what do you have to do to get a new key?

[BertBert]

One of my (2003) boxster keys has died and the other only works when it feels like it. New batteries do not solve the problem.

I understand you have to get new ones programmed - is that an OPC job? Can it be done "while you wait"?

Cheers
Bert

[andy102]

OPC, I waited while it was coded on my 996. This was a few years back, but you need to order in advance with the chassis number I think.
Just hope its never had a new set of locks put in, because you still have to pay for the ordered key and its not cheap.

[David Hype]

BertBert said:

One of my (2003) boxster keys has died and the other only works when it feels like it. New batteries do not solve the problem.

I understand you have to get new ones programmed - is that an OPC job? Can it be done "while you wait"?

Cheers
Bert

Hi Bert, I dont understand why the key would stop working apart from just plain battery expiry?

OPC Programming is only required for the alarm and imobiliser function

[Old Trout]

I had a key that stopped working and needed a new 'head' to be programmed to the car. I could not repeat the explanation fully - but basically the car was disconnected from the battery for a couple of months and then it stopped connecting to the key.

[Rockster]

BertBert said:

One of my (2003) boxster keys has died and the other only works when it feels like it. New batteries do not solve the problem.

I understand you have to get new ones programmed - is that an OPC job? Can it be done "while you wait"?

Cheers
Bert

Have you tried installing the battery backwards? Plus to minus?

This sometimes resurrects an otherwise non functioning key module.

If the keys are truly bad/dead the way I've been told it works -- having gone through 2 sets of keys with my Boxster and 1 set with my Turbo -- is new key modules are bought.

It helps to have the dead/bad key code plastic tags with their ID numbers along when you visit the dealer to have the new keys installed. Also, bring *all* keys with you including any valet key you may have.

The blade is transferred from the old key module/head to the new key module/head. (Or when the new keys are ordered the proper blade is also supplied. There is a limited number of possible blade forms. However, based on the condition of the blades in the new keys I've gotten it looks like the old blades are used though.)

Anyhow, the Porsche diagnostics computer is hooked up to the car and communication established with the car's security system. Somehow the proper security codes are obtained from Porsche. This gives the tech then with the diagnositic computer access to *modify* the car's security system.

The tech is then free to remove the bad/dead key ID's from the security system's table of key ID's and add/introduce the new key ID's to the security system's table of key ID's.

If the keys to be removed are not functioning the key tags are used to know which ID numbers are to be removed.

Important! Save those small tags that come with the new keys. There is a limited number of ID slots (6 I think) in the security system and dead key IDs want to be removed.

Now the key can be used to unlock/lock the car, open trunks, and start the engine.

I wouldn't be my thorough self if I didn't mention the possibility the problem may lie in the car's security system. The tech can query this for any error codes that could point to this though.

Another possibility is the antenna which is used to transit the RF pulse to the key module RFID which in turns responds with its its security ID may not be working 100%. For this antenna to go bad is rare. But it can happen. Sometimes after someone has been at the ignition key and accidentally compromised the antenna wiring connection.

[Slaav]

Rockster said:

Have you tried installing the battery backwards? Plus to minus?

This sometimes resurrects an otherwise non functioning key module.

If the keys are truly bad/dead the way I've been told it works -- having gone through 2 sets of keys with my Boxster and 1 set with my Turbo -- is new key modules are bought.

It helps to have the dead/bad key code plastic tags with their ID numbers along when you visit the dealer to have the new keys installed. Also, bring *all* keys with you including any valet key you may have.

The blade is transferred from the old key module/head to the new key module/head. (Or when the new keys are ordered the proper blade is also supplied. There is a limited number of possible blade forms. However, based on the condition of the blades in the new keys I've gotten it looks like the old blades are used though.)

Anyhow, the Porsche diagnostics computer is hooked up to the car and communication established with the car's security system. Somehow the proper security codes are obtained from Porsche. This gives the tech then with the diagnositic computer access to *modify* the car's security system.

The tech is then free to remove the bad/dead key ID's from the security system's table of key ID's and add/introduce the new key ID's to the security system's table of key ID's.

If the keys to be removed are not functioning the key tags are used to know which ID numbers are to be removed.

Important! Save those small tags that come with the new keys. There is a limited number of ID slots (6 I think) in the security system and dead key IDs want to be removed.

Now the key can be used to unlock/lock the car, open trunks, and start the engine.

I wouldn't be my thorough self if I didn't mention the possibility the problem may lie in the car's security system. The tech can query this for any error codes that could point to this though.

Another possibility is the antenna which is used to transit the RF pulse to the key module RFID which in turns responds with its its security ID may not be working 100%. For this antenna to go bad is rare. But it can happen. Sometimes after someone has been at the ignition key and accidentally compromised the antenna wiring connection.

'kin hell

(Is that answer a little scary - in a good way!)

[thegoose]

It isn't necessarily an OPC only job. No use for where the OP is but Mike at S & C can do it for example.

[BertBert]

ok, thanks all for the info. Basically the red light on the key doesn't light up (one is completely dead, the other does it when it feels like it). They are well used keys. so may be just a microswitch problem.

I do have an indie that might do it for me, I'll find out.
Bert

[RatBoy M3CSL]

..Recently had a very similar issue with an alarm stystem non Porsche, but same Cobra system, changed batteries, red LED flashes on key, car won't do anything, turned out that for some reason the key had fallen out of sync with the car, Cobra were very helpful and told me how to do it, give it a try and see if they or your OPC can deal with it for you.

[hungry_hog]

I have this problem on my spare 996 key, do will try the battery trick tonight!

How does it affect resale? Is it worth spending the 200 odd quid just to have a working spare when it comes to sell time?Do dealers expect to see all three keys (the two remote ones plus the "slim" one).

[cd1957]

Hi you can take to a specialist,who will need the following items for the security "key learn code";
1/ copy of v5 logbook with your name and address on it.
2/ Hand writing letter of authority from you to the specialist,staing you allow the security info to be released.

Chris

[Rockster]

BertBert said:

ok, thanks all for the info. Basically the red light on the key doesn't light up (one is completely dead, the other does it when it feels like it). They are well used keys. so may be just a microswitch problem.

I do have an indie that might do it for me, I'll find out.
Bert

I say OPC or dealer but an indy shop with the proper diagnostics computer and tech know-how could also work. I've never had reason to explore this.

[lordlee]

Had this issue come up before I bought my car. The owner took the key to Porsche who replaced the head but not the blade (as previously mentioned) and charged the chap circa £100. All sorted now though...