B3055 on 2015-2019 Cadillac ATS-V: 'Key Not Detected' Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2019 Cadillac ATS-V

The Cadillac ATS-V uses a sophisticated Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) system. While the B3055 code is common across many GM vehicles, on platforms like the ATS-V, it is frequently linked to intermittent issues. A key GM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB PIC5650 series) points to radio frequency interference from common devices like phone chargers, USB power banks, and aftermarket LED lighting as a primary cause to investigate before replacing any parts. The issue is almost always related to the key fob, interference, or the control module, not mechanical parts like the starter.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine will not crank or start
• Engine starts and immediately stalls
• Security indicator light is on or flashing
• "No Remote Detected" or "Service Theft System" message on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
• "Theft Attempted" message on the DIC in some cases

Most Likely Causes

1. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) 🔴 High Probability As noted in multiple versions of GM TSB PIC5650, the keyless entry system is sensitive to interference from aftermarket devices like USB chargers, dash cams, LED lighting, USB power banks, and even other RFID cards (building access, gas station passes) on the same keychain.
   How to confirm: Remove all aftermarket electronic devices from the vehicle's power outlets. Separate the Cadillac key fob from all other keys, fobs, and cards. Attempt to start the vehicle with the isolated fob. If the vehicle starts, RFI was the cause.
   Typical fix: Identify and remove the interfering device or keep the vehicle key fob on its own ring. GM advises customers to check their owner's manual regarding FCC compliance for accessories.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Weak or Dead Key Fob Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery The key fob's battery (a CR2032 coin cell) powers its transmitter. When it gets weak, the BCM may not receive a strong enough signal to authorize the start, especially in cold weather.
   How to confirm: Attempt to start the vehicle by placing the key fob in the transmitter pocket, which is located inside the center console storage area 🎬 Watch: How to start your Cadillac with a dead key fob for this model. If the vehicle starts, the fob battery is almost certainly the problem. This is confirmed by GM TSB PIC5650, which notes this procedure bypasses the need for a strong signal.
   Typical fix: Replace the CR2032 battery inside the key fob.
   Est. part cost: $2-$10
3. Defective or Damaged Key Fob 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Keyless Entry Transmitter The internal transponder chip or its solder joints can fail over time, especially if the fob has been dropped or exposed to moisture. The fob will be unable to send its security code.
   How to confirm: Attempt to start the vehicle with your second/spare key fob. If the vehicle starts and runs normally with the spare, the original key fob is faulty. A Reddit user reported a case where a physically broken key fob was the direct cause of a B3055 code.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty key fob. The new fob must be programmed to the vehicle by a dealer or a qualified automotive locksmith.
   Est. part cost: $150-$400
4. Weak 12V Vehicle Battery ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery Low system voltage can cause erratic behavior in many electronic modules, including the BCM. The BCM may incorrectly flag a security fault if it's not receiving stable power. The diagnostic for this code requires battery voltage to be above 9 volts to run.
   How to confirm: Test the main 12V vehicle battery with a multimeter. A healthy battery should read ~12.6V at rest. A reading below 12.2V indicates a weak battery. In one documented case on a similar GM system, a B3055 code was present when the vehicle battery was at 10.5V and was resolved after replacing the battery and key.
   Typical fix: Charge or replace the vehicle's 12V battery.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or Keyless Entry Control Module: → Shop Keyless Entry Module This is the main computer for the security system. While failure is not common, it can be the cause if all keys fail to work and RFI has been ruled out. This is an expensive repair and should be a last resort. Note that sometimes after a repair, BCM codes may not clear until the vehicle's battery has been disconnected for at least 30 seconds to reset the module, which can prevent a misdiagnosis of BCM failure.
• Damaged Keyless Entry Antenna or Wiring: → Shop Antenna The antenna receives the signal from the fob. Damage to the antenna or its wiring, often located in the center console or trunk area, can cause a no-signal condition, but this is rare without prior physical damage or repairs to the vehicle.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the dashboard for a security light or a 'No Key Detected' message.
2. Remove all aftermarket phone chargers, dash cams, USB power banks, and other electronic devices from the vehicle.
3. Remove all other keys, fobs, and RFID cards from the Cadillac key ring.
4. Attempt to start the vehicle. If it starts, RFI was the cause.
5. If it doesn't start, place the key fob into the transmitter pocket located inside the center console storage area and try again. If it starts now, replace the fob's CR2032 battery.
6. If the vehicle still doesn't start, try your spare key fob. If the spare works, the primary fob is defective.
7. If all keys fail and RFI is ruled out, test the main 12V vehicle battery to ensure it has at least 12.4V.
8. If the issue persists, the vehicle requires professional diagnosis with a scan tool to check the BCM, keyless entry module, and related wiring.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Key Fob Battery (OEM #CR2032) — This is the most common and cheapest fix for a weak signal from the key fob, which causes the 'No Remote Detected' message and B3055.
  Trusted brands: Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic
  OEM price range: $5-$10
  Aftermarket price range: $2-$8
• Keyless Entry Remote Fob (OEM #13580811, 13598507, 13598530 (FCC ID: HYQ2AB)) — If the key fob's internal transponder has failed, the entire unit must be replaced. It must be programmed to the vehicle by a professional.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine
  OEM price range: $150-$300
  Aftermarket price range: $70-$150
• Body Control Module (BCM) (OEM #13589093, 13586589, 13580689) — In rare cases, the BCM itself fails and can no longer communicate with the keys. This is a last-resort replacement after all other causes are eliminated.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine
  OEM price range: $400-$600
  Aftermarket price range: $250-$450

