Keys Help - Dealer

[stephe57]

Originally Posted by b55er

Hi. I have a 1998 986 Base.

I needed two keys (no alarm). I brought the car to the dealer, they said that they could not access the alarm module of the car. They told me there was a PCNA database with the access codes based on VIN. The passcode associated with my VIN isn't working. Without the passcode, they can not access the module to add/delete keys.

Dealer cut lighted-head keys and was unsuccessful in adding them.

Dealer wants to replace the "theft control module " $460 part: 99661826203

No issues with this 25k immaculate 986. Runs fine but only has 1 key. Dealer maintained.

Does this make sense?.. or is the dealer trying to make a key sale into $$$?

The Dealer is correct in telling you that the PPN database does contain the Vehicle Code Information. When they put your VIN into the database, it will give them the immobilizer code to access the coding/programming content of the Alarm Control Module. Without that code, you can not program keys. However, if they are informing you that they can not access the Alarm Control Module to input this code and sunsequently delete or add keys, then I would say there is an issue with the Alarm Control Module.
As Ghost Rider said, if you have a key and it works then leave it, if you want fresh keys then by the sounds of it you may have to start with the Alarm Control Module.

-Ty

[b55er]

Stephe57,

What you said and what the dealer said kinda makes sense.

They were telling me that the Alarm module passcode obtained by PCNA was not correct.

Now.. Either the database is incorrect.. or the module is bad in some way. As I said earlier, the car runs and drives fine with it's one key. As far as I know, the module has never been replaced.

I wanted to check with the forum in case the dealer was BSing me and wanted to turn two keys from a $300 experience into a $700 one.

Obtaining two extra keys has turned into an expensive ordeal. Does the dealer update the PCNA database if a new module is added? After this lesson learned, I understand that I will ask the dealer to provide me with all the coding information for the car.

Any other options to add keys to the car? If I swap the Alarm module out, I assume it has practically no value on the used market due to the unknown password issue. Can it be reprogrammed/flashed?

Thanks again,

B55er..

[stephe57]

Originally Posted by b55er

Stephe57,

What you said and what the dealer said kinda makes sense.

They were telling me that the Alarm module passcode obtained by PCNA was not correct.

Now.. Either the database is incorrect.. or the module is bad in some way. As I said earlier, the car runs and drives fine with it's one key. As far as I know, the module has never been replaced.

I wanted to check with the forum in case the dealer was BSing me and wanted to turn two keys from a $300 experience into a $700 one.

Obtaining two extra keys has turned into an expensive ordeal. Does the dealer update the PCNA database if a new module is added? After this lesson learned, I understand that I will ask the dealer to provide me with all the coding information for the car.

Any other options to add keys to the car? If I swap the Alarm module out, I assume it has practically no value on the used market due to the unknown password issue. Can it be reprogrammed/flashed?

Thanks again,

B55er..

The Alarm Control module has your VIN coded into it. When a new Alarm Control Module is installed the Immobilzer Code is re-entered into the new module, thus your code never changes. If you wanted to get rid of the Alarm Control Module, in order for it to be useful to another owner, you would have to sell your DME, the key, and the Alarm Control Module together as that Alarm Control Module will not work for any other DME(VIN).

-Ty

Just out of curiousity, did they happen to give you the code that they obtained?

[b55er]

Just out of curiousity, did they happen to give you the code that they obtained?

I haven't asked for the codes yet. They returned the car back to me on Friday, stating that they could not access the Alarm module with PCNA's code. I am awaiting a new Alarm module to arrive (probably tomorrow). I will ask for all codes when dropping off the car.

They also told me that if they installed the Alarm module and could not program the new keys into it, there would be no charge for trying (and putting the old module back).

This is a quite frustrating (Porsche) experience.. all I want is two keys! I just wanted to check with the forum folks and verify that I wasn't being taken for a ride from the Service Department.

Thanks again..

B55er..