Member introduction and key / manual questions

[nmlss2006]

Well folks, after a cross country trip and some miscommunication with Black Hill in San Diego, I am now the proud owner of a 2004 TT convertible (as well as a 2003 TT coupe - but that is back in europe). Silver on black, missing a hard top but I'm working on that part (does anyone have one for sale?), 46kmi after the cross-country trip.

The car was PPIed at Pioneer Center Porsche in San Diego and it was PPIed again by Ron Brown at Forest Hill here in NJ. Both gave it a clean bill of health, so I am inclined to think there are no surprises in store!

I now have two problems: the car was given to me with one key and with a lovely, complete set of manuals... which had been waterlogged some time ago and therefore are completely and utterly unserviceable (think 'solid block of paper with no chance of separating the pages').

Here come my questions, therefore:

1) Can I just go to the dealership and order a new set of manuals? Will they be able to provide me with a new service manual with the correct VIN/sticker in it? I can even give them the old one back if necessary.

2) Again, can I just go to the dealership and ask for extra keys? I'd like to have the full set of three.

3) Can I ask for the 'euro' remote with the cabriolet top button? Will it work on US cars?

I know that the simplest answer to these is 'ask the dealer'. The problem is, the dealer - the local one, here in NJ/PA - is giving me the usual 'well, you haven't bought the car here' runaround, so I'd like to have some information before going to have a polite but firm discussion directly in the service department.

Thanks!

[Loren]

Congratulations!

1. Yes, you can buy replacement manuals. I think Sunset Imports (Porsche Parts at Dealer Cost) will have the best prices. But, no Porsche does not have replacement option stickers. Any dealer can run a VIN report and give you a print out of your cars factory options. We can have that done here for our Contributing Members too.

2. The maximum number keys programmed to the car is 4. That includes the valet key. Standard keys that come with the car should be 2 remotes and 1 valet key - so you could add one more.

3. I have not tried that on a US TT Cab so i don't know if you can program it. The RoW alarm control box is a different frequency.

[wross996TT]

First congratulations on your new ride. Loren answered the first 2 questions...for the third, the RoW remote will not work for US cars (thanks DoT). My suggestion is to check out the SmartTop. I have had mine installed for 3 years...works great.

Cheers

[nmlss2006]

Thank you folks for the replies! I understand I might as well give up on the euro remote, that's fine. As to the rest:

- Loren, I actually only have the one key and I'd be happier if the other transponders (the ones that are, supposedly, lost) were DELETED and replaced by the new ones - is this possible?

- Also, I assume that I will have to go to the local dealer to get key copies made... or can sunset help me with that as well?

Going to the page to become a contributing member. Thanks folks.

EDIT: do I just contribute via the 'donate' link or is there a different procedure?

Edited October 17, 2008 by nmlss

[Loren]

Yes, when they program the new key(s) they can erase the old ones.

You can buy your keys from Sunset Imports and they will come with a security code tag. To program them you will need someone with a PST2 or PIWIS tester as well as your cars security codes (obtainable from your dealer if you ask for them).

To program the keys the shop will need: your car, any existing keys, your security codes, and any new keys. Expect to pay for 1 hour labor to do this.

Where are you located? Perhaps someone here can suggest a local shop.

Yes, just click on any donate button and follow the directions (PayPal or credit card).

[nmlss2006]

Yes, when they program the new key(s) they can erase the old ones.

Excellent - that way I won't have any surprises. No, I do not trust anyone :).

You can buy your keys from Sunset Imports and they will come with a security code tag. To program them you will need someone with a PST2 or PIWIS tester as well as your cars security codes (obtainable from your dealer if you ask for them).

To program the keys the shop will need: your car, any existing keys, your security codes, and any new keys. Expect to pay for 1 hour labor to do this.

Where are you located? Perhaps someone here can suggest a local shop.

I am located in Medford, NJ - due east of Philadelphia. I was actually going to make Forest Hill in Montclair - http://www.foresthillexoticperformance.com/ - my Porsche-go-to person and I think they have a PIWIS tester. I will, however, gladly accept suggestions.

I understand BTW that the actual key blanks will also have to be cut, by the dealer - I bought everything from Sunset, I hope whoever has to do the dealer work won't be too upset that I didn't buy things from them... I cleared things with Ron Brown at Forest Hill, he seems to be remarkably accomodating, I don't know if an actual dealer will be the same. I've been.. underwhelmed by the local choices.

Yes, just click on any donate button and follow the directions (PayPal or credit card).

Just did so!

[yvesatlanta]

How funny, I went through exactly the same experience with my car.

To top it off, it came with a nav CD which did not cover my part of the country.

To obtain the keys and manuals in a cost efficient way, just order them with Sunset Porsche. Don't even shop around. You need a regular (80$) and a valet key (30$). The manuals for the car and PCM2 cost 25$ a pop. The leather map also 20$.

