To Re-Key VS Vin / KeyCode

[Mal81]

I just re-keyed all my exterior locks today, and wanted to pass on my experiences since it is the first time I’d ever done it.

First, never assume the keys and locks you have in your possession are original to the car. I knew some of my locks weren’t original, but didn’t know until today that my keys weren’t. All of the locks in my car had been previously re-keyed - and not to the code that was original to the car.

Second, you can do it yourself. It’s a bit daunting at first, but no harder than many of the tasks that we do to maintain our cars. I used this guide: https://www.928.org.uk/articles/56-re-keying-porsche-928-locks.html

Third, do yourself and the next poor SOB a favor: engrave, or otherwise label the new key code onto the lock cylinder case. I didn’t want to do this job and wouldn’t have, if I’d had that information and my keys hadn’t been stolen - yeah, had to rekey the locks to my house too.

Finally, take pictures. The article had enough to get me going. But you will probably want some of your own to help you remember what went where if you are doing it over a period of days. Also, electrical tape and WD 40 are useful friends. The tape for holding the tumblers into the cylinders so you can remove the key without them flying out everywhere. The WD40 did a great job of cleaning and lubricating everything.

[Danglerb]

I wouldn't leave WD40 in the locks, best to use a dry lube like graphite made for locks so it doesn't gum up over time or attract dust.

[Mal81]

I use WD40 on everything- except salads

After it evaporates away in a few months or years, my locks should still be clean, and I'll lubricate them with white graphite or Teflon, or whatever is recommended. I definitely wouldn't want to mix the two.

[Danglerb]

I think I'll stick with the view locksmiths have on wd40 and use it to clean some dirty parts or tools and not much else.

[Mal81]

Bah! I paid Porsche for a duplicate key, and it only works on the door locks. I think I'll take it by 928 Intl on Monday and see if they can do something with it.

[Danglerb]

Rekeying the hatch lock is the only one that is easy, maybe even an old thread on here about it.