Programming spare key?
 

I purchased my second 986 (1998 ocean blue/gray manual) about 2 years ago ffrom a guy in Las Vegas.

When I picked up the car, the seller gave me two keys, but told me only one worked; the other key he said had been chewed up by his dog and no longer would start the car (handshake with the immobilizer?).

While the key body was a little chewed up, the micro printed circuit board appeared undamaged and the little LED lights up when either the unlock or truck buttons are pushed.

I bought a new plastic key body and changed the battery, but it still doesn't work.

Any thoughts? Does it need re-programmed? Is there a process and/or kit to do it yoursel?

There are companies that specialise in repairing keys, I have had two of my dysfunctional keys repaired in this way. Unfortunately I only have European addresses ...

The problem is that if you don't have the white paper tag that has the programming codes on it for that transponder, the key is not programmable. If the 2nd key wouldn't start the car (even if the lights are blinking), chances are the immobilizer "bit" (which is a tiny little, fragile part, easily damaged unfortunately) got destroyed, so it wouldn't even be programmable anyway.

I just got a new key programmed at my Indy here in Reno (Reno Rennsport) this morning and I was coming from a key that had no remote functionality, but the immobilizer bit was still intact. I bought the plastic part and key blank from Suncoast, got the blank cut at my local locksmith and then got the programming done at RRS because it requires a PIWIS.

PS: Years ago I had a TDI Passat with a similar immobilizer system, and when I took apart my key to replace the battery, the immobilizer got ground into a fine powder (apparently not that uncommon in those keys) and rendered the car undriveable. I had to end up getting a KermaTDI tune that deactivated the immobilizer in the car entirely.

Where in Europe (maybe Mainz?)

Anyone know of the equivalent in the US?