the RCDLR recognizes a known good key fob during Method 2 programming, the programming mode will resort to Method 1.
The vehicle must be OFF.
Place the new/replacement key fob in the console pocket with the buttons facing forward.
Insert the vehicle key in the driver door lock cylinder located in the driver door handle and cycle the key 5 times within 5 seconds.
The DIC will display a message: OFF/ACC TO LEARN.
Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button.
The DIC will display a message: WAIT 10 MINUTES, and then begin to count down from 10 to 0, one minute at a time.
When the counter reaches 0, DIC will display OFF/ACC TO LEARN.
Repeat steps 5-7 two more times, for a total of 30 minutes.
At the end of the 30 minute cycle, a beep will occur and the DIC will display: READY FOR FOB 1. At this time all previously known key fobs have been erased. When fob 1 is programmed a beep will be heard and the DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB 2.
Additional key fobs can be programmed by taking fob 1 out of the pocket and inserting fob 2. If desired, up to 4 fobs can be programmed. Once 4 fobs have been learned, the DIC will display a message: MAX FOBS LEARNED, and automatically exit the program mode.
If learning less than 4 key fobs, press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button to exit the program mode.
Important: Failure to exit programming mode (press OFF/ACC) prior to pressing the UNLOCK button of each key fob programmed will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the UNLOCK button completes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

Press the UNLOCK button on each key fob that was programmed to finalize the programming and confirm system operation.

greghills
03-23-08, 11:22 AM
ewill3rd - thanks for this, I have a better understanding now.
I'm a little concerned about the tow truck option though and since I depend on the car for work (and it's under warranty), I'm going to opt for a trip to the dealer.


I was hoping for something along the lnes of my vette, all I do with that is press and hold LOCK/UNLOCK simultaneously until the horn beeps and locks cycle.- all done.

ewill3rd
03-23-08, 11:28 AM
It is really crazy because of the keyless system.
Since the car is not dependent on a mechanical key to start it becomes harder to program.
Most of it is related to security and making it harder to steal your car once you gain access to the inside.
It really increases the difficulty for us too.
It is "easier" with a scan tool... but not easy.

Didn't mean to scare you off with the towtruck remark, but it is possible if you get stuck without a scan tool to back you up.

Bradygriffin
03-27-08, 08:27 PM
Great conversation but not exactly addressing my problem. If I may:
1. Bought new but used 2006 "program" STS.
2. Fob 2 came with the car, fob 1 was missing.
3. Delear provided a new fob, correctly identified on the back as "fob 1".
4. Noticed after leaving the dealer, saving settings to "driver 1" are not recalled when you use this fob.
5. Einstein at the dealer programmed this one to next available fob position, "fob 3" (remember, fob 1 is not in "our" possession.
6. I live 40 miles from the dealer.
7. Solution would include how to change a fob currently programmed as 3, but identified on the back as "1" as the actual "fob 1".
Thanks guys,
BG

rb92gt
03-27-08, 08:54 PM
Bradygriffin,
I had exactly the same scenario. Had to bring the car to the dealer and leave it all day for them to fix it. You would think they would realize that you want to be able to program 1 and 2... but that's too logical.

Bradygriffin
03-27-08, 11:28 PM
Just a "stop and think" kiind of thing. Pretty pleased with the sales staff, bought a new Hummer in August 07. As of now, their key cutting machine is broken so couldn't cut a second key, now this with the fob. Lost the battery on Monday, but still under warranty so they brought me (would not crank), a H3 to borrow with jumper cables. Carried the STS back to the dealer. Hope the battery thing is not a repeat issue.
BG

Onalaska
03-27-08, 11:37 PM
Great conversation but not exactly addressing my problem. If I may:
7. Solution would include how to change a fob currently programmed as 3, but identified on the back as "1" as the actual "fob 1".
Thanks guys,
BG

You can do it yourself without going to the dealer. Just follow ewill's procedure for method 2 above and reprogram both fobs, one as #1 and the other as #2. It takes 30 minutes. I just did it myself after the wife lost fob #2 the other day. It really doesn't matter what number the fobs are marked on the back they are interchangeable when reprogrammed.

Bradygriffin
03-27-08, 11:48 PM
Based on your lead, will give it a try tomorrow. Crossing my fingers.
BG

Onalaska
03-28-08, 12:24 AM
Following that procedure worked fine for me. The only problem I had was after 30 minutes or reprogramming with the door open it ran the battery down far enough that the car would not start. Time for a new battery.

Bradygriffin
03-28-08, 08:10 PM
Technically, the above procedure needs a little correction for my problem. After the first paragraph, it says "Method 2 - Erasing/adding key fobs...", then later says "Method 3 is a series...". It should all be method 2 or method 3. Either way, this is what I used. Also, since I'm not interested in programming an "unknown" fob, there is none to put in the console pocket, skip this. Keep the fobs away from the car, turn the key 5 times within 5 (or so) seconds, press acc, repeat 3 times, put in fob 1, wait on message, fob 2 wait on message, press "acc", lock/unlock fob 1 then fob 2. By the way, I'm typing this while waiting on the last 10 minutes so if it doesn't work, I'm really screwed (live 40 miles from the dealer) Results to follow............................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................SUCCESS!!! You can take this to the bank. Thank's guys for the help.
BG

Method 2 - Erasing/Adding Key Fobs (No Known Fob Available)
This procedure will first erase all known key fobs. The procedure will then program a single key fob or multiple key fobs. Method 3 is a series of three 10-minute key cycles, for a total of 30 minutes. This procedure requires that you have a replacement key fob and the vehicle's mechanical key.

