The dealer has access to all the information it needs to program any remote. The information is not stored in the key head. You must have the immobilizer code, key learning code, DME code, ignition code and key remote code (22 digit code attached to new remote) for programming. Using this info to access the computer in your car with the PST, you can then program the new remote transmitter to talk to the car. You cannot retrieve any of the above information from the computer in the car.

Money maker for the dealer.

Ah. So as long as I keep the smaller non remote key as an emergency backup, I am fine if I lose the remote key because the dealer can just program a new one for me. Cool! Well, not cool, because of the dealer monopoly on this simple task!

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I was told by my dealer that only Porsche can supply the number that comes with a new key(22 or 24 digit) that is needed to make the key talk to my car. So a key and head from an ebay seller is of no value. They can cut the key but the car cant run. Does that sound right?

If the seller has the original bar code tag with numbers for that head, you should be OK.