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Lost car keys, need help>

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20K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  Donashs  
#1 ·
Hi everyone! I'm in crisis and need help, please! I have lost my key fob from my 2018 XTS, contacted dealer and they quoted like $600. plus gotta tow the car there!!! This is way too expensive... Any cheaper solutions that anyone has come across maybe? Any advice highly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
My 2013 XTS came with two key fobs. Sounds like you only have one?? If you have a second one, I would use that for the time being till you figure out better cost method. If you only got one, I would find out why and see if your dealer owes you a fob.

Looking forward to the replies on this from others for my own future reference.

Good luck!
 
#10 ·
My 2013 XTS came with two key fobs. Sounds like you only have one?? If you have a second one, I would use that for the time being till you figure out better cost method. If you only got one, I would find out why and see if your dealer owes you a fob.

Looking forward to the replies on this from others for my own future reference.

Good luck!
Hi.
Sadly many used XTS only come with one fob. If the auto was a rental in prior ownership, these have been resold, even by dealers, with a single fob . Like my 2019. So this will become more common situation.
 
#3 ·
As mentioned above, every XTS comes with two fobs. Did you buy it used and the seller only gave you one fob? The fob's are expensive.

Anyway, here is an option:

 
#4 ·
#5 ·
The new fob will have to be programmed.

Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to
the vehicle will work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight
transmitters matched to it.
Programming with Recognized
Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed
to the vehicle when there are two
recognized transmitters.
To program, the vehicle must be off
and all transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be
with you.
1. Remove the vehicle key from the
recognized transmitter.
2. Place the recognized
transmitter(s) in the cupholder.
3. Remove the key lock cylinder cap
on the driver door handle. See
Door Locks. Insert the
vehicle key into the key lock
cylinder on the driver door
handle, then turn the key
counterclockwise to the unlock
position five times within
10 seconds.
4. Place the new transmitter in the
transmitter pocket in the center
console storage area.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP.
When the transmitter is learned,
the DIC display will show that it
is ready to program the next
transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the
transmitter pocket and press unlock
or lock on the transmitter.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and hold
ENGINE START/STOP for
approximately 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Return the key back into the transmitter
8. Replace the key lock cylinder
cap.
 
#8 ·
If you don't have a 2nd transmitter or need one immediately and there is a good locksmith in your area who has an XTS transmitter, then that is the way to go as indicated above by two members here. As mentioned most come out to you. Seems the average cost would be $300-$400 dollars, but you would save the tow and possible damage from it.

But if you do have the 2nd transmitter and don't need another immediately, then you would save a bundle over the locksmith.

Good luck and let us know how it went.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Hi, everyone.

Thanks a lot for your help.
Here is what I found out after a long research, helped me a lot. It was a very nice write-up actually, so I'm sharing it here in case anyone ever finds themselves in the same mess as me...

I guess there is a huge difference between different keys, models, etc. (yours is a key fob)
Also locksmiths and dealers charge different amounts for the very same key.

This site helped me save a lot of money to get my new key.
https://lost-car-keys-replacement.com/cadillac/xts/

Generally speaking, to get a replacement key, you have three options:
1. Call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for cars. Here is a phone number for a company that have many different locations and locksmiths: 800-223-1453. I think the work all around the US but not sure. Give them a call and ask.
2. Tow the car to the dealer.
3. Order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program it for you (if necessary).

Here is the link to read more:
https://lost-car-keys-replacement.co...ement-car-key/

If you do call a locksmith or the dealer, don’t forget to mention some important information so they will check if they have the key blank and the necessary tools to code you the new key:
1. Year, make and model of the car
2. Your exact location including street address and zip (for the locksmith to find you easily)
3. VIN number of the car located on the dashboard – very important
4. Make sure you can show them proof of ownership – otherwise they will not make you a new replacement key.

Regarding the cost, it really depends on the type of key you had.
There are 3 main types of keys:
Non-chip keys: for older models (mostly 2000 and older)
Transponder chip keys – these types of keys must be coded on site with a special machine, otherwise the car wont start. These are more expensive to make
Key fob – push to start – these are the most expensive types of keys. Mostly made for models made after 2015.
The average cost is somewhere between $180-$450. It also depends on your location, time of day, weekend, etc etc.

Here is the link for some additional information:
https://lost-car-keys-replacement.co...lacement-cost/

I hope it helps!
 
#12 · (Edited)
Ideally, when you purchased the car there should be a second fob that you can use in the meantime. That will cut down on your bill tremendously, but dealerships will still usually charge ~$150 to cut and chip a new fob.