Important: Do not place any known good key fobs within 10 feet of the vehicle when programming with Method 2. If the RCDLR recognizes a known good key fob during Method 2 programming, the programming mode will resort to Method 1.
The vehicle must be OFF.
Place the new/replacement key fob in the console pocket with the buttons facing forward.
Insert the vehicle key in the driver door lock cylinder located in the driver door handle and cycle the key 5 times within 5 seconds.
The DIC will display a message: OFF/ACC TO LEARN.
Press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button.
The DIC will display a message: WAIT 10 MINUTES, and then begin to count down from 10 to 0, one minute at a time.
When the counter reaches 0, DIC will display OFF/ACC TO LEARN.
Repeat steps 5-7 two more times, for a total of 30 minutes.
At the end of the 30 minute cycle, a beep will occur and the DIC will display: READY FOR FOB 1. At this time all previously known key fobs have been erased. When fob 1 is programmed a beep will be heard and the DIC will display a message: READY FOR FOB 2.
Additional key fobs can be programmed by taking fob 1 out of the pocket and inserting fob 2. If desired, up to 4 fobs can be programmed. Once 4 fobs have been learned, the DIC will display a message: MAX FOBS LEARNED, and automatically exit the program mode.
If learning less than 4 key fobs, press the OFF/ACC portion of the ignition button to exit the program mode.
Important: Failure to exit programming mode (press OFF/ACC) prior to pressing the UNLOCK button of each key fob programmed will result in that fob being inoperative. Pressing the UNLOCK button completes the programming sequence and is require to ensure transmitter operation.

dhemrick
03-28-08, 09:53 PM
Just out of curiosity, can a fob be programmed to more than one car? For instance, if you have two different STSs, can one fob be programmed to operate both cars using this procedure to wipe out one car and reprogram it with the existing fob from another car?

thewood
06-08-08, 04:43 PM
[QUOTE=Bradygriffin;1463674]Technically, the above procedure needs a little correction for my problem. After the first paragraph, it says "Method 2 - Erasing/adding key fobs...", then later says "Method 3 is a series...". It should all be method 2 or method 3. Either way, this is what I used. Also, since I'm not interested in programming an "unknown" fob, there is none to put in the console pocket, skip this. Keep the fobs away from the car, turn the key 5 times within 5 (or so) seconds, press acc, repeat 3 times, put in fob 1, wait on message, fob 2 wait on message, press "acc", lock/unlock fob 1 then fob 2. By the way, I'm typing this while waiting on the last 10 minutes so if it doesn't work, I'm really screwed (live 40 miles from the dealer) Results to follow............................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................SUCCESS!!! You can take this to the bank. Thank's guys for the help.
BG

QUOTE]


This worked perfectly for me last night. When I got the car FOB2 was missing. It only has two keys and one FOB. The spare key looks like an aftermarket one. I got an extra FOB in the mail last night and reading the owner's manual, it isn't clear how to get it set a FOB2 when the system thinks there's already a FOB2. It kept asking me for FOB3 and if I followed the other procedure it would go into learn mode. As stated keeping all FOBs away from the car will put it in Learn mode for Method 2. It’s just not in the book.
The only thing now is, I feel a bit uncomfortable now knowing how to do the programming. Since key 2 for the car doesn't have a known existence, it would be quite easy for someone to open my car and "Program a FOB" without me knowing about it, and steal my car.

jmyrick
06-20-08, 03:31 AM
Need help, MAX # FOBS LEARNED showing on DIC, I can not get past this, I tried eveything mentioned in this string with no luck. I only have two remotes, 1st fob is set up in position 1 and the second is set up in # 3, want to get them positioned in 1 and 2.
I have 2 1SG's and I got my wife's 05 set up fine, but my 06 is what i'm having the trouble with. Any suggestions besides taking it to the dealer?

Thanks

jmyrick
06-21-08, 03:14 AM
Read thru the string again and figured it out!

thewood
06-22-08, 03:10 PM
Need help, MAX # FOBS LEARNED showing on DIC, I can not get past this, I tried eveything mentioned in this string with no luck. I only have two remotes, 1st fob is set up in position 1 and the second is set up in # 3, want to get them positioned in 1 and 2.
I have 2 1SG's and I got my wife's 05 set up fine, but my 06 is what i'm having the trouble with. Any suggestions besides taking it to the dealer?

Thanks
I can't speak for the 06 but the 07 has instruction in the owner's manual but they fail to mention a key step. The key to the procedures is to keep all FOBs out of distance of the car until it's ready to learn and prompts you for FOB#1. Read Through This (http://sluggomagoo.homeip.net/pics/sts/ReplacingMissingTransmitter.htm)

sburgin
06-22-08, 07:54 PM
I posted a message earlier on not getting my remote start, etc. to retain thru personalization...after reading this thread -i became convinced that the fob i was using (labeled 2 on the back) had not been programmed to my car. found the other fob - voila - remote start works great.

anyone hazard to guess whether this procedure will work on my 2005 STS to get the other fob programmed ?

thewood
06-22-08, 09:29 PM
Right it's not FOB2 because it add it as FOB3. In order to make FOB3 FOB2 you have to delete all FOBs and start over (see my previous post). I'm not 100% sure but since FOB3 or FOB4 don't have a profiles in the computer (it's just a known FOB) then the remote start likley won't work.