Fob works but key will not start car - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

dormaj · 09-04-2015, 04:30 AM

I just got a 2001 Boxster S with two key fobs and one valet key. One key fob works perfectly. The other had a case that had a separated case. I bought a new case on ebay and transferred the key and electronics to the new case. Now, the electronic functions work perfectly (lock/unlock, trunks) but when I try and start the car all the dash lights come on but the starter does not engage.

Any ideas?

Giller · 09-04-2015, 04:37 AM

Sounds like an immobilizer issue. Not an expert myself on this - try the search function for immobilizer and see.

ppbon · 09-04-2015, 07:04 AM

... remote's circuit board you also need to transfer the immo pill. It's a small glass capsule which is in the key fob.
Happy Boxstering
Pedro

Quote:

Originally Posted by dormaj

I just got a 2001 Boxster S with two key fobs and one valet key. One key fob works perfectly. The other had a case that had a separated case. I bought a new case on ebay and transferred the key and electronics to the new case. Now, the electronic functions work perfectly (lock/unlock, trunks) but when I try and start the car all the dash lights come on but the starter does not engage.

Any ideas?

dormaj · 09-04-2015, 09:59 AM

and if I can't find the pill then what? I checked the other fob and I see exactly what you are talking about. But i can't find my old parts. I did the cover exchange a few weeks back.

Thanks for the insight!

particlewave · 09-04-2015, 10:03 AM

Without the transponder pill, it won't work. There's no replacing it. You didn't throw it away, did you?

dormaj · 09-04-2015, 10:12 AM

UPDATE: I found the old case and there was the pill! Pulled its hold-down out with the pill inside it and dropped these parts into the new case all is well.

THANKS SO MUCH!

dormaj · 09-04-2015, 10:13 AM

Found the old case/pill and it works like it should. Thank you all!

joecal · 09-05-2015, 05:56 AM

So these cars won't start without that pill correct? I only have 1 key fob for the car that doesn't unlock the doors with the button. I need to have another key made, so what are my options?

particlewave · 09-05-2015, 08:41 AM

Without another transponder, you have no options.

You could keep an emergency key for unlocking only.

Sassmatt72 · 09-05-2015, 08:51 AM

Will the rest of the car work without the pill?

particlewave · 09-05-2015, 08:54 AM

It will not start without the transponder.

joecal · 09-07-2015, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by particlewave

It will not start without the transponder.

So the transponder is the pill? I guess I'll have to spend another $300. plus for another key or just have one key and hope for the best.

bkaynor · 09-08-2015, 03:00 AM

Prompts another query - similar, but opposite, problem: '03 Box, 2 keys, one is fine all around, but second fob does not work. Key starts the car, but fob won't lock/unlock. Battery change makes no difference. Any possibilities? Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bkaynor · 09-08-2015, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkaynor

Prompts another query - similar, but opposite, problem: '03 Box, 2 keys, one is fine all around, but second fob does not work. Key starts the car, but fob won't lock/unlock. Battery change makes no difference. Any possibilities? Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OOPS. Turns out there are some suggestions (finally found via 'Search") which I haven't tried yet, being from the "ask questions in forum first, then search" school. Please disregard - I'll re-post when I've either found something that works or reached a dead end. Sorry for the clutter.