2013-2019 Cadillac ATS Key Fob: 'No Remote Detected' and Programming Guide

Symptoms of a Failing 2013-2019 Cadillac ATS Key Fob

When your Cadillac ATS key fob starts to fail, it can be frustrating and may leave you unable to start your car. The symptoms are almost always electronic in nature. Here are the most common signs to watch for:

• 'No Remote Detected' Message: This is the most common and direct symptom. You'll get in the car, press the start button, and see a message on the Driver Information Center (DIC) stating "No Remote Key Was Detected, Place Key in Transmitter Pocket Then Start Your Vehicle". This indicates the car is not receiving a signal from your fob.
• Reduced Range: You may find you have to get closer and closer to the vehicle for the lock and unlock buttons to work. A healthy fob should work from at least 30-50 feet away.
• Inconsistent or Delayed Response: You might have to press the buttons multiple times for the car to respond. Sometimes it works on the first press, other times it takes several tries. This can also manifest as a delay between pressing the button and the car locking or unlocking.
• Unresponsive Buttons: One or more buttons on the fob may stop working entirely, while others continue to function. This often points to wear on the internal contacts of the button itself.
• Rapid Battery Drain: If you find yourself replacing the CR2032 battery every few weeks or months instead of every year or two, the fob's internal circuitry may have a fault causing it to draw too much power.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

As of early 2026, there are no specific NHTSA recalls for the key fob or keyless entry system on the 2013-2019 Cadillac ATS. However, an early service bulletin was issued for some 2013 models.

• Service Bulletin 12227: Released in October 2012 for some 2013 ATS models, this bulletin addressed an issue where the outside door handle touchpad would be unresponsive for about 2 seconds after closing a door. A software reprogram for the Keyless Entry Control Module was issued to reduce this delay to 1.5 seconds, improving the user experience. This was not a safety recall but a service update for early production vehicles.

Buying a Used 2013-2019 Cadillac ATS Key Fob

Purchasing a used key fob can be a great way to save money, but there are critical details to be aware of. Unlike many other parts, a key fob's compatibility is about more than just physical fitment.

Verification and Compatibility

• Match the FCC ID and Part Number: The most important step is to match the FCC ID on the back of your existing fob. For the ATS, common FCC IDs include NBG009768T (typically for 2013-2014 models) and HYQ2AB (typically for 2015-2019 models). Also, match the part number if possible.
• Button Configuration: Ensure the used fob has the same number of buttons (4-button or 5-button) and the same icons as your original. Fobs for coupes and sedans, or those with/without remote start, may differ.
• Is it Reprogrammable? Crucially, GM key fobs from this era can be reprogrammed to a different vehicle. When you perform the programming procedure, it erases all previously known fobs and learns the ones you present to it. This makes used ATS fobs a viable option.

What to Inspect

• Physical Condition: Check for cracks in the casing or significant wear on the buttons. Avoid fobs with visible water damage or corrosion in the battery compartment.
• Ask the Seller: Confirm with the seller that the fob was tested and is in working electronic condition.
• Why Used OEM is a Good Choice: For a part like this, a used OEM fob is often superior to a new, cheap aftermarket one. The original GM electronics are high-quality and designed to work seamlessly with the vehicle's systems. Aftermarket fobs can have issues with range, battery life, and programming compatibility.

Installation and Programming

Good news for DIYers: you can program a new or used key fob to your 2013-2019 Cadillac ATS at home without any special tools, though it does require patience. The process erases all existing fobs, so you must have all fobs you intend to use (old and new) with you at the time of programming.

Step-by-Step Programming Guide (All Keys Lost)

1. Remove the plastic cap over the key lock cylinder on the driver's exterior door handle. You can use the emergency key to gently pry it off from a slot underneath.
2. Insert the cut emergency key into the door lock cylinder. Turn the key counter-clockwise to the unlock position 5 times within 10 seconds.
3. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display: REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT. You must now wait for 10 minutes.
4. After 10 minutes, the DIC will display: PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
5. The DIC will again show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT. You must wait another 10 minutes.
6. After the second 10-minute wait, the DIC will again show PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
7. The DIC will show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT for a third and final 10-minute wait. After this step, all old fobs are erased.
8. After the third 10-minute wait, the DIC will show READY FOR REMOTE #1.
9. Place your first new (or existing) key fob into the transmitter pocket inside the center console.
10. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The DIC will confirm the fob is learned and show READY FOR REMOTE #2.
11. Remove the fob and press the lock or unlock button to finalize.
12. To program additional fobs, repeat steps 9-11.
13. When finished, press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for about 12 seconds to exit programming mode. Test all fobs.

Note: A slightly different, faster procedure exists if you already have a working fob, but the 30-minute method works for all scenarios, including adding a new key or replacing a lost one.

Cost Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)