Getting computer codes from Porsche!?

[Jay Laifman]

I have a complaint about Porsche. I've taken my Porsches to an independent shop forever. Well, now my 2000 Boxster S keys are not working - not even from the real key in the door. My mechanic says he needs the learning codes from Porsche to diagnose and fix it, and Porsche won't give them out like they used to. I guess they used to give them out if they were provided with a copy of the title and driver's license.

I called PCNA. They were no help. They said they rely on the dealers to provide that type of "technical" assistance. They even seemed to imply that the dealer might not give out the codes, but do the work.

So, I called two local dealers. Only one has returned my call so far. He said that I would have to bring the car in and they would have to scan it - and that he could not do it from the VIN. He was a bit cagey about whether or not he would charge me for this "service."

Sure sounds like an antitrust violation to me.

When I hear from the next dealer, I'll push harder on whether or not they will do it without charge.

[steely]

Not a boxster owner here, but was intrigued since we just went thru this with my wife's Audi.
I googled and found this below, it includes a re-syncing procedure you might try - hope it helps.

Alarm, Keys, Remote - Boxster Tech

[Jay Laifman]

Hmm. Those instructions suggest it is just the remote not working. Mine doesn't even work when I stick the metal key into the door. But, heck it takes 6 seconds to try that technique. So it's worth a try. Thanks.

I did however click on the link that goes to PPBB and it gave further information that some white tag came on the keys from the factory which has some codes on it. I do happen to still have that tag. So a big thanks to you for getting me this information!

I still am pissed at Porsche for how hard they are making this for me. Of course, they will say they gave me the info when the car was new.

[steely]

cool - man I hope it helps. Sounds weird about the metal key not working.
if it is any consolation, Audi dlrshp came up small too. All hail the interweb.

[Joe Bob]

Have you tried independents that have the Porsche diagnostic computers? The MY is 12 years old and the dealers dispose of them and the indies pick them up.

[Chuck.H]

Article in the WSJ this morning, lawsuit in Mass about getting access to computer scan tools for independant shops - this has been a long standing problem.

@Joe Bob, I was under the impression some of the scan tools needed monthly license authorizations, which means they have no value for resale. This may be just hype though.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 336k miles