Keyless FOBs not working

[986Rick]

I recently aquired a used 986-S and found that the FOBs on the keys (remote entry switches) are not working. The proximity sensors work fine (i.e. I can start the car), but opening / unlocking the trunk/doors with the remote in the end of the key does not work.

I've replaced the batteries in both keys and disconnected/reset the electical system at the car's main battery.

One gentleman I spoke with said the fix would either involve $400 dollars, 2 new keys, and a dealer, -or- Talking to Porsche and getting the keycodes based on the vin, plugging into the computer with a PST2, and placing candles around the car under a full moon.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

-Rick

[Happy Days]

What happens if it's cloudy on the new moon evening? do the candles still work?

[al123]

i have the same problem. how did you end up fixing it? tks

[welsh dan]

i have the same problem. how did you end up fixing it? tks

Hi there,

Great forum, first post for me, so here goes...

I know this thread is a little old now, but this problem seems to come up a fair bit. There's a way to reset the fob remote - sorry if you've tried this, but hopefully this could be a quick fix :D

http://boxster.wikia.com/wiki/Alarm%2C_Keys%2C_Remote

[Loren]

Correct - but the manual has even more tips...

1. Empty battery in hand-held transmitter

Battery replacement restores the full functionality without additional measures. The same applies in the case of an empty vehicle battery.

2. Radio transmitter outside lock-in range

If the transmitter is operated more than 256 times without reaching the associated receiver (e.g. vehicle outside range or vehicle battery disconnected), the vehicle will not recognise the radio transmitter the next time it is operated. If the number of operations is less than 1024, it is possible to perform re-synchronisation as described below:

- Switch on ignition with key and valid transponder.

- Switch off ignition.

- Remove ignition key from steering lock.

- Operate transmitter within 6 seconds after the key has been removed.

The lock-in range has now been reset to zero (as is the case with every recognised transmitter operation).

3. Atmospheric interference or interfering transmitters

The possibility of temporary interference by interference sources, and thus lack of function, can not be ruled out due to the many small users operating on the radio frequencies permissible for the automotive application. The 9x6 model can be unlocked with the vehicle key via the door lock in the event of interference. Unlike with the 993, this does not affect the immobilizer. Deactivation of the immobilizer is performed via the transponder in the key head as soon as the key is turned in the steering lock.

4. Energy-saving mode active

In order to keep "breakdowns" resulting from an empty battery to a minimum, the radio receiver, which draws a high closed-circuit current, is switched off in the alarm system control module after a certain time in addition to switch-off of the other loads. The radio receiver is switched off if the ignition is not switched on again within five days (120 h OFF time). The radio receiver is switched off independently of the locking condition of the vehicle.

[Chris_in_NH]

Correct - but the manual has even more tips...

1. Empty battery in hand-held transmitter

Battery replacement restores the full functionality without additional measures. The same applies in the case of an empty vehicle battery.

2. Radio transmitter outside lock-in range

If the transmitter is operated more than 256 times without reaching the associated receiver (e.g. vehicle outside range or vehicle battery disconnected), the vehicle will not recognise the radio transmitter the next time it is operated. If the number of operations is less than 1024, it is possible to perform re-synchronisation as described below:

- Switch on ignition with key and valid transponder.

- Switch off ignition.

- Remove ignition key from steering lock.

- Operate transmitter within 6 seconds after the key has been removed.

The lock-in range has now been reset to zero (as is the case with every recognised transmitter operation).

3. Atmospheric interference or interfering transmitters

The possibility of temporary interference by interference sources, and thus lack of function, can not be ruled out due to the many small users operating on the radio frequencies permissible for the automotive application. The 9x6 model can be unlocked with the vehicle key via the door lock in the event of interference. Unlike with the 993, this does not affect the immobilizer. Deactivation of the immobilizer is performed via the transponder in the key head as soon as the key is turned in the steering lock.

4. Energy-saving mode active

In order to keep "breakdowns" resulting from an empty battery to a minimum, the radio receiver, which draws a high closed-circuit current, is switched off in the alarm system control module after a certain time in addition to switch-off of the other loads. The radio receiver is switched off if the ignition is not switched on again within five days (120 h OFF time). The radio receiver is switched off independently of the locking condition of the vehicle.

it could also be that the alarm/locking computer under the driver's seat got fried from water getting under there from clogged clamshell drains. don't ask me how i know. ;)

[Loren]

:lol: of course that one is not in the manual...

[Chris_in_NH]

:lol: of course that one is not in the manual...

i'm sure the alarm/locking computer is in the lowest, bowl-shaped part of the car for a good reason (which mere mortals could never comprehend). German engineering... :notworthy:

now if they just put drains in THAT area!