Memory Seat, Key Programming

[Eskybel]

My first post seems to have gotten lost. Apologies if this somehow gets duplicated.

2002 Boxster S
I have been unsuccessful in programming my memory seats/mirrors/keys, or clearing the stored memory. I followed the owners manual to the letter (so far as I can tell), tried YouTube videos, but no luck.

-I put my key in the ignition, and turn it to "ON"
-I set my seats, mirrors to the position desired, including putting in reverse to have passenger mirror swivel down
-I depress and hold "M" button
-I press "1" or "2"

When I do this, the seat starts moving to the previously stored setting instead.

I also tried:
-Putting ignition to "ON"
-Holding "M" and pressing the "KEY" button

This also did not seem to program to the key when using the fob lock button or ignition.

Note: if I hold "1" or "2" by themselves, the seat/mirrors move into some prestored position properly.

Am I missing something obvious? Is my "M" button malfunctioning?

TIA!

[KevinH1990]

There are two potential sources of your problem - (1) The control box under the driver's seat, or (2) As, you suspect, the memory buttons in the door sill. I think the problem is more likely to be caused by the memory buttons. I say this because it appears that the memory function works. It just won't accept new coding. Also, the location of the memory buttons (in the door sill) seems to make them vulnerable to water intrusion.

I suggest that you remove the memory control from the door sill and spray electronic contact cleaner on the control to see whether that solves your problem. If it doesn't, you can consider buying a used one from a salvage yard or the auction site.

If you decide to replace yours, please note that the early cars (like my 2000) had cable releases for the trunks. By 2002, Porsche had upgraded the trunk releases to electronic controls. If you buy a replacement double check to ensure it is the right one for your car.

When I removed the memory control from my door sill, there were three round plastic plugs on the inside of the door sill that cover the access holes for the fasteners that hold the control unit in place. I popped the covers off with a screwdriver. Then I inserted a hex socket into the holes. If I recall correctly, it is the 5mm size. I loosened the fasteners enough to free the unit and pulled the control unit up. Your car may be slightly different since it is newer, but I expect the removal process will be similar.

Good luck.

[Deserion]

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/468096-erase-key-memory-seat-memory.html#post8372854

Originally Posted by liem1997

I actually got the Porsche mechanic to demonstrate this fix for me at the Porsche dealership. It is very easy to do, and it is not in the manual. Here is what he did (which I'd used the same procedure to program my seat memory to the key FOB several times now):

(1) Turn the engine on with the key FOB you want to program.
(2) Move the seat and mirrors to the desired position
(3) Press the "M" button and hold it down
(4) While holding the "M" button down, press the "key" button, then release the "key" button without releasing the "M" button
(5) While still holding the "M" button down, press the "1" button to program it to "1"
(6) Release both the "1" button and the "M" button at the same time

That's it. If you want to program your key to the "2" position, just repeat the procedure and push the "2" button instead of the "1" button.

[KevinH1990]

It looks like the memory seat system in later cars is different than the one in the earlier vehicles. I suggest that you follow Deserion's guidance.

[Eskybel]

Thank you for the input! Deserion, your provided method appears to have worked! Good thing the owners manual instruction is wrong...

One "fix" done!