05 Boxster: replaced key fob shell, all buttons work, car does not start

[Secret Mountain Lair]

So I had one key held together by tape from previous owner and one that came apart very easily. After reassembling the one without tape a few times I decided to just replace the key fob not thinking anything of it. I’ve since found it brings many unpleasant scenarios of not working right. Unfortunately I did both keys at the same time thinking it would be a great improvement.

The key fob guts are exactly the same; worked before the change; and after replacing the shell the buttons all work exactly as expected and the light lights like it always did when unlocking/locking the car. When I try to start the engine nothing happens.

I searched and found a few things I tried but I think they were all from slightly earlier models.
1. Put key in drivers door, turn left, turn right, remove, press a button. Didn’t work.
2. Put key in ignition turn left to accessories, hold down the hazard light button. Didn’t work.
3. Tried #2 with key turned to on (right) Didn’t work.
4. Tried #2 while holding down central key lock button instead of hazard. Didn’t work

I’m hoping that since the buttons all work that I’m just missing a step here and someone can help me out. Any ideas?

[Secret Mountain Lair]

I also tried to flip the battery polarity for a few seconds and then flipped it back and it did not work.

[dghii]

Not sure about 987 but on 986, 996, you would need your transponder ‘pill’ swapped over to new fob. The pill is what’ll allow the car to start.

[rexcramer]

Verify that you have the transponders in each key fob. No pill, no start.

Germany made transponders mandatory Jan 1998. The rest of Europe fell in line shortly. I believe the insurance companies championed the cause to cut down on theft/losses.

Originally Posted by dghii

Not sure about 987 but on 986, 996, you would need your transponder ‘pill’ swapped over to new fob. The pill is what’ll allow the car to start.

[Secret Mountain Lair]

Thank you for the info! The fob housing is a bit different from the one in the image but I get the idea. I’ll go back and see if I missed this pill in the old housing.

[Secret Mountain Lair]

That was it! There was a small plastic rectangle in one of the moldings. I took the piece out to the car and held it really close to the keyhole while using the key and the car fired up! Really appreciate the info guys!

[rexcramer]

Great news. For future reference, to replace that little 'pill' requires a trip to a dealer and +/-$400.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Secret Mountain Lair

That was it! There was a small plastic rectangle in one of the moldings. I took the piece out to the car and held it really close to the keyhole while using the key and the car fired up! Really appreciate the info guys!

Now you can spend that $400 elsewhere... for your car.

Glad to hear it worked out!!!

[Eric-986]

I was able to get a spare key made locally (ekeys4cars, North Andover) for $100, and while it didn't have the electronics, it did have the pill to start the car......

Call around, and make sure you let them know the year. It seems they couldn't make a key for newer than 986's......

-Eric

99 986

[rexcramer]

Follow up for those who don't know; the key blade can be had from multiple places. The transponder 'pill' needs to be coded into the car's memory with a PWIS. Typically only available at a dealer. This can't be done with a Durametric. That is what drives the price accordingly.

[Secret Mountain Lair]

I took some time to retrieve the pill from the old key housing, for me it was only removable by carefully clipping away the plastic housing around it. I included a few pics of the pill and where it went in the replacement housing.

[Aeneas137]

Thank you. this thread saved me an expensive 40 mile tow to the nearest Porsche dealer plus a new fob and dealer pricing. I didn't know about the transponder. I just received the car yesterday via truck shipping and the buttons did not work. I tried what anyone would--replacing the 2032 battery. The fob was in rough condition so I wasn't expecting it to work but worth a try. When I split it open, a little piece of "plastic" fell out. I assumed it was from breakage. After that, no start--actually the car panicked. 2 hours later, finding this wonderful thread, I fished the little piece of plastic out of the trash, re-inserted it into the fob, and the car instantly responded. WHEW! I need a new fob for the buttons but at least I have the transponder. This forum just saved me $500.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Aeneas137

Thank you. this thread saved me an expensive 40 mile tow to the nearest Porsche dealer plus a new fob and dealer pricing. I didn't know about the transponder. I just received the car yesterday via truck shipping and the buttons did not work. I tried what anyone would--replacing the 2032 battery. The fob was in rough condition so I wasn't expecting it to work but worth a try. When I split it open, a little piece of "plastic" fell out. I assumed it was from breakage. After that, no start--actually the car panicked. 2 hours later, finding this wonderful thread, I fished the little piece of plastic out of the trash, re-inserted it into the fob, and the car instantly responded. WHEW! I need a new fob for the buttons but at least I have the transponder. This forum just saved me $500.

And BOOOOM! You're up $500!

Merry Christmas.