remote key replacement? NUTS!

[Jeff Alton]

To be honest, I don't know if the code can be synced. We have never done it. We do it all as a single programming operations with a new key.

Cheers

[svandamme]

Pretty sure it will work. There is no way they would have overcomplicated that remote bit anymore then they had to. It would drive up the cost even more.
Rolling codes don't require it to be secure. And the remote part most definately is a rolling codes system.

The expensive new key programming, that's just for the RFID pill.

So anybody who has a busted remote, but still has the RFID pill , can avoid a lot of costs by just getting a replacement key from any source
and transplante the electronics in his own key, to his old RFID pill and mechanical key.

And then follow the procedure in the manual to resync the rolling code.

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by Aerocorp

Thanks for the highly detailed response !

You asked what car; my car is a Boxster 1998, meaning model 986 (2.5L) (confirmed from the original, beat up owner’s manual - I’m the 3rd owner of this car).

I made sure the new key batteries were fine by swapping them between keys, and as you said the “RFID pill” must be ok on the key whose remote isn’t working, because I’m able to start the car with it. I presume this RFID pill is not located on the key’s circuit board but rather sunk somewhere else in the body of the key. That also means I got lucky not to damage it, because the darn key cover’s clips aren’t working anymore and I fixed that by drilling and installing 2 small screws to keep the cover closed...

So, if the above is correct, all I have to find is a replacement key’s internal circuit board because the real reason the LEDs and remote functions don’t work is because that circuit (which you refer to as the remote) is dead. Does Pelican Parts or any other outfit sell only this circuit board?

I looked up the 986 manual.
there is no mention of the code resyncing.
Perhaps it's not using a rolling code system like the 987.

And either it's a fixed code, in which case you might be out of luck
or it's just a frequency based system, and will work with another remote innards.

Can't tell.

But try this first



Maybe that does a resync and they just didn't describe it like that in the 986 manual

[DMadigan]

Got one of my remotes working again. Put a working ignition key in the ignition and turn On. Put the second key in the door, turn to unlock and push the unlock button twice. '99 986
None of these other methods worked.

[bmsamson]

Has that sync worked for anyone in practice? I tried it several times but no change. They're still not talking to each other

[ASD]

I bought a key head online for 10 bucks,Transferred the insides from m y old cracked one, it worked great for weeks then got wonky. The buttons don't line up pefectly with the electronics,
it kinda sucks that keys are soo pricey.Wonder what a local locksmith would charge.

[DMadigan]

A locksmith can only replace the mechanical key. If they have the Porsche programming tool (unlikely) they could program the immobilizer for the remote and RFID.
By the way, if your immobilizer dies, like mine from water ingestion, you do not have to have the dealer program the new one, just replace the EEPROM in the new immobilizer with the one out of your dead one and everything will work. That is what I did.
I am tempted to use a logic analyzer on the EEPROM to see what the immobilizer is read/writing from/to it. Then I should be able to program another EEPROM to make my other remote work.

[svandamme]

For 987
the EEPROM on the remote unlock is the one you can register to the car yourself. No different from a garage opener.
the RFID immobilizer (not an eeprom) is the little pill you can transfer to the new key..

[DMadigan]

I was talking about the immobilizer under the driver's seat. Put the EEPROM from your dead immobilizer and put it in a new one and the car will work. No need for "dealer" programming.
I did not see an EEPROM in the '99 remote.

[svandamme]

aah ok that makes sense

another option for those with only 1 key left.
could be to take the pill out of the one you have left.

stick it in the car next to the receiver..
and make new keys and sync remotes up..

both keys will work all the time because the pill is permanent.. obviously you wont have an immobilizer left.. might wanna take the pill out in high risk parking areas..(and not loose it that time !!)