Key/Lock Issue
 

I purchased my 1997 Base model about 1 1/2 years ago, from the second owner. The key has never locked/unlocked the doors, either by the fob or when trying to use it in the door. Obviously, it starts the car. Pushing the lock button inside the car, the doors lock/unlock as they should. I asked about this when buying the car, the guy told me the locks have never worked since he owned the car. So, long story short, there's no way for me to lock the car from the outside. I don't need for the fob to work, but I would like to be able to lock the car using the key in the door. Do I need to have the door locks re-keyed? New lock cores? Is there something else going on?

Thanks,
Eric

My guess is someone bought an ignition and key setup from another car. If so you will need to get the door lock re-keyed as you mentioned

Can the key actually turn in the door locks? What about the console lock?

If the door is separate you could try to buy a set of locks from another Boxster and just change the tumblers.

The key does not turn in the door locks or the console. I thought about buying a set of locks, but I'd prefer to only carry one key. Seems like re-keying the doors is the way to use one key.

That is interesting. I just don't understand why one implemented the transponder from a dysfunctional key into another foreign key with the additional disadvantage that you can't even lock the car manually. They both start the car of course. Weird.

Edit: There exist sets for these repais, should be 996 538 001 00/996 538 001 01