Battery gone in key, needs recoding?

Guest · Sep 1, 2005

Hi Guys and Gals

The battery went in my spare key and have now bought one, but doesn't work properly. It unlocks the boot, but the normal central locking won't work and have to open the car with the blade on the key. How do I recode the key?

Helen Goff · Sep 1, 2005

should work ok.[:-] make sure the fobs clipped back togeather nice and tight and try again

i've replaced batteries in Boxster key fobs at least three times in the last 6 years with no probs

Black80XSA · Sep 1, 2005

theres a procedure in the handbook - i think you have to insert the new battery the wrong way up for a few seconds first ??

penfold944 · Sep 2, 2005

If its the problem I had then its a new insert for the key.

My spare key was doing the same and when i looked at it the microswitch that worked the main central locking was broken. It required a new dohickey and the OPC had to reprogram it

Guest · Sep 2, 2005

have checked with OPC, it needs the key recoding and shows 30 mins labour time! Anyone know how to code the key on a 2000 Boxster? Or do they have to use their computer to do it? (I know this is the case with the keyless cards for Renault as I work for them)

Helen Goff · Sep 2, 2005

ORIGINAL: Phil Mansfield

have checked with OPC, it needs the key recoding and shows 30 mins labour time! Anyone know how to code the key on a 2000 Boxster? Or do they have to use their computer to do it? (I know this is the case with the keyless cards for Renault as I work for them)

you are kidding[

]
first time the battery went on one of the keys on my 2000 Boxster i took it to the OPC and the service dest receptionist put a new battery in right in front of me using her nail file and charged me £3.50p

Geoff_Fields · Sep 2, 2005

30 MINUTES?! It takes 30 seconds and should be a free service. The £3.50 Helen paid was for the battery. I've had the spare key re-coded on my other car (Citroen C5) with same technology, free of charge with a "no problem sir" I think they called it customer service. Go back to the OPC and shame them.

Guest · Sep 2, 2005

Service booked for 21st September. Have asked the Service Team Manager to call me about their labour rates. Have checked the oil situation for Mobil 1 and they will charge me £103.50 for 9 litres if they supply it, so think will get it locally and send it up with the car for service.

DavidO · Sep 2, 2005

Had to change the battery in my 996 key this very day. No reprogramming required, but John at Tower Porsche was very quick to point out (as he snatched the open key from my meddling clumsy fingers) that it is very easy to damage one of the terminals if you are not very delicate and careful when changing the battery.
Not saying that is your problem, but it is worth noting

Guest · Sep 2, 2005

have been told that as the battery was dead for a little while, the coding was lost and the car doesn't recognise it, therefore, it needs pairing again and they need the key and the car with their computer equipment to do this.

Guest · Sep 5, 2005

Don't you have to replace the battery before it goes completely otherwise it looses its coding and it has to be recoded at an OPC? For this reason when you change the battery it has to be done quickly as it only retains the coding for a limited time without any power.

Richard_Hamilton · Sep 5, 2005

As I understand it they have to program the car from the key, not the other way round. They use the PST2 or PIWIS to program the transponder number of the key remote into the alarm system of the car. Therefore, if the battery in the remote goes flat, it should retain the code. If it is part-working (unlocks the boot but not the door) then the battery is OK and you have a fault on the remote. Probably a dodgy switch contact on the door button as has been suggested before.

Glyn · Sep 16, 2005

Only a dealer with the porsche computer can recode, the dealer must obtain a code from Porsche that they input into the cars electronics, to obtain the code from Porsche the dealer needs a copy of the logbook to prove you are the owner.
without the code from Porsche the dealer cannot acces the on board electronics to accept a new fob code
The fob unit has an embeded code in a ROM, it cannot loose its code even if it is left for years without power, it is not correct that the battery should be connected the wrong way round first, you will damage the unit.
Once the dealer has inputed the code from Porsche they program the car electronics to accept the signal code from the key fob.
If you have more than one fob and either add or replace one of them then all fob units held must be reprogrammed into the car at the same time.
New fob is £130 including the programming.
Had a new one today (16 Sept) from Autobahn Porsche

Glyn