New Porsche Key
 

My key looks old and yucky.

What's more, keyless entry doesn't work.
All the electrical components are there, and I've tried fiddling with the door to try and get it programmed with no luck.

I really don't want to head to the stealership. Thoughts?

Sadly, you will need to have a new key programmed and as far as I know, are stuck with the dealership. Concerning your old key, I am assuming you have replaced the battery, so it could be the microswitch (which is also replaceable - details on another thread). As to appearance, they do sell (at a ridiculous price) replacement Porsche crests for the key.

Brad

Yes, all of the parts of the key including the electronics are easily replaceable from non-dealer sources, but you'll have to get it programmed at the dealer. If you're a regular dealer customer, they might do it for free, otherwise expect a charge for about an hour of labor.

The dealer charged me $50 when I had 2 keys programmed a year or so ago - YMMV, but I don't think they're going to take you for a ton of money if you walk in with a programmable remote with the programming tag. That's important, as they need the little barcode like this:
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Porsche-Genui...eV4B-w~~_3.JPG

My understanding is you need two codes: the one that comes with the key and one for the immobilizer.

An independent shop with one of the Porsche computers or an Autologic tool can do the programming. It takes 10 minutes or so per key

This is correct (Everyone should try & get all of your programming codes from a dealer while Porsche is in a giving mood as a result of thier IMSB lawsuit loss)

I buy key button cap halves from Suncoast for about $ 27. That renews most of the cosmetic wear.

Thanks BYprodriver. Very helpful!

Brad

Crono0001, it would be helpful to point out what year your car is, as there are slightly different methods depending on how old/young your car is.

I learned this just recently via some searching because the older (97-99 or maybe up to 2000) cars do not need as much dealer interaction if it's just something like a dead or recently replaced battery. You simply put the key into the door lock, then into the ignition, and you're back in action. Of course if the key has never worked for you then this may not apply. I know that the later cars required either a more involved process or simply had you forced to go to the dealer, but if it's that the key has not ever worked for you, it'll sadly require either the dealer or an independent Porsche specialist who has the right equipment for the job.

I have a 99 base, and it has never worked for me or the previous owner. Battery is fine, LED lights up, and all components are there. I've done all kinds of fiddling to no avail.

Well, crap. And no key code tag?