Looking for a Porsche Tech for a Question about Keys - Page 2

ferrytrip1 · 02-12-2012, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts

Not really. What he probably means is that there is an RFID chip inside the key that gets read when the ignition is turned on. This has a tiny little capacitor in it that temporarily charges the circuit inside so that it can transmit its code to the car. He might be thinking of that as a "battery".

Info from wikipedia page: Radio-frequency identification - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

One of my 2 keys will not start the engine. Both will lock and unlock the car. I have no codes or info. Could this be reprogrammed or do I need a new key?

Thanks
Simon

squireiii · 02-13-2012, 04:24 PM

The po of my 99 said the owner before him lost the remote fob. The po had an aftermarket remote entry/alarm installed. It works well locking and unlocking the doors, and opening the rear trunk remotely. Would it be possible that my car no longer needs to have a programmed key? I have only one key and would of course like a spare. The key I have is an original (I think) with a button for a light that doesn't work, and I don't care about that. Just want a spare key. Does anyone have insight into this situation? Thanks!

Meirschwartz · 02-13-2012, 07:13 PM

Read Wayne's answer a little bit back on this post.

So to answer the question from a few posts ago, programming keys is not an easy process. I don't remember the exact procedure, as I need to have the PST-2 open and in front of me, so I can remember 100%, but I'll do my best here.

Each key contains two separate "electronic circuits" that interface with two separate modules in the car.

Firstly, you do need a PST-2 to plug into the car. Secondly, you need to know the codes from the key for both the alarm module and the DME. You program the key codes into the alarm module so that when you press the button on the key, it will open the doors. I believe that there are two spots in the alarm programming module that you have to enter the codes. Note that if you program the key only to the alarm module, then you can open the car with the button on the key, but you will not be able to start the car (this stumped me a ways back when I was first messing around with it).

Secondly, you need to enter the RFID immobilizer codes into the DME section using the PST-2 so that the key will be able to start the car. You need to obtain from the dealer, the DME access code that will allow you to program your car (they look it up in a big database). Then you enter the codes into a spot in the PST-2. I believe you can have up to four keys programmed at a time.

Finally, you need to actually take the blank key to a dealer and have them cut the pattern for the car. Apparently, these key cutting machines are not at every dealer - the only one around here in the South Bay was at the Audi dealer - I had to sit there and wait almost 45 minutes while someone disappeared into the back room and figured out how to use the machine.

In all, it was a total pain in the ass, and that's with having all of the tools to do it. If you randomly purchase a key off of eBay, then that key is worthless without the code that typically comes attached to the key. For reference, when you purchase a new blank key from Porsche, it comes with a tag with the codes listed on it. Here is a photo of what it looks like:

-Wayne
__________________
Wayne R. Dempsey, CEO, Pelican Parts Inc., and Author of:
101 Projects for Your BMW 3-Series • 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 • How to Rebuild & Modify Porsche 911 Engines • 101 Projects for Your Porsche Boxster & Cayman
Coming in 2012:
• 101 Projects for Your MINI Cooper • 101 Projects for Your Porsche 996 / 997
02-26-2011, 11:07 PM
* Recommend this thread for the PelicanWiki*** #16 (permalink)

ferrytrip1 · 02-18-2012, 05:11 AM

Thanks - yes I did read it though I did not think it answered my question

I will goto a dealer

Thanks

Simon

The Glademister · The Glademister's Garage

So, if I replace the ignition switch on a 2002 Boxster do the keys have to be re-cut or is that part generic and relies on the electronic immobilizer systems? If that's the case, the original keys should operate a replacement switch and original mechanical door locks. Correct?

bmatthew · 09-04-2012, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsherrard

Wayne - you mentionted in your excellent write up that the key needs to be programmed to be able to unlock the doors. a few weeks ago my key stopped unlocking the doors & trunk. Of course I can open the car by using the key in the lock but the transmitter won't work. I replaced the battery but that did not fix it. Do I need to take the car & key to a dealer to get it re-programmed? Why would it "lose" its program?
thanks for any help.

Did you ever figure out the issue with your keys/alarm...I have the same problem were my remote stopped working a couple of weeks ago, bought a new battery and the remote still does not work. Didn't mind locking and unlocking the doors with the key but even that is not working 100% anymore as yesterday the gas cap door would not unlock without my doing it manually. So, as per bsherrard's post, is this something I need to see the dealer to rectify?

bsherrard · bsherrard's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmatthew

Did you ever figure out the issue with your keys/alarm...I have the same problem were my remote stopped working a couple of weeks ago, bought a new battery and the remote still does not work. Didn't mind locking and unlocking the doors with the key but even that is not working 100% anymore as yesterday the gas cap door would not unlock without my doing it manually. So, as per bsherrard's post, is this something I need to see the dealer to rectify?

bmatthew - I have not found an answer to my remote key issue. Still opening doors manually. I saw a post somewhere that has a sequence of inserting the key into the ignition, pressing the buttons a certain number of times, turing the key..etc... I tired it but it did not work. Still Looking for an answer.

eric523 · 09-07-2012, 05:58 AM

I'm fairly certain you will have to replace the key head portion of your keys to get the keyless entry working again. I've never experienced a key ''losing programming''. Through ten years of use, the circuit board eventually gives up in one way or another.
And if you did need to reprogram, you would need the 22-digit serial tag that originally came with that key. Some people have had them stored in the owners manual, but it is unlikely.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

It's probably not a case of "losing programming" - as eric523 mentioned, I don't think that's possible. Could be, but not likely. More likely is that the key fob remote control is just broken and needs to be replaced. These things take a *lot* of abuse in your pocket, being dropped, chewed on by dogs and little kids, etc.

-Wayne

bmatthew · 09-10-2012, 05:00 AM

So, buying a new "head" for my key and I assume that will have to be programmed at the dealership or at an independent Porsche garage?

993Godspeed · 02:07 PM

I have a similar problem... I have no remote. I open the door manually with a single key on my 993TT. The problem is that every time I go to turn on ignition I have to re enter the immobilizer code. It's a pain entering it every time I shut the car off. If I shut it off and come back I have to re enter the code to crank the engine on. Has anyone experience the same issue? I have the 4 digit code which I enter by turning ignition X amount of time. Thanks for any info on this.

Edit** I should also mention that my car has no radio, the person who sold it to me sold it with this problem and appears the radio was ripped out. Don't know if that has to do anything with it. Thx