Second key not working ... what to do?

[boldstep]

Hi,

My spare key (which looks identical to my primary key) is not working ever since I bought my vehicle a few months back. I thought it was the key's battery so I changed it and now the LED illuminates on the key when I press the buttons but nothing happens on the car. Is the only option to go to the Porsche dealership to handle this?

Thanks!

[Loren]

It likely needs to be programmed or re-programmed tot he car.

Did it come with it's 40 digit ID number? If not then the key can not be programmed.

[boldstep]

Thanks Loren

1) where can I get it programmed? Do you you need to go to a dealer?

2) where should I look for this 40 digit number? On the key?

[hi8ha]

Could it be it never belonged to the car and tha is why never worked?

[boldstep]

Could it be it never belonged to the car and tha is why never worked?

Anything is possible but I'd say that's unlikely. The prior owner never had another Porsche.

[Richard Hamilton]

The remote code Loren refers to is supplied on a bar code label with the key. If the key was supplied with the car, it will have been lost forever, as Porsche do not record the details on their IPAS system.

If you want to use the remote, you will need to have a new key head programmed to the car.

[boldstep]

I have a new clue: it turns out that the button that pops the front storage area works just fine! The only problem is the unlock/lock button doesn't work. But I DO see the LED flashing when I push that button. So the key is partially working. Why would the unlock/lock button not work but the other button work???

[fpb111]

Read this thread

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/996-forum/694850-remote-suddenly-stopped-working-2.html

[boldstep]

Read this thread

http://forums.rennli...-working-2.html

Thanks. I read that thread and I am not sure what in particular you wanted me to pay attention to... looked like the guy who thought it was an electrical issue in the remote proved to himself it wasn't an electrical issue.

[barlowdo]

I am guessing he is referring to this article and may apply to your key as well since part of your key works and part doesn't and it could be that your has a failing micro switch. "There is an interesting article in the June 2010 issue of Excellence Magazine entitled: "Fob 4 Less: Fixing a modern Porsche key for less than $3 bucks". The article describes rescuing a dysfunctional key by replacing a couple of small, inexpensive momentary switches. Looks relatively easy to do and since the electronic functions of your key are already messed up you don't have much to lose. I have one non-functional fob, but since the other is working I haven't tried this idea yet. I did call the dealer about a replacment. They offered to solve the problem for $375. If you go the diy route please let folks know how it works out."

[boldstep]

I am guessing he is referring to this article and may apply to your key as well since part of your key works and part doesn't and it could be that your has a failing micro switch. "There is an interesting article in the June 2010 issue of Excellence Magazine entitled: "Fob 4 Less: Fixing a modern Porsche key for less than $3 bucks". The article describes rescuing a dysfunctional key by replacing a couple of small, inexpensive momentary switches. Looks relatively easy to do and since the electronic functions of your key are already messed up you don't have much to lose. I have one non-functional fob, but since the other is working I haven't tried this idea yet. I did call the dealer about a replacment. They offered to solve the problem for $375. If you go the diy route please let folks know how it works out."

Thanks. Would you or anyone have a copy of this article to share? I don't have a subscription to excellence magazine... THANKS!

[barlowdo]

Try the above link. I do not have the article at hand but this post offers up more detail on repairing

I went to the Excellence site but sadly they do not have many "free" tech articles to view including nothing for the one you are looking for. Worse comes to worse you probably could order a back issue.