New to the 986, and I've got a couple Q's!

[thstone]

I would suggest not to replace the little "pill" looking thing inside the key. That is the transponder and that is what needs to be reprogrammed by the dealer.

Instead, I would buy a new key fob with all of the electronics (no key shank). Then swap over your key shank and the transponder pill from the old key into the new key fob and it should work without dealer reprogramming.

I have two sets of ECU/Immobilizer/transponder for my race car and I swap them around this way all of the time without dealer re-programming. I hope that this will work for you.

The remaining question is whether the reason that the remote locking doesn't work is due to the key fob buttons/electronics or some other problem that has nothing to do with the key...

[gtoger]

Thanks! This is putting me on the right track.

Originally Posted by thstone

I would suggest not to replace the little "pill" looking thing inside the key. That is the transponder and that is what needs to be reprogrammed by the dealer.

Instead, I would buy a new key fob with all of the electronics (no key shank). Then swap over your key shank and the transponder pill from the old key into the new key fob and it should work without dealer reprogramming.

OK, I think I understand what you're saying is that I can replace the electronics (ie: the green circuit board with the watch battery on it) and the fob (the black rubber/plastic piece), but just take the pill (which lives in the black rubber/plastic piece) and the shank (uh.. the metal) and swap those to the pretty new fob.

Did I get that right? Like in my pic below?

I've found the fobs all over ebay for cheap. I'm having a more difficult time with the electronics. Any recommendations?

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by thstone

I would suggest not to replace the little "pill" looking thing inside the key. That is the transponder and that is what needs to be reprogrammed by the dealer.

Instead, I would buy a new key fob with all of the electronics (no key shank). Then swap over your key shank and the transponder pill from the old key into the new key fob and it should work without dealer reprogramming.

I have two sets of ECU/Immobilizer/transponder for my race car and I swap them around this way all of the time without dealer re-programming. I hope that this will work for you.

The remaining question is whether the reason that the remote locking doesn't work is due to the key fob buttons/electronics or some other problem that has nothing to do with the key...

Actually...

The transponder pill is matched to the immobilizer and is not replaceable. No code or programming is needed because it's a passive device. It's the electronic circuit board in the key head that needs to be programmed to the car.

If it weren't, then there would be no need for codes with new transmitters. The transponder pill does not come with the new key head and code, but must stay with the car or immobilizer that it is matched to.
Also, if the transmitters were interchangeable without a code, then anyone with a 986 key head could unlock your car.

In other words, if the code were for the transponder and not needed for the transmitter circuit board, then why would the transmitter circuit board come with the code and not the transponder?

[gtoger]

Originally Posted by particlewave

The transponder pill is matched to the immobilizer and is not replaceable. No code or programming is needed because it's a passive device. It's the electronic circuit board in the key head that needs to be programmed to the car.

OK, that makes some sense. So...

#1: Order new fob. Easy.
#2: Order new electronics. I have no idea where to get that.
#3: Put old pill and old key shank in new fob with new electronics. Easy.
#4: Program electronics to the car. Where? Locksmith? Dealer-only?

Thanks for being patient with me. I've worked a lot with the GM fobs in the past and there's a way to program them to the car using a sequence of on/off with the ignition switch and possibly some other voodoo. I wasn't sure if the same thing exists in the Porsche world, or if the dealers (pardon the pun) have a lock on that.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Actually...

The transponder pill is matched to the immobilizer and is not replaceable. No code or programming is needed because it's a passive device. It's the electronic circuit board in the key head that needs to be programmed to the car.

If it weren't, then there would be no need for codes with new transmitters. The transponder pill does not come with the new key head and code, but must stay with the car or immobilizer that it is matched to.
Also, if the transmitters were interchangeable without a code, then anyone with a 986 key head could unlock your car.

In other words, if the code were for the transponder and not needed for the transmitter circuit board, then why would the transmitter circuit board come with the code and not the transponder?

PW, thanks for the correction! Apologies to the OP.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by thstone

PW, thanks for the correction! Apologies to the OP.

Apologies to you and the OP becsuse I think I may not know what I think I know. I've been through the Bentley (96-6) and can't find definitive information. I'm just relaying what I thought to be true based on years of reading the forums.

The Bentley states this:

"The electronic immobilizer codes and serial numbers are written to the engine control module (ECM) and immobilizer (alarm) module at the factory. The information is recorded in the vehicle master file. It is available to the legitimate vehicle owner or agent using the integrated Porsche trader processing system (IPAS).
If the control modules are changed, reenter the necessary code data using the PST2. Note that:
-The immobilizer (alarm) module can only be programmed once.
-The ECM can be reprogrammed repeatedly."

I take this to mean that the pill must stay with the immobilizer, but the transmitter can be changed as many times as needed.

Either way, if the OP orders a new key head and takes it to a dealer with a PST2, they can fix him up.

[gtoger]

Originally Posted by particlewave

I take this to mean that the pill must stay with the immobilizer, but the transmitter can be changed as many times as needed.

Either way, if the OP orders a new key head and takes it to a dealer with a PST2, they can fix him up.

I read this the same way you do. Guess I'll be speaking to the local dealer.

Thanks for following up on this. I'm quickly learning that a car that says "Porsche" on it should be regarded as special. As in, "Chevy prices do not apply." LOL. It's all good!

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by gtoger

I read this the same way you do. Guess I'll be speaking to the local dealer.

Thanks for following up on this. I'm quickly learning that a car that says "Porsche" on it should be regarded as special. As in, "Chevy prices do not apply." LOL. It's all good!

Yes, the "Porsche Tax". This car is actually not that difficult to work on and there are very good independent mechanics in the DFW area. This forum is also the best source, IMO, for excellent information. Pelican, the sponsor of this forum has excellent DIY's on line or you can buy their book. Welcome to the forum

[thom4782]

Actually, reprogramming the key requires 2 codes. One comes with the new key head; the other is car (immobilizer) specific and you can get that from the dealer. through the VIN number.

Non-dealers can program the new key if the have a PST or a PIWIS. You can also use and Autologic. My INDIE reprogrammed my keys with his Autologic.