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B3060 — This code relates to an unprogrammed key transponder, often appearing 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing B3055 and how transponder modulation works with B3055 during key-related faults and is mentioned in TSB PIC5650.
• B3935 — This code indicates a transponder authentication failure, which is part of the same security handshake process as B3055 and is also cited in TSB PIC5650.
• C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765, C0775 — These codes relate to tire pressure monitor sensors but are listed alongside B3055 in TSB #PIC5650M, suggesting they can appear together during general BCM or RFI issues.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIC5650M: Addresses intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall with security light on, listing B3055 and pointing to RFI as a primary cause.
• PIT5030E: While for other GM vehicles, it's a useful reference noting that flip-style keys not being fully extended can cause B3055, highlighting the system's sensitivity.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #PIC5650M (and its revisions like PIC5650G): This bulletin directly addresses an intermittent no crank, no start, or start/stall condition with the security light on, specifically citing DTC B3055. It strongly advises checking for Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) from aftermarket accessories (cell phone chargers, LED lights, USB power banks) before replacing any modules. It notes that if RFI is the cause, the vehicle will typically start when the fob is placed in the transmitter pocket.
• TSB #PIT5030E: While for other GM vehicles, it's a useful reference noting that flip-style keys not being fully extended can cause B3055, highlighting the system's sensitivity.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Keyless Entry Antenna Low Reference Circuit Resistance — expected: Less than 2 Ω. Failure: A reading of 2 Ω or greater indicates an open or high resistance in the circuit.
• Keyless Entry Antenna Signal Voltage (during activation) — expected: Greater than 1 V. Failure: A reading less than 1 V when the antenna is activated (e.g., by pressing a door handle button) suggests a faulty antenna.
• Remote Control Door Lock Receiver Low Reference Circuit Resistance to Ground — expected: Less than 30 Ω. Failure: A reading of 30 Ω or greater points to a problem in the ground circuit for the receiver module.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B3055 00: The '00' is a symptom byte meaning 'No Sub Type Information'. This indicates the BCM could not detect any transponder signal at all, and the base DTC description is the most specific information available. (see via Visible on dealer-level scan tools like the GM GDS2 or some advanced aftermarket scan tools when reading DTCs from the Body Control Module (BCM).)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2: Immobilizer Learn / Add or Replace Key Fobs — This function is required to program new or additional key fobs to the vehicle's security system after a fob or BCM has been replaced.
• GM GDS2: Data Display > Immobilizer Data — Used to monitor the live status of the keyless entry system. A technician can view parameters like 'Transponder Key Status' to see if the car recognizes a key as 'Present' or 'Not Present' in real-time, which helps differentiate a bad key from a bad module.
• GM GDS2: Control Functions / Bi-Directional Controls — Allows a technician to command specific modules and components to activate, such as locking/unlocking doors or testing indicator lights, to verify that the BCM is capable of sending commands and that the wiring to those components is intact.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — Located behind the glove box on the Cadillac ATS.. The BCM is the central computer for the immobilizer system. All key authentication signals are processed here. A poor connection or internal fault in the BCM can directly cause a B3055 code.
• Keyless Entry Control Module (K17) — Located in the trunk, typically behind the right-side trim panel.. This module works with the BCM and is responsible for communicating with the keyless entry antennas. A failure in this specific module can cause B3055 and other key detection issues.
• G302 — A primary ground point located at the right kick panel.. This ground serves multiple components controlled by the BCM. A loose or corroded G302 can cause intermittent and difficult-to-diagnose electrical issues, including security system faults.
• G201 — A primary ground point located at the left kick panel.. The BCM and Data Link Connector (DLC) use this ground point. A fault here can disrupt communication between the scan tool and the BCM, or cause the BCM itself to malfunction.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube Repair Shop Video (2014 Cadillac ATS) — No-start condition with multiple codes present, including B3055 and antenna circuit codes.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed towards a faulty module, implying a complex programming procedure would be needed.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician replaced the original Keyless Entry Control Module (K17) with a used module that had the exact same part number. After clearing codes, the car started and functioned correctly without requiring a programming/relearn procedure.
• YouTube channel 'ADD AUTOMOBILE SERVICES' (2013 Chevrolet Equinox (similar GM immobilizer system)) — Intermittent no-start with security light on and code B3055 present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Using the original key, which would sometimes work and sometimes fail.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A technician used a VVDI Key Tool to clone the data from the intermittently failing original transponder chip onto a new 'super chip', which was then placed in the original key housing. This resolved the intermittent signal loss.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 13592452 → 13545326 — Part has been updated by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: This part number is for a keyless entry antenna. While multiple antennas are used on the vehicle, this is one of the supersessions. Always verify the correct antenna part number for the specific location (e.g., bumper, console) before ordering.