Programming Remote

[911porschefan]

2001 C2 Cab - Artic Silver on Black

Called the dealer today about getting a new key and getting the remote part programmed for my car. The service advisor asked if I had the 16 digit serial number??? I told him no, that I only had the remote part of the key and I wanted to order the metal key and have them program the remote. He advised he could not and that the key is useless unless I have the code.

Is this true, anyone else heard of this. Anyone know where I can go in the Toronto area to get the remote programmed.

[Tool Pants]

A new remote comes with a paper tag with a series of numbers on it. I think it is a 24 digit code, not 16. Without that tag it is worthless.

[Kim]

2001 C2 Cab - Artic Silver on Black

Called the dealer today about getting a new key and getting the remote part programmed for my car. The service advisor asked if I had the 16 digit serial number??? I told him no, that I only had the remote part of the key and I wanted to order the metal key and have them program the remote. He advised he could not and that the key is useless unless I have the code.

Is this true, anyone else heard of this. Anyone know where I can go in the Toronto area to get the remote programmed.

That's the way it works.

If you are using your old black key head, and simply inserting a new metal key shaft, then your key head is already programmed to your car. You're good to go once it comes to the parts department.

If you are starting with all new parts, then it works this way:

1. New metal key shaft can be ordered from any dealer by supplying your VIN (with proof of ownership).

2. Then, choose between:

A. New auxillary key head (no remote locking) with internal immobilizer for which your can must be programmed (mated) using the PST2; or

B. New remote locking key head which must have internal immobilizer AND remote locking transmitter mated to your car using the PST2.

In the mating operation, the dealer must use a super secret code, specific to your VIN, which he will get from PCNA .... AND ..... for a remote locking key head, the 16 digit code that is displayed via a bar code tag that comes with each new remote locking key head.

The 16 digit code tag is what is usually mentioned as being included or not included with the key heads you see on Ebay. I've never figured out who buys .... or what they do with .... the heads that are advertised to include no code.

Kim

2000 Cab

[mpikounis]

I know this is an old-ish topic - sorry for bringing this up again. I have 2 keys for my 996 MY03. Both have a remote but one of the remotes is off.

If I order a new remote for the second key and keep the metal part, how do I program the remote to work with the car? Can I do it, or do I have to pay the dealer to program it? Please note that my 2nd key (the one with the broken remote) starts the car just fine.

Btw, I do not have any tags (lost I am afraid).

Edited May 23, 2006 by mpikounis

[Kim]

I know this is an old-ish topic - sorry for bringing this up again. I have 2 keys for my 996 MY03. Both have a remote but one of the remotes is off.

If I order a new remote for the second key and keep the metal part, how do I program the remote to work with the car? Can I do it, or do I have to pay the dealer to program it? Please note that my 2nd key (the one with the broken remote) starts the car just fine.

Btw, I do not have any tags (lost I am afraid).

First, you should try a new battery in your remote key head.

If this does not work, then you should search this forum to find the method for reviving a dead remote key head by inserting the battery with reverse polarity .... momentarily .... and then reinserting it properly. This may revive your remote.

If not, you need to buy a new remote head to go with the metal key shaft you already have. The procedures to get this new remote head mated to your car are detailed exactly in the post immediately above yours in this thread.

[yeeha68]

My dealer did not ask for the code tag (although I do have it). But he did tell me the new key wasnt taking the program and I now need to replace the ignition lock because something must be wrong. Does he not know what hes doing, or do they not really need the tag code?

[Stefan]

A key head without a code tag is not necessarily useless.

The code can be retrieved from the car that was last programmed to work with the key. But if you bought it on eBay it's unlikely you're going to convince the seller to get the dealer to provide this info.

[Kim]

My dealer did not ask for the code tag (although I do have it). But he did tell me the new key wasnt taking the program and I now need to replace the ignition lock because something must be wrong. Does he not know what hes doing, or do they not really need the tag code?

It sounds to my (amateur, admitedly) ears as if this dealer is not quite up to the task.

The key does not "take the program". The key is unaffected by the process. Rather, it is the CAR's computer that is programmed to recognize a new key immobilizer and remote unlocking signal (2 different tasks). This operation requires the PST2 (or newer equivalent), and I have watched through the process.

At the point of mating the key head imobilizer transponder, the program asks for the super secret vehicle code available only from PCNA.

At the point of mating the remote transmitter, the program asks for the bar code from the key head tag.

Point of trivia: for MY2000, at least, the car's computer can accomodate 5 imobilizer transponder signatures. If a key is suspected stolen, the old key transponder signature can be erased from the car computer's memory .... to make it incapable of starting the car (key will turn, but car will not start). If one is simply adding a new key head, then this step can be skipped .... unless removing a key is necessary to make room for the new one.

Good luck,

[yeeha68]

Point of trivia: for MY2000, at least, the car's computer can accomodate 5 imobilizer transponder signatures. If a key is suspected stolen, the old key transponder signature can be erased from the car computer's memory .... to make it incapable of starting the car (key will turn, but car will not start). If one is simply adding a new key head, then this step can be skipped .... unless removing a key is necessary to make room for the new one.

He said mine can accommodate 4, and that all had been used. Although I have only one key. He could not erase them, and could not get the new key to be recognized.

[Kim]

He said mine can accommodate 4, and that all had been used. Although I have only one key. He could not erase them, and could not get the new key to be recognized.

Is this a Porsche dealer?

If all available key signatures are being utilized, THAT is why a new key head cannot be mated to the car. However, he should be able to eliminate any currently mated keys from the computer.

[yeeha68]

yes, it is a porsche dealer. He claims he cant do it. cant add...cant delete. Unless I change out the ignition lock, and possibly the anti-theft module. in the neighbohood of $1,500.

[Loren]

Time to find a new dealer....

[Kim]

Time to find a new dealer....

What Loren said ..... or, you could have this guy call me, and I will read him the instructions from the service manual.

Just kidding of course. Its hard to believe you are hearing this from a Porsche dealer with an actual service department. This is such a routine service, that when I pulled into Hennessy Porsche in Atlanta, I didn't even have time to figure out their hi-tech coffee machine (literally). The tech mated two keys for me in just a few minutes.

[Stefan]

Most Porsche dealers have reprogrammed the car for different key heads many times. (Particularly because the 1997-2004 key head design is prone to failure) I suspect that the particular tech who is handling your car is green.

I would talk to the service manager and see if you can get a resolution. If not I would call the next closest dealer's service department on the phone and get a sense of whether they know what they're doing.

I'm constantly amazed at how different dealers will have such widely different diagnoses. ($1500 versus $100 to solve the same problem in this case)

[Kim]

I'm constantly amazed at how different dealers will have such widely different diagnoses. ($1500 versus $100 to solve the same problem in this case)

Even $100 would be high for mating a key to a car. In Atlanta, I paid under $50 to have my car set up for 2 new key heads: one remote and one just valet.