Having the 2 keys cut and programmed set me back 175$ (50$ a pop to cut them and 60$ for the programming). There is NO cheaper place to have them cut than at a Porsche or Audi dealership. The issue is that the cut runs in the middle of the key. Regular key makers are not set up for that.

I know, it's frustrating, but you'll get over this. Welcome to the wonderful world of TT Cabs.

Get a flash soon (I went for FVD). Totally transforms the car.

Edited October 23, 2008 by yvesatlanta

[nmlss2006]

Thank you sir for the reply! I had a more interesting experience with the PCM CDs - I had a perfect plastic case for them, which was delighfully empty. So I ended up purchasing a set from the dealer who did the PPI - except he sold me the 08/2004 set. He's seen the light now that I made him aware of the TSB on the 09/08 and is crossshipping a replacement, but I found the whole experience rather surreal - not to mention significantly exciting when I was looking for a gas station in west TX based on 2004 data. You really can drive quite a lot of miles after the range goes '---'.

As to a flash... I talked to Kevin@UMW, who is an extraordinarily bad influence. I have this stage 2B feeling, we'll see where that leads.

Thanks for the indication on pricing: I ordered everything (including the design key heads) from Sunset and I'll have to persuade the dealer here to cut the keys and program the car. I hope they won't be too upset because I didn't get the parts from them.

[Chuck Jones]

Kevin is an extrodinarily bad influence when it comes to the subject of flashing....not only does he have a financial interest in the outcome....but he can talk you into just about anything....How do I know? I made the mistake of calling him "just to chat"....and came away with his tune and wastegate kit. He should have been a diplomat....but I do have to admit that his product line is excellent as is his support to folks who have bought his products. Some vendors kiss you off after the purchase....Kevin stays with you.

[nmlss2006]

That is very good to know. Indeed, he has sold me on new turbos. Aaand while we were there the engine needs more fuel... so...

[nmlss2006]

Victory has finally been achieved. I am now the proud owner of three keys (with design heads, no less) and manuals. The only thing that can't be done is get a new manual with the car sticker... oh well. The old manual is in the loving care of a book recovery specialist to see if anything can be achieved.

Loren had mentioned getting the build sheet / 'certificate of authenticity' for the car via Renntech: is that still possible?

[Loren]

Victory has finally been achieved. I am now the proud owner of three keys (with design heads, no less) and manuals. The only thing that can't be done is get a new manual with the car sticker... oh well. The old manual is in the loving care of a book recovery specialist to see if anything can be achieved.

Loren had mentioned getting the build sheet / 'certificate of authenticity' for the car via Renntech: is that still possible?

It is not a Porsche COA - we can get you the factory option build list from the Porsche database (for our Contributing Members only).

If you would like this please PM me your car's VIN.

[nmlss2006]

Done!

[mhall1019]

'02 911 Turbo

This is quite an old post but when I did a search on getting a key cut/fob programmed I didn't find any newer one.

I bought the key/transponder package from Sunset about a year ago and had to bring it to a dealer last week.

I gave the service manager the package and he called me back a few hours later wondering what the key blank was for. He said

that he had nothing to cut keys with. He knew what to do to program the transponder for $95, but not the key.

He's a new dealer - took over an existing franchise about a year ago.

Should he have a key cutter? Does anyone know what it looks like so I can tell him?

It just occurred to me that this may be in the Workshop Manual so I'll take a look there, but, in the meantime if someone (Loren?) just

happens to have the info please let me know.

Thanks,

Mike

[Loren]

Yes, he should be able to cut a key (or send it out to be cut).

You could also try an Audi or VW dealer for key cutting. The cutting and programming are completely separate.

[mhall1019]

Thanks Loren, I am half-relieved. I looked in Section 96 62 55 and it says that the programming requires that the key be stuck in the ignition switch. Does this mean that the key needs to be cut first, installed into the transponder and then all the keys be programmed in one "session" with the PIWIS tool?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I just called the dealer back, and he said that the programming process requires a cut key in the fob in the ignition for it to be programmed. This dealer didn't spend the money for the machine to be able to cut a key from the VIN number and he couldn't put an uncut key into the ignition. So, I guess that means I need to find an Audi/VW dealer that can actually cut the key by physically copying the original key, or find a dealer that can cut the key from the VIN Number and then reprogram them both in the ignition.

Edited February 29, 2012 by mhall1019

[Loren]

Yes, it is more convenient to cut the key first.

Each car can have up to 4 keys coded to the drive block/alarm system.

Each key has a unique 40 digit code that must be used as well as the proper IPAS access codes to program the car.

So technically the key is not programmed - the car is programmed to the key.

If you keep track of your keys the car can not be easily stolen without a complete override of the drive block system.

A duplicate key can not really be made as each transponder pill is unique and has it's own code.