Porsche 996 remote locking issues

[TopCat996]

Hi,

I'm having some trouble with the remote central locking on my 1997 996. The problem started initially with the key remote working intermittently, I then found that if I applied pressure to the bottom of the key (where the second button would be if there was one) then the key would work.

The key then stopped working altogether, due to the previous symptoms I assumed there was a dry solder joint somewhere in the remote key's circuitry so I re soldered all the joints on the key. The light on the key then began to flash again.

The key would still not remotely unlock the car though, I assume the key is not synchronised but no matter how many guides I follow I can't re-sync.

Currently I have to lock and unlock the car with the key barrel on the drivers side door. Annoyingly I don't get the 10 seconds of delay before the alarm goes off. As soon as I unlock the door from the drivers side the alarm sounds! Is this the case for everybody? My local Porsche stealership have told me that you only get the 10 second delay if the car was locked remotely but this sounds absurd to me.

I have read that this could be due to the drivers and passenger doors being wired up the wrong way round, meaning that when I unlock from the drivers door the alarm module reads a passenger door unlock and assumes forced entry. This could also explain why I can't resync the key as the first step of the process is to unlock the car *at the drivers door*.

Any help or information would be greatly appreciated, I'm hoping to avoid silly stealership bills.

[supersport]

This may be a stupid question, but can't you try unlocking the passenger door? Is there a key whole on the passenger door?

Also, are you sure that the batteries in the key haven't gone kaput.

[TopCat996]

supersport said:

This may be a stupid question, but can't you try unlocking the passenger door? Is there a key whole on the passenger door?

Also, are you sure that the batteries in the key haven't gone kaput.

Hi, thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the passenger door has no key barrel, I believe the alarm module has pins for it however to support left hand drive cars.

I've also tried replacing the battery, as well as the inverted battery - micro controller reset trick.

Cheers,
Tim

[CK_N4S]

My Boxster has a habit of forgetting the remote control - reset is simply done by unlocking the car in driver side, and then pressing the unlock button, while the key is still in the door lock. This "unlocks" the car again and makes the alarm remember the key again.

"memory" of ca/keyfob from this operation is app. 4 days

Hope this helps

CK

[fubar69]

996 and 986 keys can't be recoded. They are initially coded with a long number for the remote. This is a rolling number do it changes each time the buttons pressed. If its not working but the lights flashing it almost certainly going to need a new key head coded on. 997 & 987 models can be resynced using the ignition/button pressed within 5 sec method.
Hope this helps

[TopCat996]

fubar69 said:

996 and 986 keys can't be recoded. They are initially coded with a long number for the remote. This is a rolling number do it changes each time the buttons pressed. If its not working but the lights flashing it almost certainly going to need a new key head coded on. 997 & 987 models can be resynced using the ignition/button pressed within 5 sec method.
Hope this helps

Ah, this is interesting and explains a lot. Does that mean the key can not go out of sync? Or if it can; does it have to be re-synced with a PIWIS / KT520?

If I obtain the remote electronics from another key would I be able to register this to my car using PIWIS / KT520? I presume this task is out of the realms of Durametric.

[fubar69]

I'm not sure of the reasoning as to why they stop, whether its syncing or just faulty key. There is no resyncing of 9x6 model keys as to program it to the car you would need the 1st remote code and it will need programming into the alarm control unit. Once the remmote code has been put in once it will then start rolling. The keys are programmed using a Piwis tester but you also need a teach enabling code for the remote and immobiliser. You'll only get the IPAS codes from a main dealer so you'll need to take it to an OPC. I'm not sure if any independants are able to get IPAS codes.

[mb123894]

Hi

I'm new here so forgive me for inadvertently breaking forum rules.

The failure of the remote is pretty common on 996's and Boxsters. I had this on my 996 C4S that I've had for about 6 months. Both the main key and spare were affected - very patchy in terms of unlocking/locking the door and very frustrating. Changing the batteries didn't help. I don't like speaking in generalisations, but I would say that in most cases it's the microswitches attached to the little PCB. Note that even when they 'fail' the light still comes on, which is why you think the switch is fine. I found a supplier for the microswitches in the US and bought a load. I replaced both microswitches (door and boot) on both key fobs are now both work as new.

I can sell you pairs of switches to fit yourself (quite fiddly soldering), or I can fit them for you, for a fee. I don't know what Porsche are charging for a new fob and programming but I'm guessing it's £200?