Key Issues

[wcc]

How do you change the head on these keys? I took the cover off and took the battery out. But how does the head come off?



My next question is about the security lock. The PO didn't give me the key to this lock. Any suggestions on getting a key for it or do I have to replace the lock?

[sprio]

Good questions, wcc, especially the one about the security lock inside the drivers door. I did not get a key for mine, either, and am even wondering if the security system is functional.

I would suspect, however, that we will have to have the lock cylinder replaced.

[ruf-porsche]

You need to replace the cylinder lock. It a special cylinder (what isn't special on a PORSCHE?). The lock is an electrical lock that must have a certain amount of resistance (Ohm) in ordedr for the alarm to function properly.

[Por_sha911]

Right after I replaced my factory alarm lock cylinder ($80), my locksmith said he could re-key it for $15. Oh well. You may want to pull the cylinder and ask the local locksmith.
Take the key to your local Porsche dealership part dept. They will tell you if the head can be removed (did mine for me when I had them cut a new key).

[rbcsaver]

I would think that a lock smith can re-key it.
Steve

[Wickd89]

Have we figured out where we can go update the key with a new housing?
I have the same problem with three keys from the PO. I tried to open the cover like Bill did, but could not get the key blade to come loose.

Thanks, Luis

[yelcab1]

THere is a small tab at the left side of that picture. You push it away from the blade, and wiggle the blade out. Saw it done at the dealer once.

[Nine9six]

Originally posted by yelcab1
THere is a small tab at the left side of that picture. You push it away from the blade, and wiggle the blade out. Saw it done at the dealer once.

This tab is actually a spring loaded plastic pin, which engages a notch in the keyshank to hold it in place.
With a jewelers screwdriver, remove the plastic pin carefully. Once removed, the key will slide out of the head.

[wcc]

Ok, I'll try a lock smith this spring to see if I can get the security lock re-keyed.

In the meantime I figured out the key head if anyone is interested.

Here is the old key:



First off remove it from you key chain and stand on end. It's much easier to open this way I found out. See Pic:



Next remove the cover, battery/button and metal plate so they don't fall out as you work. The battery spring just sits there so you could remove it too but mine stayed in place. See Pic:



Then stand it on end again and pry the lock spring holder up and out. When that slides out the lock spring comes out and the slide lock that holds the actual key in will slide out too.



When all the parts come out, the next step is to remove the key from the head. It may fall right out or it may fight you. If it gives you problems push the key out from the head. All your parts will look like this:



Now it's time to put a new head on your key. Insert the key in the head, insert the key lock, then the lock spring, then the lock spring holder. In this pic I'm pushing the lock spring in while inserting the lock spring holder:



Next install your, metal plate, battery spring, battery/button as you can see here:



Snap your cover back on:



Then you have a new looking key!



I hope this helps someone in the future. Good Luck!

[pjv911]

Great info Bill . Good stuff to know.

Kurt Williams

[Joe Bob]

I let the guy that comes to the German Autofest do it....but I'm lazy....

Good "how to" pics. Ya might wanna do a tech article for the site...PM Uncle Wayne.

BTW....for early 911 users.....I couldn't find a blank for my SC that fit that lighted head.....so I found a blank that DID fit for a lter Carrera or something....and ground the insert side of my SC key to match, using a dremel.....bought a lighted head, inserted it and it worked....used it for 5-6 years until the shield fell off......

Got another head at the Autofest and I'm gud agin....

[Wickd89]

Bill. Great post. Thanks for the great detail. I will now start taking apart my keys and buying some blank key-heads.
Cheers, Luis

[wcc]

Now for the security lock. Just to be on the safe side I rolled down the passenger side window in case I got locked out. Have to have the DS window rolled up. Unhooked the battery and took off the door panel. Easy enough.

Next remove the cover, as shown by the green arrow and remove the nut under it.


Then push it through the hole and unhook the wires taking note where they go. This is what it looks like removed:


Then take it to your local lock smith. They told me that they could not "Re-Key" it but could make a key for it. I had them make two for a GRAND total of $15 bucks. Then just re-install. I'll pick it up from the lock smith on my way home from work. Probably won't install till tomorrow. But thanks to those that suggested the lock smith.

[wcc]

UPDATE: I stopped by last night and it wasn't done. I called them today and they said they couldn't make a key for it. I'm going to try a different lock smith after I pick it up.

[Joe Bob]

I've never tried to get the oem alarm to work....now my aftermarket one is taking a dump.....I gonna YANK everything soon.

[Rodney Nelson]

How does this OEM alarm work anyway? How do you turn it on and off? How does it get tripped and what does it do if it is tripped?

[OSI930]

I don't know if this will help on the alarm key but my locksmith cut a duplicate alarm key for my '88 turbo and used a blank made by Ilco marked "hd 73" He said it was for a Honda motorcycle and it works great. He did not modify the blank at all.
Great write up by the way.

[wcc]

I dropped it off last night to a different locksmith. He looked in his book and didn't know if he had a blank for it. I'll call them today when they open and let them know. Thanks!

This place was $25. If it was any more expensive I would go back to the dealer. I called them and they said they could order replacement keys with a copy of the title and drivers license. The dealer didn't know how much until they looked it up.

[Mysterytrain]

Actually, that alarm switch would make a great fuel pump cut-off locking switch.