986 fob (three button) working intermittently

[rsf]

Hi everyone,

I've done some looking around the forum, and it seems people fobs either work or don't. Mine is working intermittently and mainly when I point it at the red flashing light on the dash. I've replaced the battery and tried re-syncing (mentioned on the forum) and it still behaves the same way. The light on the fob always flashes the same way (fast)

Any thought?...I'm not sure what to try next.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Ron

[JayG]

If it no longer will lock or unlock the car or operate the the frunk or trunk, the electronics are probably fried

I just had the same problem on my 04 Targa and ordered a new fob
GenuinePorscheParts.com has the best price I found
$127 + shipping

Be careful buying one on ebay or other places. If it does not have the barcode tag with the key code, it is about as useful as 2 tits on a borehog

You will then need to get it programed at a Porsche Dealer or an Indy that has a PWIS . That generally costs $75-$150

Welcome to Porsche ownership

[jakeru]

three things to try:
1. Open it up and replace the battery (try this first)
2. Replace the momentary push button switches (do this after replacing battery, if light on the key doesn't blink reliably when pressing a button)
3. To fix unreliable/intermittent operation when the light is reliably blinking, try reflowing all the solder joints on the circuit board. To do this, desolder and temporarily remove the battery holder. Then reflow solder connections underneath, and replace and resolder battery holder. A small/precision soldering iron is recommended to reflow connections of the small surface mount components.

Good luck!

[derfo]

[QUOTE=rsf;474589]Hi everyone,

Mine is working intermittently

Hello rsf
I had the same problem some time ago. I replaced the micro switches. Its ok now. I have posted some photos below.


These are the 3 old switches by one of the new ones.

New ones fitted.

This photo shows the red light on, it feels much more positive also and of course it locks and unlocks the car every time. Hope this helps you.

[rsf]

Hi everyone...thanks for all the posts and ideas.

[drew44]

[QUOTE=derfo;474668]

Originally Posted by rsf

Hi everyone,

Mine is working intermittently

Hello rsf
I had the same problem some time ago. I replaced the micro switches. Its ok now. I have posted some photos below.


These are the 3 old switches by one of the new ones.

New ones fitted.

This photo shows the red light on, it feels much more positive also and of course it locks and unlocks the car every time. Hope this helps you.

DERFO...can you tell me what micro switches you purchased and where you got them from? Thanks!

[boxster6354]

There was a post a few weeks back with a YouTube video on the process and link to website to order the parts (The website at the time did not have a link to order so I jst sent an email and he sent back a Paypal invoice), I ordered and received quickly but have not had the time to complete.

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhVAZNQJCbdmmWXOVQ-6FuBFksYPi8jKp

Website: BATEE.COM - Porsche and Corvette Electronics Repair Services, Parts and DIY

[derfo]

[QUOTE=drew44;475038]

Originally Posted by derfo

DERFO...can you tell me what micro switches you purchased and where you got them from? Thanks!

Hello drew
I am in the UK this is the ebay number on the UK site 330648026036.

[drew44]

Thanks boxster6354 and derfo..great info and will plan on getting them and install soon.

[wannarace]

Hi
Does anyone know where to purchase the battery holder for the key fob. Mine has snapped off the metal stems. In other words, I need a new battery holder. Need the part number.

Chris

[johnsjmc]

I have a similar problem BUT a brand new dealer keyfob. I am told there was an antenna added to the immobilizer about 2001/2 and mine might be broken or disconnected under the set resulting in very short range from the otherwise working fob. Haven,t had time to remove the seat to investigate but might be the problem here too.