996 key lost memory

[Ethan]

I have a 2004 996 coupe 6 speed with one key that has not been used in a while. It will not function as a remote at all. I replaced the battery and the LED will flash for about 10 sec and then quit. The other key works as expected. The dealer says the key has " lost its memory" and must be replaced for $450. I have trouble accepting this. Any ideas? Thanks

[tanny02996]

I had a similar issue. If you have the 40 digit codes for your key(s) the dealer should be able to reprogram the remote(s). If not, you probably only need to replace the transponder (black part) and not the metal key blade. Retail for the transponder is about $180, but I'd bet that Jeff at Sunset (board sponsor) is a bit less. The dealer near me charged $62.50 (1/2 hr of labor) to reprogram my keys. Good luck.

[goldenwarrior1]

Just had mine done at the dealer! $180.00 for a new fob plus a half hour labor to reprogram all keys. Short of having the 40 digit key there is no other option that I know of... If the key just lost the code then the dealer can read the 40 digit code to your current key as it is stored in the alarm unit. However, if the fob has died you will need a replacement.. Cheers, Tom

[tanny02996]

It's probably also worth noting that as has been noted in other posts on this forum, our keys tend to "go to sleep" if not used for a period of time. I am not certain if this is formally documented by Porsche, but I find if I don't use a key for about a week, then the remote won't work and I will need to insert it into the door to unlock the car and "wake up" the remote. To avoid this, I try to be sure to use both of my keys regularly. Hope this helps.

-Tanny02

[Ethan]

Thanks everyone!

Here's an update. I used the key to unlock the door (without having the alarm armed) and started the car, locked and unlocked the doors from inside, etc. Now the key will lock and unlock the doors using the trunk button, not the usual door lock button. The LED on the key and the car flash rapidly for about 10 seconds then stop. It does not appear to arm the security system. It will still unlock the doors if the other key is used to arm the system. Weird huh?

[tanny02996]

The doors on mine also unlock when I open the truck - that part does not seem terribly odd to me. I would change the batttery as a next step.

Edited September 22, 2010 by tanny02996

[Ethan]

A new battery was the first thing I tried.

[RFM]

@ tanny02996, in your case it's only a program item, the control box can be programmed doors open at the same time with the trunk, or only the trunk open. ( ROW-Euro )

[Kim]

It's probably also worth noting that as has been noted in other posts on this forum, our keys tend to "go to sleep" if not used for a period of time. I am not certain if this is formally documented by Porsche, but I find if I don't use a key for about a week, then the remote won't work and I will need to insert it into the door to unlock the car and "wake up" the remote. To avoid this, I try to be sure to use both of my keys regularly. Hope this helps.

-Tanny02

I think you will find that it is the security computer in the car that goes to sleep after 5 days for so .... not the key. The key does not know how long its been since it was used to unlock the car.

[twsarch]

It's probably also worth noting that as has been noted in other posts on this forum, our keys tend to "go to sleep" if not used for a period of time. I am not certain if this is formally documented by Porsche, but I find if I don't use a key for about a week, then the remote won't work and I will need to insert it into the door to unlock the car and "wake up" the remote. To avoid this, I try to be sure to use both of my keys regularly. Hope this helps.

-Tanny02

I think you will find that it is the security computer in the car that goes to sleep after 5 days for so .... not the key. The key does not know how long its been since it was used to unlock the car.

Yes, the car stops responding to the remote after a certain time and you have to manually insert the key in the ignition to reset the time period, and obviously the door to get in. I had this happen when someone wanted me to pick them up at the airport in their boxster. I got there early so I read that part of the owner’s manual to pass the time.

[function12]

Have you tried inserting the battery backwards?? I have read that sometimes works with key problems.